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The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Tight Ends Analysis
7/25/2007 | Football
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
OleMissSports.com is filing summer reports previewing each position area of the 2007 Ole Miss football team. Previous reports include analysis of the secondary, linebackers, defensive line, offensive line, wide receivers and running backs.
Overview: Last season, the Ole Miss offense was brand new, featuring different faces at various positions. A mixture of veteran contributors and key signees led the charge in a new-look offense implemented by newly-hired offensive coordinator Dan Werner. Expectations were high, and one position that felt that added pressure was at tight end.
A former quarterback, senior
However, with inconsistency at quarterback and the need for more protection on passing downs, the tight ends were seldom used, and Lane totaled 11 receptions for 155 yards to lead all tight ends.
This season should mark improvement for the unit as Werner has shifted to a short-intermediate passing game that emphasizes five to 10 yard routes. With accuracy and quick decisions being the deterrent, the tight ends will be given every opportunity to succeed this fall.
A team leader who made substantial progress this offseason, Lane possesses the needed skill set to be successful at the position. The versatile Lane appeared in 10-of-12 games, making starts at tight end, fullback and H-back. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, he has added important size and strength which should pay dividends when taking on defensive linemen along the line of scrimmage.
Lane has the ability to turn the short passing game into big yardage opportunities with the ball in his hands. Head coach Ed Orgeron expects considerable contributions from him this season, as he should provide the Rebels with an effective weapon to attack opposing defenses.
Fellow senior Robert Hough is a veteran player who has seen a lot of action during his career as a member of the Red and Blue. Needing to build mass on a slim frame, (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), Hough continues to add important weight and had a great spring.
Hough provides considerable knowledge of the position and important playing experience in the SEC. Credited with one catch for 18 yards in the spring game, Hough is at his best when catching the ball in the open field and provides his quarterbacks with a reliable target. He saw action in all 12 games last season and should see similar playing time this season.
A converted offensive lineman, David Traxler was a pleasant surprise in the spring and is expected to contribute heavily this fall. With the tight end position considered an extension of the offensive line, Traxler’s services will be used primarily in the run game, but he also has the ability to catch the football in certain passing situations.
Returning Starters:
Key Returnees: Robert Hough, David Traxler
Key Losses: none
Quotable: senior
On the progress made by the group this offseason:
“As a group, we have been watching film and getting stronger in the weight room, trying to prepare for the season the best we can. We have been working on running better routes and improving our pass catching. We have to keep working hard and keep our nose to the grind.”
On the potential contributions of the tight ends in the fall:
“I just want to win. If that means the tight ends are catching the ball 15 times in one game and two in the next, it doesn’t matter to me as long as we are winning games. If we are able to get some short bootlegs and stuff in offensively for the tight ends, that will be great.”
On the group as a whole:
“With (Robert) Hough and I, we can split the duty of being the senior leaders. It’s not on any one person’s shoulders. I think it will be a fun group to have out there on the field with (David) Traxler, Hough and myself. This group has a good collection of guys that work hard, so it should be a fun season.”
On Robert Hough:
“We’re close. We talk to each other if we are having trouble with blocking assignments or a pass route. We are on the same page all the time. We see the same things and have been together four years now, so that helps a lot.”
On the performance of the passing game last season:
“It was a challenge for our offense, primarily our running game. We have to find a way to get the ball to other people to enable our run game to be more efficient.”
On the quarterback situation:
“I try not to worry about who the quarterback is going to be because that is up to the coaches. All I can try and control is playing tight end and whoever ends up playing I will support and play for them.”
Final Analysis: The tight ends return valuable experience with two seniors in
A returning starter and gifted athlete, Lane has improved considerably since last season and added weight and strength. He should see his contributions grow this season with emphasis being placed on intermediate completions.
Hough provides the coaches with another weapon at the position and a wealth of experience. His ability to catch the football in the open field will supply the quarterbacks with a valuable target.
David Traxler should be a solid addition to the corps, as he can serve as an extension of the offensive line in blocking situations. As a former lineman, Traxler already knows the blocking techniques required to excel at the position, which should come in handy in short-yardage work.
A talented group with proven commodities at the position, the tight ends should be vastly improved this season. With the quarterback situation yet to be resolved, the unit expects to be a viable threat that could take some pressure off the running game. With Werner implementing a passing scheme conducive to the tight end, look for the group to see a substantial increase in touches in 2007.
