The University of Mississippi Athletics
A Closer Look: Tight Ends
1/11/2018 | Football, Blog
This is the fourth of a 10-part position-by-position series looking back at the 2017 season, as well as previewing what lies ahead for Ole Miss football in 2018.
Top Performer: Dawson Knox (10 catches, 324 yards)
Returning in 2018: Knox (Jr., 2L), Octavious Cooley (Jr., 2L), Michael Howard (Jr., 2L), Jacob Mathis (So., SQ), Gabe Angel (So., 1L), Nick Haynes (So., SQ)
Newcomers in 2018: TBD
Losing from 2017 Team: Ty Quick (graduation)
Looking back at 2017: Evan Engram left a crater-sized hole to be filled here as the Rebels entered fall camp, and no one was realistically expecting for Engram's production to be matched or even close to it. But Dawson Knox was really good for Ole Miss when he was on the field.
Knox caught 24 balls for 321 yards in 10 games for the Rebels. He injured his foot in fall camp and missed the first two games of the season, but came back when the Rebels were at Cal. Knox's production in the first half at Auburn was really where he presence was felt in the offense for the first time. He provided a large target over the middle of the field for both quarterbacks and was pretty sure-handed.Knox played quarterback in high school and won a slam dunk competition as well. He's a really good athlete and being 6-foot-4, 250 pounds doesn't hurt either.
Octavious Cooley appeared 10 games and caught four passes, but Knox saw most of the snaps at this position.
Looking ahead to 2018: This position should look similar to last year if Knox is healthy. He won't be a focal point of the offense necessarily and isn't being asked to be given the talent at wide receiver. But Knox will be a significant part of the Phil Longo's offense and a productive one at that. His size and athleticism make him pretty versatile and are another way Ole Miss can beat opponents in the vertical passing game. He will be a reliable target for Jordan Ta'amu again in 2018.
Elsewhere, Michael Howard and Octavious Cooley are back and should see some time at tight end too. Howard is used a lot as a blocker and Cooley showed signs last year. It will still be Knox's job primarily in 2018.
A Closer Look:- Running Backs (Jan. 8)
- Quarterbacks (Jan. 9)
- Wide Receivers (Jan. 10)
- Tight Ends (Jan. 11)
- Offensive Line (Jan. 15)
- Defensive Line (Jan. 16)
- Linebackers (Jan. 17)
- Cornerbacks (Jan. 18)
- Safeties (Jan. 19)
- Special Teams (Jan. 22)
