By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
July 4, 2024
Some schools in our coverage area always seem to produce an abundance of talent at the tight end position.
This year is no different.
In preparation for the 2024 season, here’s a look at the top TEs among former Pac-12 schools, the Mountain West, and BYU.
1. Brant Kuithe, Utah
Kuithe missed all of 2023 with an ACL injury that also cost him the tail end of 2022.He is healthy this season and should regain the form that made him a third-team All-American in the past. From 2019-21, he led all FBS tight ends with 31 missed tackles forced and he racked up 1,449 receiving yards.
Cam Rising will have his target in the middle of the field and Kuithe could put up huge numbers in 2024.
2. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
Ferguson had a very productive season for Oregon in 2023. He had a nose for the endzone as a junior with six receiving TDs, tied for the third most by any Duck pass catcher.Three of his last six receptions have resulted in touchdowns.
He has soft hands and can be a big part of the Ducks offense when he gets worked in.
3. Jack Endries, Cal
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Endries is a bit on the slight side to be an impact blocker for the Bears but he more than makes up for it with his pass catching ability.Last season Endries racked up 407 yards on 35 receptions. Year Two with Fernando Mendoza at QB should provide even more production.
While blocking may not be his forte, he is versatile enough to move to the slot or even wide in certain sets.
4. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
Gyllenborg offers the Cowboys a weapon underneath and can turn any short reception into a bigger gain. He gained 360 yards last season on just 23 receptions.He also offers blocking support in the run game and can make difficult catches in traffic.
While he is a good blocker, he also had no issues moving off the line for the Cowboys in 2023.
5. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State
Metayer has already had an eventful 2024. After transferring from Cincinnati, he lasted just 10 days at Colorado before entering the portal again and landing at Arizona State.In 2023, he had a career year for the Bearcats with 23 receptions for 258 yards and five touchdowns.
He is the prototypical pass-catching TE and his 6-5 frame should make him a good red zone option while he can also hold his own on the line.
6. Sam Roush, Stanford
Roush was Stanford’s third-leading receiver in 2023 with 288 yards on 28 receptions.He ended the season with at least three receptions in five of the last six games, averaging 40.3 yards per game during the back half of the season.
Look for Roush to be a top target of Ashton Daniels this season.
7. Moliki Matavao, UCLA
In 2023, Matavoa averaged an astounding 20.2 yards per reception on his 14 catches in 2023.His production went up drastically during the back end of the season and that momentum should carry into 2024.
With the Bruins moving to the Big Ten Matavoa should provide a steady target.
8. Michael Harrison, San Diego State
Harrison is a converted WR, and it shows in his pass-catching ability.He followed Sean Lewis to SDSU from Colorado where he collected 31 receptions with five of them in the endzone.
His 215-pound frame also is indicative of his move from WR to TE, but look for the production to continue in Lewis’s offense.
9. Lake McRee, USC
When thinking about Lincoln Riley’s offense, the TE position is not the first (or second or third) thing you probably think of. This season it could be a bit different.Miller Moss does not have a ton of experience under center and the WRs are relatively new. McRee could play an integral role especially early.
He could provide an option and can rack up yards after the catch if he finds a soft spot.
10. Sam Olson, Arizona
Sam Olson followed Brent Brennan to Arizona after collecting 22 receptions for 310 yards and three TDs last season.Olson should be a productive option for the Wildcats who showed some two-TE sets in the spring and have production to fill at the position.
11. Jacob Stewart, San Jose State
The Spartan offense could look a lot different this season with a new staff and new QB.A QB out of HS Stewart made the switch to TE at Sacramento City College last season and excelled. To have a successful offense SJSU will need Stewart to be a weapon underneath.
A 6-6, 231-pound option in the middle of the field should make Emmett Brown’s job easier at QB.
12. Kaleo Ballungay, UNLV
At 6-7 and 265, Ballungay can get the job done on the line and makes a difference in the passing game.Last season 13 of his 18 receptions resulted in a UNLV first down.
With his size, he is always falling forward and a catch at the sticks or pylon will get the job done.
Honorable Mention
Travion Williams, Hawai’i
Williams is a converted basketball player and has an extremely high upside. Timmy Chang’s offense needs weapons and Williams could be a performer in the run-and-shoot scheme.
His basketball background and jumping ability could have us talking about him as a top TE by the end of the season.
Markeston Douglas, Arizona State
Douglas is another transfer for the Sun Devils, and he has a ton of size at 6-5, 280.
One of the best blocking TEs in the nation, he caught 11 passes for Florida State in 2023.
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