Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2012 Notre Dame Football Preview
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BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2015 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ✦ 63 TIGHT ENDS Denbrock. Smythe achieved a clear separation because he possessed the best combination of receiving acumen complemented by block- ing skills. "I feel like a lot of that had to do with Ben becoming a player who really was one of our most consistent players on offense, both in the run game and the pass game," Smythe said when asked what pre- vented him from playing more in 2014. "Over 1,000 snaps is kind of incredible, but I think that actually shows the player that he became. "There were times where I felt like it all came together [for me] and clicked with technique and everything else, and it would be suc- cessful. But I don't feel I was consistent. It wasn't play after play successful, with all of that coming together." After weighing in the 235-240 range last year, Smythe said he played just north of 250 this spring. "I can definitely already tell the difference in in-line blocking, being able to move people," Smythe said. "My technique is correct because I'm able to do that better. I don't know if there really is a set [weight] where I need to get to this so I can do this type of thing. I feel better blocking in-line with the weight that I've added. "I don't know if my frame could ever hold 275 like Troy's did. He was huge. But I feel like I can be a guy who can eventually be relied on in the run game and hopefully the pass game." Smythe prefers not to judge the position as pigeonholing him to be the pass catcher and Luatua the blocker. "Being two different guys, having two different skill sets as strengths, I feel like it's really helped both of us," he said. "We're both trying to become that complete tight end and be consistent in PRESEASON ANALYSIS ★★★★ National Title Caliber; ★★★ Playoff Contention; ★★ Top 25 Potential; ★ Too Unproven Starters ★★ Junior Durham Smythe gained clear separation as the starter this spring despite seeing limited action behind the graduated Ben Koyack last year, catching only one pass and having freshman Tyler Luatua get the start in the Music City Bowl in a double-tight-end alignment. Smythe distinguished himself as the best receiver/ blocker combination, and as a third-year player in the system the overall package came together much better for him with the opportunity afforded. Still, with one career catch and playing far less than anticipated last season, there is plenty to prove. Experience ★½ Koyack played more snaps (more than 1,000) than anyone else on the entire team in 2014, which was a bit surprising because Smythe was expected to be more of a fac- tor. At 260 pounds, Luatua was earmarked as the "blocking tight end," but a mid-sea- son concussion sidelined him for a spell before he played well in the Music City Bowl. Converted defensive lineman Chase Hounshell was sidelined in 2012 and 2013 and he saw limited action on that side of the ball in 2014. Hernia surgery and a 225-pound frame prevented Mike Heuerman from seeing action each of his first two seasons. Nic Weishar redshirted in 2014 while adding more muscle on his frame. Depth ★½ Numbers are not an issue because of six scholarship players on the roster, with an exciting top-tier freshman prospect Aliz'e Jones the most recent addition. However, numbers alone don't necessarily mean one has depth: it's about a staff having con- fidence to insert someone in meaningful situations without trepidation. Smythe and Luatua didn't see much of that in 2014, or at least not what was projected. Jones does appear to be an ideal flex tight end, especially with his weight this summer reportedly moving up to the 240-pound range. Overall Grade ★★ This might be a tad optimistic given all the unproven commodities, but the well never seems to run dry at Tight End U and it has earned the right to get the benefit of the doubt. Even in 2008, when 2006-07 starter John Carlson was drafted in the second round, Mike Ragone suffered a season-ending knee injury in August, and junior Will Yeatman was suspended for the season after the third game, freshman Kyle Rudolph thrived as a 13-game starter. Whether a player or two will emerge, or it will be more of a committee in 2015, this position should be a strength for many years to come while going through a transition phase in 2015. Year Rec. Yds. TD 2005 54 632 5 2006 56 732 6 2007 46 409 3 2008 32 346 2 2009 41 434 3 Year Rec. Yds. TD 2010 58 712 3 2011 66 826 5 2012 58 799 5 2013 42 669 8 2014 31 324 2 ND'S YEAR-BY-YEAR TIGHT END STATS Fifth-year senior Chase Hounshell made the switch from defensive line to tight end to provide the Irish with another physical in-line blocker. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA