The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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TE ting on the field, if he knows what to do." With those three leading the way, Ferrigno is optimistic about the tight end position next season. The coach believes he has at least two playmakers who — with the proper work in the weight room — can become the transcendent, do-everything type of tight end he is searching for. "Devin and Jake can get there, and I think A.J. — in his role — can be a great player for us," Ferrigno said. "He stepped in as a true freshman last year, played every game and blocked his tail off. Did he make every block? No. Did he get his tail kicked? A few times. Did he kick some butt? Absolutely, quite often. He's going to be a heck of a player. We're hoping to increase his role and get him better in the passing game." The Wolverines also have redshirt junior Jordan Paskorz, whom the coaches moved to tight end last season out of necessity. Tight ends were not a priority in the Rich Rodriguez spread offense, and the roster numbers conveyed that when Hoke and Co. took over. Paskorz will be deployed in short-yardage and goal-line situations as another blocking tight end. Big Ten Rankings Players 1. Kyle Carter, Jr., Penn State — The first-team All-Big Ten media selection was a critical cog in the resurgence of the PSU air attack last season, corralling 36 passes for 453 yards (12.6 yards per reception) and two scores for a Nittany Lion offense that averaged 273.2 passing yards per game. 2. Jacob Pedersen, Sr., Wisconsin — The 2012 Big Ten Tight End of the Year has amassed at least 350 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons and has registered 14 touchdown grabs in his career. 3. Devin Funchess, So., Michigan — The big, athletic All-Big Ten Freshman Team honoree was both a deep-ball threat and sizeable comfort blanket in the middle, snagging five touchdown passes as a rookie. 4. Ted Bolser, 5th-Sr., Indiana — Only the third tight end in IU history to achieve 1,000 career receiving yards, the senior leader stockpiled 407 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year. 5. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Sr., Iowa — The 6-7 monster utilized his immensity to rack up 433 receiving yards and a touchdown for a struggling Hawkeye passing game as a junior. 6. Jesse James, So., Penn State — Standing at 6-7, James was a sizeable combatant for Big Ten defenses. He recorded 15 catches for 276 yards (18.4 yards per reception) and five touchdowns as a secondary option in 2012. 7. Gabe Holmes, Sr., Iowa — Holmes snagged 25 balls for 158 yards (6.3 yards per reception) and two touchdowns, and aims to up his production heading into his final season in Iowa City. 8. Jon Davis, Jr., Illinois — Davis displayed promise as a freshman in 2011, amassing 22 catches for 187 yards (8.5 yards per reception), but was one of the many casualties of the Illini's offensive woes in 2012. He looks to bounce back from a sophomore campaign in which he registered only 88 receiving yards and one touchdown. 9. Drew Goodger, Jr., Minnesota — Goodger was solid for the Gophers as a sophomore, racking up 115 receiving yards and three scores in 2012. 10. Jeff Heuerman, So., Ohio State — The Florida native proved himself a morethan-capable blocker in Urban Meyer's spread attack, and has the size and athleticism to develop into an effective option for highly lauded quarterback Braxton Miller. Units 1. Penn State — Despite vast turmoil in Happy Valley, Kyle Carter enjoyed a breakout year and will once again be a vital pass-catcher for a PSU offense searching for a starting quarterback. 2. Wisconsin — The Badgers return veteran standout Jacob Pedersen, and should also benefit from the athleticism and physicality of fifth-year senior Brian Wozniak and junior Sam Arneson. 3. Michigan — Devin Funchess was the best rookie tight end in the Big Ten a year ago, and the addition of early enrollee freshman Jake Butt should help solidify receiving production in the middle of the field. 4. Indiana — Ted Bolser put up big numbers in head coach Kevin Wilson's passhappy offense in 2012, but the Hoosiers must generate additional toughness from the position to aid a running game that ranked 10th in the conference in 2012 (130.8 yards per game). 5. Ohio State — Urban Meyer's offense must replace the productivity of graduated star Jake Stoneburner, and the development of a deep group led by Jeff Heuerman will be key in the continued growth of the Buckeye passing game. 110 ■ The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview True freshman Jake Butt, an early enrollee, caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from redshirt junior quarterback Devin Gardner in the spring game. photo by lon horwedel "He is becoming a better blocker," Ferrigno said. "You have to understand, he has only been a tight end for about a year, so it's all new to him. He has to improve his route-running and catching, but he has a role." Redshirt junior Dylan Esterline (who caught one pass for seven yards last year), redshirt freshman Clark Grace, redshirt sophomore Alex Mitropoulos-Rundus and redshirt freshman Michael Jocz are practice squad players who will most likely not see the field in 2013. But true freshman Khalid Hill, 6-2, 230, is an intriguing player, according to Ferrigno. Hill will join the Wolverines this summer. "When fall ball starts, it will be fun to see what he can do. He's pretty good," Ferrigno said. "He did everything in high school: he played fullback, tight end, wide receiver, offensive tackle. He's 6-2, 230, and he's tough. You can do a lot with a guy like Khalid. He's a very good player." ❑ Offensive Production By Tight Ends Year Rec.YardsTDs 201219 271 5 201125 262 5 201019 266 3 200921 283 3 2008 81101 Year Rec.YardsTDs 200727 327 2 200639 393 3 200540 422 4 200435 341 2 200327 354 4