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BYU football: Breaking down the Cougar tight ends

By Nathan Cunningham

PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 03: 'Cosmo' the Brigham Young Cougars mascot welcomes the team on field before their game against the Utah State Aggies at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 3, 2014 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images )
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 03: 'Cosmo' the Brigham Young Cougars mascot welcomes the team on field before their game against the Utah State Aggies at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 3, 2014 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images ) /
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We’ve been hearing about the return of the tight end for a few years now. But how does BYU football’s tight end group look this season?

BYU football fans have been yearning for some production from the tight end position ever since Dennis Pitta began lacing his cleats for the Baltimore Ravens.

This season, fans (and the BYU coaches) might get what they’ve been waiting for.

Last year, BYU football’s tight ends had a combined zero receptions entering the regular season. That’s… not good. Luckily for the Cougars, the cupboard aren’t nearly as bare this year.

Tight ends coach Steve Clark knows that, too. He recently told Brandon Gurney of the Deseret News:

“The five (tight ends) I have… I love them. I’m trying to be cautiously optimistic with them, and I don’t want to put too much pressure on them, but I really like what they’re able to do.”

The five players he’s referring to are Tanner Balderree, Moroni Laulu-Pututau, Matt Bushman, Hunter Marshall and Bentley Hanshaw.

Each brings something unique to the table – and between the four (or five), the Cougars might get quality production.

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Balderree and Marshall, as we’ve documented before, are the best run blockers of the group. Pututau and Bushman are the vertical passing threats. Hanshaw is a relative unknown.

The trick is for the Cougars to get creative with their offensive packages. Ty Detmer can’t put Bushman in every time the Cougars face a 2nd-and-6.

They have to mix things up.

That’s why I think Matt Bushman will be a key. He’s a great receiver, but I think his blocking will come along as the season goes.

Next in line will be Balderree. His blocking was on point last season, and he had flashes as a receiver. He’s got plenty of athleticism, but he’ll have to work on creating separation.

If Bushman and Balderree can separate themselves by being competent as receivers and blockers, it will allow the Cougars to cover what they want to do offensively.

BYU football begins fall camp on July 27.

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