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BYU Football: Position Preview – Tight Ends

By Ron Jensen

28 Sep 1996: Tight end Itula Mili of the Brigham Young Cougars runs with the ball during a game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Cougar Stadium in Provo, Utah. BYU won the game, 31-3. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
28 Sep 1996: Tight end Itula Mili of the Brigham Young Cougars runs with the ball during a game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Cougar Stadium in Provo, Utah. BYU won the game, 31-3. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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PROVO, UT – OCTOBER 14: Tight end Tanner Balderree #89 of the Brigham Young Cougars breaks tackle attempts by the Mississippi State Bulldogs during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT – OCTOBER 14: Tight end Tanner Balderree #89 of the Brigham Young Cougars breaks tackle attempts by the Mississippi State Bulldogs during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

The Newcomers

Joe Tukuafu

For Grimes, Joe Tukuafu (6’4, 275, Fr) definitely fits the mold of a blocking tight end that can catch. He lacks the speed of Bushman, but possesses great athleticism for an individual of his stature.

Last season he impressed coaches with his positives. Because of his commitment to Utah State before his mission, and their refusal to release him, he sat out the season. Now he is eligible and ready to show Cougar Nation what he’s got.

Dallin Holker

Like Bushman, Dallin Holker (6’5, 222, Fr) is in a unique athlete with speed and skill. During his senior year in high school he amassed 1,766 yards on 97 catches with 22 touchdowns. This in and of itself is impressive, but when you take into account that he did it as a tight end, it shows just how amazing this was.

Although undersized for the type of tight end Grimes wants, not getting the ball to him would be a big mistake. To have a down-the-field option coming out of a three-point stance with his attributes, provides a massive benefit to a play-caller. One that the new offensive coordinator can’t squander.

Analysts occasionally mention the possibility of using Holker as a wide out. Recently, coaches are clear that the intention is to play him at tight end in 2018. Looking at his accomplishments, there’s little question why.

Will these players be able to bring the position to the heights of yesteryear? Which of the five will be the ones to do it? Only time will tell.

Previous Position Previews –

Defensive Line

Running Backs

Linebackers

Offensive Line

Wide Receivers 

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