Next Man Up: How Buckeyes can replace Cade Stover at tight end
COLUMBUS — As the Ohio State offense shifted philosophies and utilized tight ends more during the last couple of seasons, Cade Stover was there to become a star.
Stover is now regarded as one of the best tight ends in program history after two seasons as a great receiver and good blocker in the run game. But he’s now on the Houston Texans after being a fourth-round selection in the NFL Draft last month.
And with an offense that seems to be shifting even more in philosophy this offseason under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Ohio State could utilize its tight ends even more — even though Stover is no longer on the roster.
“It’s been really neat because the offense hasn’t changed. This has been Coach Day’s offense and Chip Kelly’s offense. This is the same offense,” Buckeyes tight ends coach Keenan Bailey said this spring. “It’s kind of neat, going back to the roots and the origin, maybe understanding a new twist or why he called it how he did. And it’s been great for the tight ends. I’ll leave it at that, not to get too much in the scheme. But we’ve definitely benefited, and me personally learning every day.”
Ohio State has to have good tight end play to reach its ceiling this fall. And Lettermen Row is breaking down how the Buckeyes can replace Stover and maintain an elite level of tight end play. Let’s dive in.
Ohio State options
Gee Scott Jr.: After spending the last two years as the second tight end behind Cade Stover, Gee Scott Jr. finally has a chance to be the top tight end on the Buckeyes’ roster. He has the receiving capabilities and has improved each year as a run-blocker. Scott is in a great spot, both physically and mentally, heading into the summer after a good two months of spring ball. He has a great chance to capitalize and become a star this season.
Will Kacmarek: Ohio State stayed in state but dipped down into the MAC to find another reliable tight end, bringing in Will Kacmarek from Ohio University. Kacmarek was a good run-blocker for the Bobcats and had glimpses of great play as a pass-catcher during his three-year stint in Athens. How well does that translate to the Big Ten and the top level of college football? That’s a big question for the unit.
Bennett Christian: During his one-year suspension last year, Bennett Christian spent the year on the scout team offense. He had to block the best defensive line in the country and catch passes against a talented back seven, helping him gear up for what could be a breakout upcoming season. Christian has the physical tools to make it happen. He’s a sleeper candidate to become a starter.
Jelani Thurman: After a breakout spring during his first few months on campus, the light on Jelani Thurman faded last fall. Thurman looked good as a pass-catcher again this spring, and he’s improving as a blocker as time goes on. He can be a real difference-maker as a receiver for the Buckeyes, but he still must improve in blocking to make sure he’s ready for major playing time.
Patrick Gurd: It won’t surprise folks if Ohio State uses Patrick Gurd as a Mitch Rossi-like H-back and fullback.
The pick: Group approach
Call it a ‘Moneyball’ approach for the Buckeyes. They know they can’t replace Cade Stover’s all-around game, but they can replace him in the aggregate. Gee Scott Jr. is going to be a receiving threat and continues to improve every year as a run-blocker. Will Kacmarek is going to get his hands dirty and do much-needed blocking for the run game, and he’s a capable pass-catcher as he showed during his time in the MAC. Jelani Thurman could be one of the best receiving threats on the roster if he keeps progressing, while Bennett Christian has a chance to surprise some folks and become a real option for playing time.
Even tight ends coach Keenan Bailey knows that Ohio State can’t just replace Cade Stover.
“I think everyone needs to step up: Gee and Pat and Will and everyone,” Bailey said in March during spring ball. “I mean, I don’t know if you’re just gonna replace a guy like Cade. What Cade did was special. That was just one player. I think about the unit.
“The unit’s got to be the best tight end unit in the conference, best in the country. That’s Ohio State. That’s why you came here, to be the best. So I don’t know if just one person is gonna step in and be Cade Stover. I’m not asking anyone to do that. I’m asking the whole unit to be the toughest unit on the team, hardest-working unit on the team. And I think we’ll like our results.”
With a group approach, Ohio State will have a good tight end room. But will that group approach, in the aggregate, be able to replace Stover’s production? That will be a big question heading into training camp in August.
The post Next Man Up: How Buckeyes can replace Cade Stover at tight end appeared first on On3.
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