UAB 2023 position preview: Tight ends

Published Jul. 11, 2023, 7:00 a.m. By Evan Dudley UAB’s tight end position lost more than it gained in the offseason but those that remain are set to provide a secure and dependable option for a revitalized passing offense. The Blazers return 10 total starters -- four on offense and five on defense – and the tight end position is a familiar bunch with only two departures to the transfer portal. Of the six tight ends on the roster, all played in at least open game last season but only three recorded a catch and combined for 8.3 percent of receiving production and a fifth of the receiving scores. Outlook: The Blazers have utilized their tight ends exceptionally well the past few years and should only see more opportunities with a new coaching staff evolving the offense. It is a small but close-knit unit -- no additions in the offseason -- with three seniors and three underclassmen to provide security in both the run and pass game. Terrell McDonald started his career as a linebacker but made the switch early to tight end and has appeared in 36 total games at the position. The redshirt senior started five contests last season, bringing down eight receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns, and was a primary target in the red zone. After appearing in one game in his first year with the program, Bryce Damous made seven starts last season and led all tight ends with 14 receptions for 163 yards while adding a touchdown along the way. Dallas Payne played in four games in his first year with the program and is poised for an increased role this season. Mike Crawford and J.C. Sivley appeared in one game each last season but recorded no catches, and Clay Smelly has not appeared in a game in two seasons with the program. Sivley received high praise in the spring and could work his way into the rotation. Battle to WATCH: McDonald and Damous combined to start 12 games last year, primarily utilized in the red zone, and both should continue to rotate as starters depending on the matchup. Payne has great potential with his size and speed and could form a deadly trio at the position. Keep an Eye on: Sivley. UAB tight ends coach Reilly Jeffers raved about the 6-foot-6, 250-pound redshirt freshman in the spring and the Helena product could work his way into the backend of the rotation. With three seniors set to depart after this season, any experience that Sivley can gain is valuable going forward.