Photo courtesy of Florida State athletics
During head coach Mike Norvell’s Florida State tenure, the tight end position has been a staple of his offensive systems. However, the production has been largely lackluster.
Our position preview series continues with the FSU tight ends:
Tight Ends on the Roster:
Camren McDonald, RS Sr.
Wyatt Rector, RS Jr.
Markeston Douglas, RS Soph.
Preston Daniel, RS Soph. (walk-on)
DJ Daniels, RS Soph. (walk-on)
Austin White, RS Soph. (walk-on)
Jackson West, Soph.
Vance Nicklaus, RS Fr. (walk-on)
Brian Courtney, Fr.
Jerrale Powers, Fr.
Jimmy Casey, Fr. (walk-on)
Analysis
Many have wondered why FSU has continued to load up at the tight end position. Norvell likes utilizing tight ends in his offensive scheme to exploit mismatches as well as getting a numbers advantage at the line of scrimmage. In 2021, Camren McDonald and Jordan Wilson combined for 35 receptions for 375 yards and two touchdowns.
Going into the 2022 season, Florida State will now have to find a consistent No. 2 tight end option behind McDonald. Wyatt Rector and Preston Daniel have both been used as situational options and have made plays in the past.
Inexperienced players like Jackson West or Markeston Douglas could also be options. Also, don’t rule out opportunities for true freshmen such as Brian Courtney and Jerrale Powers.