:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67035308/usa_today_13695212.0.jpg)
The 2019 season was an interesting one for tight ends. The position was making a return to the Flats for the first time since 2007. There was extraordinarily little production from this position; 25 total catches for 202 yards and 1 TD. This lack of production did not hurt Tyler Davis’ draft prospect, he became the first Jacket tight end to be drafted since Tom Covington in 1992. Davis had most of the production last year, let us look at who will be trying to fill those shoes.
Returning Players
Dylan Deveney – 6-6 256 Soph, 6 catches, 48 yards
Deveney was the first prospect Coach Collins visited after getting the Georgia Tech job. He was a 3-star rated player from Princeton, NJ. He has the most returning production of the players that are expected to get playing time at the tight end position, playing in all twelve games, and starting two of them. He is expected to carry much of the load for this position this fall.
Dylan Leonard – 6-5 215 Soph, 2 catches, 6 yards
Leonard was a walk on from the same high school as Jordan Yates, the two won a state title together in 2019. He played in all twelve games last season and I would expect to see him given the chance to be the next man up at the position.
New Faces
Luke Johns – 6-5 256 R-Soph
Johns is a redshirt sophomore from Dalton, GA. He came to Tech as a defensive end but has only seen action in two games across two seasons. It will be interesting to see if the position change allows Johns to see more time of the field.
Billy Ward – 3 stars, 932nd ranked nationally, 98th in Georgia, 41st rated Tight End
Ward was the only tight end signed in the class of 2019. He comes to the flats from Locust Grove. Given the lack of established players at the position, and the ability for players to play in four games and still redshirt, I think Ward will be have a lot of chances to earn playing time this season.
Conclusion
The tight end was a work in progress last season and looks to continue that way this fall. It will be interesting to see if the Jackets spend more time in 10 personnel with four true wide receivers, given the depth and talent that we have at that position vs the players at tight end.