-Drew Suppes
Depth at the tight end/fullback position (in Hawkins’ system, the positions are interchangeable) will be one of the strengths for the Buffs as it heads into the 2009 season. This Spring, coaches plan to move away from the spread offense, and use more two tightend/two back formations to accomodate the depth at tightend, and lack of depth at wide receiver. In 2008, the Buff offense saw a decent amount of productivity at the tightend/fullback position, combining for 48 receptions, 456 yards, and 7 touchdowns. The majority of that productivity will return for the 2009 season.
Riar Geer showed great potential when he led the team in receptions (24), yards (261), and touchdowns (3) as a redshirt freshman in 2006. However, his 2007 and 2008 seasons were plagued by injuries and a suspension. He looked solid late in the 2008 season, as he hooked up with Cody Hawkins on a seam route and took it 68 yards for a touchdown against Nebraska. The 68 yard reception was the longest play from scrimmage for the Buffs in 2008. Coaches and fans hope this is a sign that Geer can return to form for his senior campaign in 2009. He will be limited in Spring practices, after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason. If Geer can stay healthy in 2009, he has the potential to be an All-Big 12 performer.
Patrick Devenny‘s stock rose greatly in 2008 Spring practices, as he filled in for the suspended Riar Geer. In 2008, his junior season, led all tight ends/fullbacks with 14 receptions, and was tied for most touchdowns, with two. He made several key catches on third down in 2008, and should get plenty of looks in third-down situations in 2009.
As a true freshman in 2008, Ryan Deehan saw significant playing time, and started in six games. The former 4-star (rivals.com) recruit had 5 receptions for 61 yards, and one touchdown. With one full season under his belt, Deehan looks poised for a breakout sophomore year in a more tight end friendly offense in 2009.
At 6’5″, 230lbs. Ryan Wallace has the size to compete in the Big 12. He redshirted in 2008, as a freshman adjusting to football at the collegiate level. Wallace has a lot to prove to coaches as he heads into Spring practices. CU will lose 5 seniors at the tight end/fullback at the conclusion of the season, and Wallace will be important part of the future for the young Buffs.
It’s hard not to like senior fullback Jake Behrens. He was born, and attended high school in Omaha Nebraska. As a prep at he was selected as the Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year, and became the first Nebraska player to sign and enroll at CU since 1984. In 2008, coming out of the backfield he caught 12 passes for 75 yards, two touchdowns, and a two point conversion. He should get plenty of action in 2009 as the only scholarship fullback on roster.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Tight End/Fullback position:
Player(s) lost to graduation:
-Maurice Cantrell: Caught six career passes for 59 yards. Named as a captain in 2008 by his teammates, his leadership and work ethic will be missed.
Scholarship Players Returning:
-Riar Geer (Sr.)–Led the team in every receving category in 2006. He battled injuries in 2007 and 2008, and was suspended for Spring practices in 2008. Will be limited when Spring practices begin on Tuesday, after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
-Patrick Devenny (Sr.)–The converted quarterback had an impressive Spring in 2008.
-Jake Behrens (Sr.)–Became the first Nebraska player to commit and enroll at CU since 1984.
-Ryan Deehan (So.)–The former 4-star recruit (rivals.com) started in 6 games as a true freshman in 2008.
-Ryan Wallace (Rfr.)–Redshirted as a freshman in 2008.
Walk-on’s Looking for a Roster Spot:
-Devin Shanahan (Sr.)–Has battled injuries in his career at CU.
-Luke Walters (Sr.)–After an impressive Spring last year, he entered the Fall as no. 2 on the depth chart. A stress fracture in his leg caused him to miss the 2008 season.
-Matt Burgner (Jr.)–Walk-on transfer from Georgetown, will back up Behrens at fullback.
(A glimpse into the future…)
2009 Signee(s) Joining Team in the Fall:
-DaVaughn Thornton: caught 44 passes for 895 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior for Denver East
