Football TBO: USF offense to emphasize tight ends

[Brad]

USF offense to emphasize tight ends

By Joey Johnston | Tribune Staff

Published: August 7, 2013

 

TAMPA — University of South Florida junior TE Mike McFarland was beaming Wednesday when asked about training camp.

“It has been going pretty amazing,’’ he said.

 

Sure enough, it’s a great time to be a tight end at USF.

 

First-year USF coach Willie Taggart has a history of emphasizing the tight end. At Western Kentucky, tight end Jack Doyle, now a rookie with the Tennessee Titans, was the Hilltoppers’ leading receiver the past two seasons with 52 and 53 catches, respectively.

 

Taggart learned that tight-end emphasis under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford University and the philosophy is now prevalent with the San Francisco 49ers, where TE Vernon Davis is flourishing.

 

“Our offense kind of revolves around the tight end,’’ said McFarland, who had just four receptions last season, even after making several head-turning catches during the 2012 spring game. “Just to be associated with this type of offense … it just gives me chills to think about the things we can accomplish.”

 

Taggart places much responsibility on his tight ends.

 

“They’ve got to block, read coverage, run routes, work in pass protection and they’ve got to be able to line up because we do a lot of shifting and motioning,’’ Taggart said. “It’s very important that we have some athletic, tough, highly competitive guys at that position.”

 

ROCKIN ROBBINS: Freshman CB Lamar Robbins of Miami, who has consistently been mentioned as a standout by Taggart, made a big impression in Tuesday’s workout.

 

Much more in full report:

 

 

Minor side note:  I had Vernon Davis in FFL last season...I didn't think he flourished.

[smazza]

finally a te in our offense

 

awsome

 

 

good te play opens up field and forces d to play the entire field

[deters-]

Expect Price and Mcfarland to have huge years!

[zarnozdabull]

Price is going to be one of the best players in the country next year.

[dabull80]

I am a big Price fan to.  He looked nothing like a freshman when was a freshman and now IMHO we have two outstanding TEs.