Position Breakdown 2011: Tight Ends

Returning Lettermen: Ryan Skidmore, Tapa Taumopeau, Marcel Jensen, Ryan Boschma, Michael Butler
Newcomers: None
Lost: Vince Pascoe

Ryan Skidmore: Better Late Than Never
Sr, 6-5, 250
Bakersfield (East HS)

He’s had to wait his turn a long time, but as a senior Ryan Skidmore looks like he’ll finally get significant playing time. Since the day he signed with Fresno State, Skidmore was considered a big threat in the passing game, with the speed and deep threat ability more closely resembling a wideout. But his blocking was lacking, and in a system like Fresno State’s where blocking is the most critical piece of a tight end’s arsenal, that left Skidmore buried on the depth chart. His only two career catches both came against wisconsin as a redshirt freshman. Skidmore showed up to fall camp with added bulk, and while the extra pounds might slow him a bit, it should help him become the blocker the Bulldogs need and stay on the field longer. The other clue that Skidmore might have a vastly increased role is the fondness new quarterback Derek Carr has for him. Carr likes having a tight end he can rely on in the passing game, and the two have seemed to connect in camp each of the past three years.

Marcel Jensen: Third Position's the Charm
So, 6-6, 255
Fairfield (Rodriguez HS)

Marcel Jensen is easily the most intriguing prospect at the tight end position. Jensen was recruited as a development project simply because Pat Hill was enamored with his size, long arms and big hands. He was brought in as a defensive end before a devastating injury curtailed him for the better part of two years. Jensen moved to the offensive line as he lost speed and mobility from the injury, but finally looks like he recovered and has been working as a tight end the past year. He’s got a massive body for a tight end, and presents a major challenge for linebackers or defensive backs in coverage. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in height and reach. And though he’s still learning the position, he flashed evidence of good hands with some nice catches in camp. The comforting thing about Jensen is he’s had work on the offensive line, and in a year the Bulldogs’ line is an unknown, Jensen can come in for packages and act essentially as a sixth lineman. Blocking isn’t a concern with him.

Ryan Boschma: Da Boschma
So, 6-4, 240
Bakersfield (Bakersfield Christian HS)

How impressive was Ryan Boschma’s progress last season? The guy comes into camp as a virtually unknown walk-on wearing No. 85, which was previously worn by one of the school’s best tight ends of all-time Bear Pascoe (Giants). Not only does Boschma play as a freshman, he even earned a start in midseason. Though he’s listed at 240 pounds, about 20 pounds less than Pascoe, Boschma looks quite similar to him in stature on the field. But he’s far from proving he can be a receiving threat. With no catches last season, Boschma’s blocking is his strength and should again earn him playing time. He sat out much of fall camp with an injury after a scuffle with a teammate and definitely lost valuable reps. But he’s showed he can be a quick learner.

Michael Butler: Working to Emerge from the Crowd
Jr, 6-2, 250
Fresno (Sunnyside HS)

Local product Michael Butler is right in the mix, battling with all the rest of ‘em for playing time. The tight end position, more than other other, has parity. And until someone steps up and separates himself from the rest of the pack, the depth chart will vary. Butler is more proven as a blocker right now, but made one of the most memorable plays of fall camp during the first scrimmage when he caught a pass from Derek Carr, turned around without knowing a defender was fast approaching and leveled him, strictly off momentum. Butler has the versatility to line up at the H-back position as well. And there’s no denying he’s the ultimate team player with his pro-Fresno State attitude and ability to get others around him excited about Bulldog Football.

Tapa Taumopeau: Wishing a Speedy Recovery
Jr, 6-3, 235
Euless, TX (Trinity HS)

By far the Bulldogs’ most experienced tight end, Tapa Taumopeau was lost for the season to injury early in fall camp. Taumopeau had 7 catches for 38 yards and 2 touchdowns last season, lining up as both an H-back and on the line of scrimmage. His presence would have given the ‘Dogs at least one tight end with significant experience, but now they’ll have to quickly find a replacement.

Position Rating:

Position Breakdown 2010: Tight Ends

Returning: Vince Pascoe, Tapa Taumopeau, Ryan Skidmore, Michael Butler, David Gory, Ryan Bouchma
Newcomers: Riley Barnes (walk-on)

Lost: Isaac Kinter

Vince Pascoe: Sorry, can't Pascoe or collect $200

Sr, 6'1", 250

Exeter (Exeter HS)

He's not exactly what you'd call a receiving tight end, but Vince Pascoe led Fresno State tight ends with 6 catches for 52 yards last year -- a stat that points to how little the Bulldogs are throwing to tight ends. Part of that is because of personnel. Pascoe, a former walk-on and cousin of former Fresno State star Bear Pascoe (Giants), is much better as a blocker than a receiving threat (unless you're playing NCAA Football 11 on PS3). Don't expect his role to change much this year. He'll line up at tight end and H-back and pave some openings for Bulldogs backs.

DaCo on Pascoe: Pascoe has made it clear that he is the premier blocker at tight end for this team. He maximizes his body, strength and leverage to move much bigger bodies. Pascoe is also a valuable chain mover, with usually reliable hands. He's one of those unheralded players you appreciate when he's gone.

FSDogs1 on Pascoe: It's impossible not to love a story like "Cub" Pascoe's. He's the guy with the 4.0 GPA in mechanical engineering who worked his way up from walk-on status to a starting job. Basically, he proves that hard work pays off.

Ryan Skidmore: Time on the bench about to hit the Skids

Jr, 6'5", 240

Bakersfield (East HS)

Remember that bit about Vince Pascoe leading all Bulldogs tight ends in receiving last year? Well it won't happen this season, not if Ryan Skidmore is healthy. Skidmore has missed practice recently with his arm in a sling, but is essentially a big wide receiver playing tight end. Unlike the rest of the players at the position, his strong suit is receiving and his weakness is blocking -- which is why former tight ends coach John Baxter didn't have him on the field all that much last season. Expect that to change with new coach Pete Alamar. It's been obvious since spring Skidmore is high on the depth chart, and it's been obvious for two years the quarterbacks enjoy having him as a target.

DaCo on Skidmore: As a receiver, Skidmore's potential is nothing short of exciting. He adds the element of making plays out of the slot, creating huge mismatches. His top-end speed is wide receiver-esque, and hasn't been seen since former TE Jeremy Johnson (2001). His downfall thus far is his inability/lack of progress as a blocker, and his tendency to lose focus on easy catches (despite his good hands). Every tool, from size to speed, is in his arsenal. If he figures it all out, he will be far and away the best tight end in the WAC, at the least.

FSDogs1 on Skidmore: As can be expected, Ryan Skidmore was involved in the first skirmish of fall camp. The team needs him to separate himself as the go-to tight end and be Mr. Reliable at the position, especially since he can be a deep threat.

Tapa Taumopeau: Wishing we could hear all the different Taumopeau pronunciations

So, 6'3", 220
Euless, TX (Trinity HS)

The end of the New Mexico Bowl still haunts those Red Wavers with attention to detail. Many recall Ryan Mathews trying to plunge into the end zone on four straight downs and failing to make it in during the eventual loss to Wyoming. But lost in the embarrassment was Tapa Taumopeau missing a crucial blocking assignment that led to Mathews being dropped in the backfield. Tapa (we know no one calls him by his last name, or his full first name of Mulitapa for that matter) cannot have those types of errors if he expects to get on the field and help this team.

DaCo on Taumopeau: Tapa is clearly undersized at tight end, especially considering he didn't add much, if any, bulk during the offseason. His ability as a receiver is largely unproven, which is just fine considering the wealth of receiving talent. He is a hard worker, though.

FSDogs1 on Taumopeau: I'd love to see Tapa with a more aggressive attitude on the field -- something any player needs when his main objective is to knock defenders into oblivion on any given play.

Michael Butler: The Butler, in the back of the end zone, with the football

So, 6'3", 240

Fresno (Sunnyside HS)

The local prospect Michael Butler has been battling to find a niche since arriving on campus, and that battle will continue. But he may have been the most successful young tight end in fall camp, with the highlight being a 40-yard catch in traffic from Derek Carr in the first fall scrimmage. Butler might see his first significant game action this season and, if so, must take advantage to move up the depth chart.

DaCo on Butler: There is no question Butler is a really good dude, a quality that can be assigned to a lot of different Bulldogs. His hang-up on the field has been consistency, despite his showing of consistent improvement. He is a strong and willing blocker, which are traits that could give him a role this year, and definitely one when Pascoe graduates.

FSDogs1 on Butler: We'll always have a soft spot for a hometown kid who was so enthusiastic about recruiting other top prospects to join his Bulldogs when he committed. Give it up for Michael Butler!

David Gory: Will the 2010 season have a Gory ending?
So, 6'4", 235

San Ramon (California HS)

David Gory was thought to be a diamond in the rough after being injured his senior year of high school and slipping through the radar of all the Pac-10 teams who probably would have offered him scholarships. His appearance brings back plenty of Bear Pascoe memories -- with an almost identical frame. Because of this and the potential Gory showed in camp last season, he was expected to contend for a starting spot this year, but hasn't lived up to the billing yet. One reason is he can't overcome the injury bug (again missing practice this fall camp). But don't be surprised if he's a constant by season's end if he gets healthy.

DaCo on Gory: Health and football inexperience have hurt Gory thus far in his young career. It's hard to progress when time on the field is limited, which makes his inconsistency understandable. But Gory was supposed to be blocking-ready for this season, and that just doesn't seem to be the case at this point. He is a definite wild card for the position.

FSDogs1 on Gory: Tight end might be the team's weakest position right now, and Gory is a guy who can change that if he reaches his potential. I'd like to avoid the "time will tell" cliche, but it's true.

Ryan Bouchma: Is Bouchma the next surprise breakout?

R-Fr, 6'4", 235

Bakersfield (Bakersfield Christian HS)

When talking about exciting walk-ons on the current roster, Ryan Bouchma has to be in the conversation. He hasn't yet done anything to stand out in game-like situations, but he's got the prototypical tight end body and, as a high school teammate of Derek Carr, has the chemistry with the guy who will be at the helm the next two to three years.

DaCo on Bouchma: Definitely a good decision by coaches to move Bouchma to tight end after beginning his career as a defensive end. Bouchma has very good hands and a Skidmore-like frame, making him an intriguing receiving prospect.

FSDogs1 on Bouchma: Bouchma isn't likely to get playing time this season, but he's definitely worth keeping an eye on to see how he progresses the next two years.

Riley Barnes: Partaking in a Barnes and noble task

Fr, 6'2", 225

Tulare (Tulare Union HS)

An incoming walk-on, Riley Barnes has a long ways to go to crack the rotation, but he's similar to Bouchma in that he's got the size to develop into a contributer. That scenario will play out over the next few camps.

RECEIVERS

Returning lettermen: 12

Incoming: 3

Lost: 4 (Bear Pascoe, Jason Crawley, Drew Lubinsky, Adam McDowell)

So who’s going to lead Fresno State in receiving this season?Take your chances guessing and spin the wheel. In the past three seasons, three different active wideouts have led the team Seyi Ajirotutu (6-3, 210), Marlon Moore (6-0, 190) and Chastin West (6-1, 215). Last season, Ajirotutu had a team-high 714 yards and five touchdowns, and has 1,206 career yards receiving. In 2007, Moore led with 694 yards and five touchdowns, and has 1,032 for his career. West was the 2006 leader with 365 yards and three scores, and has 579 in his career in two

years (he lost all of 2007 to injury).

Ajirotutu is the biggest deep threat, and showed it last season averaging 16.9 yards per catch. Only

problem is, he still has to prove he can overcome the dropsies that plague him every now and a

gain. One simple thing he can work on is the timing of his jumps when the ball is up for grabs. Moore is the fastest of the three, and can emerge as a deep threat again. Part of his disappointing line of 258 yards and one touchdown last season is due to the five games he missed with injury. Still, more was expected of Moore after the way he finished 2007. Moore might be the most talented of the three, but needs to push himself to keep improving and learning all the little things about the position. West is unlikely to take back a leading role, as he’s evolved into more of a blocking and possession receiver since returning from the injury that cost him all of 2007. He’s a big, physical receiver who needs to concentrate on getting separation, as do Moore and Ajirotutu. The good news is new receivers coach Keith Williams looks to be a phenomenal hands-on instructor who grabs the kids’ attention and focuses on detail (plus he’s hilarious).

But don’t be so sure one of those three will repeat as team leader in 2009 – there are two more candidates. Junior Devon Wylie (5-9, 170) proved to be the fastest player on the team when he was clocked at 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash in the offseason. Wylie was third on the team with 269 yards and two scores last season in just nine games (four missed with injury). And Pat Hill expects him to really break out this year. Wylie is in superb shape and has added an impressive amount of muscle since his freshman year. Another underclassman, redshirt sophomore Jamel Hamler (6-2, 205) also has the ability to put up the biggest numbers. Hamler has just five catches for 80 yards overall, but missed all of last season due to academics. Now that he’s back on track, the big, built receiver is showing off a pair of the receiving corps’ best hands and demonstrating a winning attitude. He quickly became one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets, as the two worked out together over the summer.

That brings us to the next tier, which presents more danger for opponents. Sophomore Rashad Evans (5-9, 180) broke onto the scene as a true freshman in 2008 with 21 catches for 232 yards, including a clutch first down on the Bulldogs’ game-winning drive at UCLA. Evans sat out all of fall camp’s contact drills with injury though, so his status is up in the air for the season. With the depth at receiver, and four seniors departing after this season, it might not be a bad idea for Evans to redshirt. One of those seniors is former walk-on Darren Newborn (5-11, 185), who recorded his first reception last year en route to finishing with seven catches for 77 yards. Newborn won’t assume a featured role, but is a guy who can get open and make a play when he gets the chance. The other returning letterman at wideout is sophomore J.J. Stallworth (5-11, 185), who looked to be one of the team’s most improved players during camp. His speed and playmaking ability (making the tough catches) had to be pleasing to coaches, but the younger brother of NFL receiver Donte Stallworth has yet to make a catch in a game.

With those eight wideouts setting the tone, there won’t be many more snaps to go around, but watch out for the up-and-comer in redshirt freshman A.J. Johnson (6-0, 180). Hill went so far as to say he’s got breakout player potential. On the practice field, it’s obvious he’s got speed and above-average route-running ability for a young player. At this rate, he’ll be an impact player next season. Last year, it looked like redshirt freshman Matt Lindsey (6-0, 200) was on a similar route. But the great hands and aggressive, go-up-and-get-it mentality he showed in camp last year and in high school seemed less apparent in camp this year. Hands were definitely an issue, but he has bulked up substantially.

Three walk-ons round out the crew in Matthew De Los Santos (5-11, 180), Dondre McDonald (5-8, 160) and Taylor Stewart (6-0, 185), the son of defensive coordinator Randy Stewart. All three took plenty of reps with the newcomers in fall camp and did as well as could be expected.

The next question is who replaces the mighty Bear Pascoe (draftee of the San Francisco 49ers) at tight end? The short answer – a bunch of guys will get a shot. The Bulldogs will use more H-back-type tight ends this season. But the one built for catching passes is sophomore Ryan Skidmore (6-5, 240), who’s almost like a big receiver running downfield. He’s put on weight and gotten himself in good shape, and seems to have the trust of all the quarterbacks. Skidmore had three catches for 17 yards and a score last year.

Two experienced H-backs return in Isaac Kinter (6-1, 240) and junior Vince “Cub” Pascoe (6-1, 250), Bear Pascoe’s cousin. Kinter caught 13 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown last year, as Vince Pascoe finished with four catches for 33 yards and a score. Kinter is deceptively fast for his size, and Pascoe normally has reliable hands (though they were suspect at times during camp). Both are strong blockers in the running game. Expect to see lots more of redshirt freshman Tapa Taumoepeau (6-3, 220) as well. Taumoepeau saw special teams action as a true, before hanging it up and redshirting. He looks to have improved speed, and made a heck of a catch-and-run in stride in the fall scrimmage before lowering the boom on a defender. Redshirt freshman David Gory (6-4, 235) would also have seen an increased role, but is out of the season recovering from injury.

Redshirt freshman Michael Butler (6-3, 240) is a project at tight end. The blocking aspect will come before the pass-catching, but Butler has bulked up plenty for the role. Also getting work is sophomore Austin Raphael (6-2, 225), who was converted from linebacker in the summer. Raphael has a long way to go at the new position.

Rating: 8 of 10

NOTE: Chastin West photo courtesy of Juan Villa/The Collegian