Post by Patrick on Aug 13, 2019 18:41:31 GMT
nsudemons.com/news/2019/8/8/demon-football-tight-ends-increasing-versatility-as-camp-progresses.aspx?path=football
Many of Northwestern State's offensive position groups have a relatively clear structure in terms of which experienced veterans will start in coordinator Brad Smiley's second season.
The tight end position is more like the Wild West with daily competition throughout camp determining which guys will see the field most often.
Senior Tyler O'Donoghue is the old cowhand with transfers David Fitzwater (Tulsa) and Corey Smallwood (Navarro College) making impacts in their first offseasons.
"We're really excited about this position and what it can bring to the offense," said Smiley, who also coaches tight ends. "Last year in our first season, there were big changes for the guys who were here and what we asked them to do with the skillsets they possessed.
"We recruited some guys and brought in some transfers that possess more of the skills we were looking for. This group brings a lot to our offense in the run and pass game."
O'Donoghue has 25 career appearances as a Demon, and he sees tight ends becoming a more integral part of the offense.
"A lot of good teams use their tight ends, and our goal is not to be an option but to be a necessity in the offense so we can up Coach Smiley's playbook," O'Donoghue said. "Aaron Howell has a made a lot of improvement after moving from quarterback.
"Fitzwater is doing great after coming in from Tulsa. Smallwood is a fast-twitch guy from Navarro that has a lot of upside. We're becoming a really versatile group."
Fitzwater, a Shreveport native, appeared in 23 games in his two seasons at Tulsa.
After being primarily a special teams player, Fitzwater is excited for the chance to play a larger offensive role.
"It's been great, I love this group of guys, and we're putting all of our effort on the table," Fitzwater said. "I'm glad I'm close to home, and it's been a pretty easy transition.
"We run a lot more routes here, and I'm liking that. I'm looking forward to some double tight end sets to pound the football, and then maybe slipping out on some routes."
Smiley added that Fitzwater and Smallwood are guys with "skins on the wall" when it comes to experience and accomplishment at their previous stops. O'Donoghue is also progressing in his second year in this system.
"We want these guys to do whatever we need them to do and to be able to run everything," Smiley said. "We want to run all of our pass concepts and everything in the run game no matter the personnel or formation.
"They'll learn them all, and then we'll let them fight it out. Last year, our receivers were our oldest guys and our playmakers. But this year, we're seeing those qualities not only in the receivers but in the tight ends and running backs as well."
Many of Northwestern State's offensive position groups have a relatively clear structure in terms of which experienced veterans will start in coordinator Brad Smiley's second season.
The tight end position is more like the Wild West with daily competition throughout camp determining which guys will see the field most often.
Senior Tyler O'Donoghue is the old cowhand with transfers David Fitzwater (Tulsa) and Corey Smallwood (Navarro College) making impacts in their first offseasons.
"We're really excited about this position and what it can bring to the offense," said Smiley, who also coaches tight ends. "Last year in our first season, there were big changes for the guys who were here and what we asked them to do with the skillsets they possessed.
"We recruited some guys and brought in some transfers that possess more of the skills we were looking for. This group brings a lot to our offense in the run and pass game."
O'Donoghue has 25 career appearances as a Demon, and he sees tight ends becoming a more integral part of the offense.
"A lot of good teams use their tight ends, and our goal is not to be an option but to be a necessity in the offense so we can up Coach Smiley's playbook," O'Donoghue said. "Aaron Howell has a made a lot of improvement after moving from quarterback.
"Fitzwater is doing great after coming in from Tulsa. Smallwood is a fast-twitch guy from Navarro that has a lot of upside. We're becoming a really versatile group."
Fitzwater, a Shreveport native, appeared in 23 games in his two seasons at Tulsa.
After being primarily a special teams player, Fitzwater is excited for the chance to play a larger offensive role.
"It's been great, I love this group of guys, and we're putting all of our effort on the table," Fitzwater said. "I'm glad I'm close to home, and it's been a pretty easy transition.
"We run a lot more routes here, and I'm liking that. I'm looking forward to some double tight end sets to pound the football, and then maybe slipping out on some routes."
Smiley added that Fitzwater and Smallwood are guys with "skins on the wall" when it comes to experience and accomplishment at their previous stops. O'Donoghue is also progressing in his second year in this system.
"We want these guys to do whatever we need them to do and to be able to run everything," Smiley said. "We want to run all of our pass concepts and everything in the run game no matter the personnel or formation.
"They'll learn them all, and then we'll let them fight it out. Last year, our receivers were our oldest guys and our playmakers. But this year, we're seeing those qualities not only in the receivers but in the tight ends and running backs as well."