Position analysis: Tight ends

Projected starter
Travis McCall (6-2, 261, senior)
Every spring and fall, McCall seems on the verge of losing playing time, but every spring and fall, he finds his way onto the field. He’s not flashy and he’s somewhat limited as a receiver, but the fifth-year senior does one thing better than ant other tight end on the roster: block.

McCall is like a third guard on the field, quick enough to get down field on linebackers and safeties, but strong enough to bottle up defensive ends. If he shows progress as a receiver — he has just 17 career catches despite 21 starts — McCall will once again hold onto the job.

In reserve
Nick Walker (6-5, 255, senior)
Preston Dial (6-3, 223, sophomore)
Chris Underwood (6-4, 226, redshirt freshman)
Michael Williams (6-6, 270, true freshman)

Walker was actually the No. 1 tight end a year ago, and ranked fifth on the team with 23 receptions. But he was running with the second team in the spring, ostensibly because he lacks polish as a blocker.

Dial is something of a cross between McCall and Walker, a decent receiver and a decent blocker, but not overwhelming in either. Little was known about Underwood coming out of high school, and he’ll have to add bulk to see playing time at this position.

Williams could wind up on defense, particularly if fellow freshman Brad Smelley isn’t grayshirted. Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek may be the most complete tight end on the roster, but he won’t be eligible until 2009 unless the NCAA reverses its denial of his hardship waiver and allows him to play this season.

Bottom line
This is quite possibly the deepest position on the team, with every major contributor back for a second straight year. It remains to be seen, however, if this group will be utilized more in the passing game or remain little more than an extra run-blocker.

Coming Friday: Offensive line