Looking Ahead - Tight Ends

Our next stop looking at the Irish by position lands us at the Tight End.  Notre Dame is earning the title of Tight End U, a deserved reputation with the likes of Anthony Fasano of the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings’ teammates John Carson and Kyle Rudolph, along with soon to be NFL first-round pick Tyler Eifert.  We also do not expect the Irish to have tight end Jake Golic back for a fifth year.

Troy Niklas moved from outside linebacker on the defensive side of the ball where he saw action in 12 games as a freshman to tight end last season.  The guy, who is called “Hercules” by his teammates because he knocks over blocking sleds in practice for fun.  At 6’7” 270lbs.+, Niklas was used primarily as a blocking tight end (a role he did very well considering he is still learning the game at the college level), but he also had a respectable season as a receiver.  Troy averaged 15 yards per catch with five receptions, one for a touchdown.  With two more years, Niklas has the potential to develop into the next NFL tight end prospect from Notre Dame.

Alex Welch came to South Bend with high hopes and expectations.  Welch redshirted his freshmen year then saw action in eleven games in 2011 as a sophomore with very limited results (one reception for eight yards).  Early on in preseason practice, Welch tore his right ACL, ending any chance of playing in the 2012 season.  At 6’4” 250 lbs. he is one of the smaller tight ends on the team, but he will get a chance to prove his potential and work himself into the offensive mix in 2013.

Ben Koyack looked to be the next great tight end coming into Notre Dame and at 6’5” 253 lbs. he had the frame to fit that hope.  During his freshman season in 2011, Ben saw action in 12 games, catching one pass for five yards.  His sophomore year did not bring the development we had hoped for, having had only three catches for a total of 39 yards along with below average blocking performances.  All hope is not lost for Koyack as he will have the opportunity to work and show Irish coaches he can be the player they hoped for when he was recruited.

Mike Heuerman will be coming to South Bend from Florida as a four-star recruit looking to make his mark in Irish Tight End lore.  With no clear cut lead horse (although Niklas is our pick) for a starting tight end or even a number two at this point, Heuerman has a chance to work his way onto the field in 2013.

Jacob Matuska was recruited as a tight end and coming in as a three-star, he may be the low man on the totem pole.  Expect him to redshirt in 2013.  Matuska was also a very solid defensive end in high school who I feel could play on either side of the line at the next level.