Do the Miami Hurricanes Have a Talent Void at Tight End?

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MIAMI, Fla. – Several questions surround the Miami Hurricanes’ offensive line, but tight end hasn’t been discussed enough.

Outside of returning junior Elija Lofton, the rest of the position room has little past offensive production. Despite the inexperience, it’s an opportunity for others to step up and climb the depth chart. However, the Hurricanes’ lack of tight end production might need to be addressed as fall camp opens.

According to Pro Football Focus, the program doesn’t have a top-10-graded player among returning Atlantic Coast Conference tight ends. The list:

– No. 1: Georgia Tech’s Chris Corbo (85.3)

– No. 2: Louisville’s Brody Foley (72.5)

– No. 3: Duke’s Jeremiah Hasley (72.3)

– No. 4: Virginia’s Connor Cox (68.7)

– No. 5: North Carolina State’s Hunter Provience (66.3)

– No. 6: Cal’s Dorian Thomas (65.9)

– No. 7: Clemson’s Christian Bentancur (64)

– No. 8: Virginia Tech’s Luke Reynolds (62.8)

– No. 9: SMU’s Randy Pittman Jr. (62.2)

– No. 10: Virginia Tech’s Ja’Ricious Hairston (62)

Last season, Lofton led the Hurricanes’ tight end room with 23 catches for 218 yards and scored three touchdowns – North Carolina State (one), Virginia Tech (one), and Pitt (one). Although Alex Bauman was the primary starter, he followed with 18 catches for 166 yards and scored a touchdown against SMU. He is no longer with the program.

Sophomore Luka Gilbert is the projected backup tight end to Lofton. He appeared in 10 games last season, primarily serving on special teams. However, it’s not a given, since freshmen Gavin Mueller and Israel Briggs could make it a serious competition during fall camp.

The Hurricanes have talent at tight end, but it has yet to translate to on-field production. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson could look to add more plays for the position. However, given the talent at wide receiver and running back, it will be interesting how it all balances out.

During the offseason, the program hired Mike Viti as its new tight end coach. He spent 10 years as an assistant at Army, most recently as an associate head coach/offensive line coach. Viti could help the Hurricanes’ tight ends improve at blocking.

Coming off the National Championship game, Mario Cristobal has brought “The U” close to its original status. However, getting over the hump and delivering hardware is the next goal. The journey starts with winning the ACC, then an opportunity to chase another National Championship presents itself.

The Hurricanes open fall camp this week and the tight end battle will likely intensify.

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