DAY 9 - Taking a Deeper Look at the Tight Ends with Jay Locey
April 17, 2012
Tight end is an extremely complicated position to play according to head coach Mike Riley. It is often over-looked and equally under-valued. But for the Riley and the Beavers competition this spring is fierce to man the hybrid position that requires the strength and size to be an effective in-line blocker and the athleticism to be an offensive weapon with the ability to stretch the field down the seams.
This month, assistant head coach Jay Locey is teaching the trade to several young players as five players battle for position on the depth chart. Senior Colby Prince, who started 11 games in 2011, returns as the incumbent but has struggled with a leg injury this spring. Sophomores Connor Hamlett and Tyler Perry are back in the fold as well after both played in 2011 mostly on special teams. Redshirt freshman Kellen Clute has returned from a knee injury in the fall and is back at full speed and true freshman Caleb Smith, who graduated high school early to join the Beavers for spring quarter, has garnered all of the media attention but has also been hampered by a hamstring issue early this spring. All of Locey's options stand 6-4 or taller and offer outstanding red zone targets for Sean Mannion, Cody Vaz and the rest of the Beavers' quarterbacks.
The OSU sports video crew produced the following clip and post-practice interview with Locey.
Be sure to join Beaver Nation at Fan Fest April 28 at Reser Stadium. Season ticket holders have until April 20 to renew while new season ticket deposits will be accepted beginning at Fan Fest with a $50 non-refundable deposit per seat.
