The SEC is full of stars at the offensive skill positions, but nothing adds another dimension to a dangerous offense like a capable tight end.
There may not be the name recognition or star power at the tight end position this season as there have been in the past, but the SEC still featured some high-quality talent at the position in 2014.
Here are the SEC’s five best tight ends from this season.
5. AJ Derby, Arkansas
2014 stats: 22 receptions, 303 yards, 3 TD
The skinny: Derby made the switch from quarterback to tight end before the 2014 season and it was a move that paid off. The former signal caller was a very reliable No. 2 tight end for the Razorbacks. Despite excelling more at blocking, Derby still hauled in 22 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Like Henry, Derby was particularly effective in play action plays and was the recipient of some big passing plays in those situations. For a first-year tight end, Derby also displayed very impressive hands as he made a seemingly seamless transition between two very different positions.
4. Jeb Blazevich, Georgia
2014 stats: 16 receptions, 256 yards, 2 TD
The skinny: This is more about potential than actual production. For the beginning of the season, Blazevich wasn’t much of a factor in UGA’s offense as the backup to Jay Rome. But Rome failed to do much in the starting role, so Blazevich took over as the starter and didn’t disappoint. He’s a work-in-progress, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Blazevich higher on this list following a sophomore year where he should be in the starting role from the start of the season.
3. Hunter Henry, Arkansas
2014 stats: 36 receptions, 495 yards, 2 TD
The skinny: Arkansas isn’t known for its passing offense, but tight end Hunter Henry has been arguably the Razorbacks’ most consistent option within the passing attack. At 6-foot-6, 249-pounds, Henry is a long, lanky receiver but he’s a big target for quarterback Brandon Allen. An All-SEC selection in both 2013 and 2014, Henry is particularly dangerous in the Hogs’ play action packages, especially because of Arkansas’ potent rushing attack.
2. Steven Scheu, Vanderbilt
2014 stats: 39 receptions, 525 yards, 4 TD
The skinny: Vanderbilt didn’t have much success this season and tight end Steven Scheu was one of the few effective offensive weapons for the Commodores. He finished the season as Vanderbilt’s lone All-SEC representative and he was the ‘Dores leading receiver by a wide margin. He’s going to be the focal point of Vanderbilt’s passing game in 2015 and his effort on the field will hopefully inspire the ‘Dores to make greater strides in their second season under Derek Mason.
1. Evan Engram, Ole Miss
2014 stats: 37 receptions, 651 yards, 2 TD
The skinny: Evan Engram is the clear front-runner for the SEC’s top tight end. Statisically, he dominated other tight ends with his 651 receiving yards. Unlike most tight ends who are move-the-chains kind of players, Engram seems to be more a big-play threat. Out of all SEC receivers, he ranked sixth in yards per reception (17.59). At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, Engram resembles more of a receiver than a tight end, but its his athleticism that makes him so tough to defend. He’s only a sophomore this year, so Ole Miss will likely have his production in the offense for another two years.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
