I can't remember exactly when he got hurt, but it was pretty early in the season wasn't it. Dickson stepped in and did a great job for a freshman. Even if Zinger returns, I'm not sure he wins the job back. Which leads to another question. Why sign 3 tight ends when Dickson will probably start for the next 3 years? We already have 5 TE's even if Zinger leaves. Granted, Alex Russian is a long snapper, but can we afford to use a scholarship on a long snapper. I noticed one of the TE's also played DE, but I really don't see us converting anyone like we did with Spears, because we are loaded on the DL. My guess is that some of the TE's will transfer in the future, unless Dickson gets hurt. As far as the 3 TE's coming in, we could redshirt all 3 if they agree to it. Comments?
I'm thinking Miles has some plays in mind that would involve 2 TE sets. Saban was never very good at getting talented players for the TE position - the talented TE's he got he moved to different positions. So Miles had some stocking up to do at that position. Even if Dickson is the "starter" at TE, the guys we're bringing in are different types of TEs so we could use different ones depending on whether we needed primarily a blocker or receiver. I imagine we will redshirt 1 or 2 of them to seperate them some.
Im anxious to see Jordan Hammond. If he comes back fully from his injury he could be a total package TE.
Yes he wasn't injured but has/had a stomach problem. Don't know if it will be a permanent problem , hope not.
He's more of a Shannon Sharpe-type I think. And NO, I'm NOT talking about muscles on top of muscles like Sharpe, but I'm referring to the fact that Sharpe was just as effective in the slot or split out wide as he was in a 3-pt stance as a more conventional receiving TE. With the TE's we are looking to have on the roster next year, I would say that we'll see multiple TE's in our offense because I view each the following way: Zinger 6-5, 260 lbs as a balanced TE with more towards the "blocking" end Mit Cole, 6-4, 260 as a blocking TE Richard Dickson, 6-3, 245 lbs as a receiving TE JD Lott, 6-3 210 lbs as an H-back/receiving TE Mitch Joseph, 6-4 243 lbs as a balanced TE (needs a year to RS to gain weight) Alex Russian, 6-4 231 lbs as a receiving TE and then the aforementioned Hammond, who at 6-5, 235 lbs as a receiving TE
Wow, seven tight ends is quite a herd. It will be ineresting to see how they are all utilized either as tight ends or at other positions.
More often they are moved to the offensive line. Tight ends are big, tall blockers these days and can usually put on the weight to play tackle or center. Rarely do they lighten up to play linebacker, but it is possible I suppose. Linebackers have to be very quick and agile, these days, it ain't every tight end that can manage it.
By the way, I was looking over the media guide for the Sugar Bowl & it says that Zinger has applied for a medical redshirt, and I assume he'll get it.
