The tight ends came up big on Friday for Nebraska football.
You heard me talk about the Nebraska football running game from Friday night’s victory over Rutgers. There was another aspect of play that I really thought aided Nebraska to victory. The play of the tight ends was definitely noticeable.
Jack Stoll led all Nebraska tight ends with three catches for 44 yards. Not far behind him, Austin Allen caught two passes for 22 yards, while Travis Vokolek caught one pass for 16 yards. In total, Nebraska was able to get seven catches for 82 yards on the evening. That is certainly decent production from the position, especially since Nebraska did not use the position a ton last season.
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What I am noticing is that Nebraska football has done a better job this season of making the tight end a piece of the offense. Instead of ignoring it and only using it when absolutely necessary, Nebraska has managed to utilize the tight end position as a security blanket. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be utilized. In particular, the play of Stoll was used to spread the field on Friday. He was able to keep drives going, and came up with key catches.
Two things came to mind when I saw Nebraska use the tight end position as effectively as ever on Friday. For one, they finally know how to use the tight end and it is paying off. Adrian Martinez has finally felt comfortable enough throwing to the position.
Secondly, 2021 top commitment Thomas Fidone is going to like this a lot. Earlier in the week, he mentioned how Nebraska was utilizing the tight ends more and he liked to see it. I can only imagine him in this offense when his time comes. Especially now that the tight end position is no longer an afterthought, Nebraska football could do some serious damage with the upcoming class.
It was really great to see the tight ends be a big part of the offense on Friday. Nebraska showed that they do not have to be just one-dimensional, and focus on the outside receivers. The tight ends have now developed enough to where the quarterbacks can throw them the ball with confidence. We saw that on Friday, and they delivered.
I always thought that they were a solid positional unit, even last year. They just needed a chance to get utilized.
They got their chance on Friday, and they made the most of their opportunities. Although the maiy not have been featured prominently in the box score, they certainly made an impact and made their presence felt. A tip of the helmet certainly goes to them for their efforts.