TCU position outlook: Tight ends get few chances, but can produce

TCU must replace its leading tight end from a year ago, Dominic Merka. There appear to be options. Charlie Reid emerged out of spring practice as the starter, but in fall practice, Cole Hunt overtook him.

Hunt, the brother of former center Joey Hunt, provides a rare combination for TCU, coach Gary Patterson said. “We haven’t really had a tight end in a while that could block and also run vertical and catch balls,” he said.

Meanwhile, Reid, a former Fort Worth All Saints player, also has good hands. Like the other tight ends in the Air Raid, he hasn’t been asked to catch a lot of passes. But he has made the the most of his opportunities, catching a touchdown pass each of the past two seasons.

Another tight end might get a chance. Artayvious Lynn, a freshman from Bossier City, La., is a 6-foot-6 target at nearly 250 pounds who averaged 24.8 yards a catch in high school. He enrolled early and went through spring training. Two other tight ends are listed, junior Cole Novak and junior Daythan Davis, a former Aledo player who started his college career at Southern Miss.

The personnel

Starter

Cole Hunt (6-7, 250, Jr.), graduate transfer from Rice immediately eligible. A big target who can get downfield, in addition to blocking. The brother of former center Joey Hunt.

Primary backups

Junior Charlie Reid (6-4, 235), freshman Artayvious Lynn (6-6, 247).

Key stat

9 Catches by tight ends in two years of the Air Raid offense at TCU. But three of those went for touchdowns.

Final analysis

Tight ends don’t get on the field as much as they used to at TCU. When they do, they’re asked to block. They might also serve as part-time fullbacks, as Cliff Murphy did in 2014. So strength, size and technique in the ground game matter for the Horned Frogs tight ends. But pass-catching skills are always welcome in the Air Raid, and Cole Hunt, Charlie Reid and Artayvious Lynn have the background. Reid and Lynn were both scorers in high school. Hunt, at 6-7, and Lynn, at 6-6, have the height to become considerations in the red zone.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 4:33 PM with the headline "TCU position outlook: Tight ends get few chances, but can produce."