Previewing the Tight Ends

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TULSA, Okla. –– In 2016, the Tulsa tight end position was crucial to the success of the Golden Hurricane, and this year will be no different.

"Those guys are kind of the unsung heroes. They don't get a lot of press, but they do a great job for us, whether that's in our run schemes, our blocking scheme, from a pass protection standpoint, and being a little more visible in our passing game," said Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery.

"We have some guys that are very unselfish and have done a great job," said Montgomery.

Junior Chris Minter is the returning starter to the tight end position, but there is more depth at the position than there has been in the last two years for the Hurricane. Not only critical in Tulsa's blocking schemes, Minter saw the ball as a receiver as the season progressed. Three of his six pass catches went for touchdowns, while he totaled 60 receiving yards.

Also in the mix at tight end for the Hurricane is senior Rob Riederer, transfer Cole Neph and red-shirt freshman David Fitzwater.

"Chris is vital to what we do offensively. He's a great combination of what we're looking for in our tight ends. He's a guy that can block as a stand-up guy, can block as an end-line guy, and has the athleticism to get out in routes and do some things," said Minter. "Rob has played in a lot of games and has done a great job. Cole and Fitz are both getting better. Cole has really had a great fall camp and I think he's a kid that will make an impact in our program.

Tulsa begins classes on Monday. The Hurricane will return to the practice field on Tuesday.

Tulsa opens the season on Thursday night, August 31 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater.

Previewing the Tight Ends

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Players Mentioned

David Fitzwater

Chris Minter

Cole Neph

Rob Riederer

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