Coach Rich Rodriguez highlighted the changing role of the tight end in his 37‑year offensive career during a recent press briefing in Morgantown, West Virginia. While his early schemes relied heavily on 10‑personnel sets, the modern Mountaineers now feature three‑down tight ends who can block, run routes and create mismatches against safeties or linebackers.
Veteran transfers lead the way
Rodriguez noted that the only returning tight end who saw action last season is senior Ryan Ward, a transfer from North Carolina. Ward appeared in ten games, catching six passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against Colorado. “Ryan Ward’s a solid guy,” Rodriguez said, adding that Ward’s summer was limited but he expects him back soon.
Two other transfers are dealing with minor injuries: Mississippi State’s Cam Ball and Bridgeport native Carter Zuliani. Both are listed as “nicked up” but remain in the mix.
Clemson transfer Josh Sapp, who wore number 0 alongside safety Andrew Powdrell, is poised to become the top tight end. Sapp appeared in 41 games at Clemson, starting twice, and recorded 11 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. “Josh Sapp was a veteran we brought in, and the last couple of days he’s had his best practices,” Rodriguez said. “He’s getting better every day and has a lot of experience at the position.”
Freshmen get early reps
The injury list also created opportunities for true freshmen Kade Bush, Sam Hamilton and Martinsburg native Xavier Anderson. Bush, a three‑star recruit from Minnesota, was ranked the 68th tight end in his class. At 6‑foot‑4 and 226 pounds, he has a sizable frame that should fill out as he matures. “Kade Bush, probably of all the young guys, freshman tight ends, has taken the biggest leap in the last week or so,” Rodriguez observed. “He’s putting himself in there and earning reps as the older players recover.”
Rodriguez emphasized his goal of having at least three reliable three‑down tight ends once the roster is healthy. “When everybody’s healthy, I think we’ll have that,” he said, noting that the depth will give the Mountaineers more flexibility in personnel groupings, including occasional 12‑ and 13‑personnel looks.
Looking ahead
As the Mountaineers head into the regular season, the evolving tight end room will be a key factor in both the run and pass games. With a mix of seasoned transfers, a returning senior and promising freshmen, Rodriguez believes the position has become “very, very important” to West Virginia’s offensive identity.
Fans can expect to see the new depth group tested in upcoming matchups, as the coaching staff continues to integrate the players into game plans that leverage their blocking and receiving abilities. The Mountaineers aim to capitalize on the variety offered by a versatile tight end corps, hoping it will translate into sustained offensive production throughout the season.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
