Rams’ three tight ends have talent to lead way

FORT COLLINS» What’s the most talented position group on the Colorado State football team? Coach Mike Bobo’s answer might surprise you.

At this early point in the season, Bobo considers his tight ends the No. 1 group on the team. But the Rams’ Cam Butler, Griffin Hammer and Trey McBride know talent is far from enough to succeed.

“We say we want to be the hardestworking team on the field at all times,” Hammer said. “We want people to look at us and be like, ‘Wow, that group really works. That group is relentless and never gives up.’ Every day, we’re trying to set the bar super high. Nothing is ever good enough for us. We’re never satisfied and always working.”

Potential is one thing, and the group has plenty of it. Butler enters his junior season after ranking fourth on the team in 2018 with 29 receptions and 312 yards, trailing only wideout Warren Jackson among returning pass catchers. McBride flashed his skill as a true freshman last fall with a three-catch, 60-yard, one-touchdown performance at Florida and is the most polished blocker of the three. And though he has struggled with health, Hammer has the size-speed combo to add an extra dimension to the offensive attack.

“If we’re sitting here ranking talent and what I think of our skill positions, I would rank our tight ends as the highest group,” Bobo said. “The tight end position is a skill position for us. Those guys have got to come on and mature and become good ballplayers. We’re competing every day on offense and defense, but I told Coach (Nick) Jones to tell those tight ends that they’re also competing against the receivers.”

“We made it a goal in our room that we want to take receiver reps, tight end reps, if we can get in at fullback we’ll do that, too,” Butler said. “Coach Bobo has done a great job making sure we compete in everything. Competition brings out the best and it will bring out the best in receivers, too.”