Tight ends ready for a bigger role

Spread offense could favor McKitty, Upshur

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State football team may have shied away from using tight ends extensively in the passing game in recent seasons, but they could be major contributors in Willie Taggart’s new spread offense for the Seminoles.

Sophomore Tre’ McKitty and junior Naseir Upshur are excited about the opportunities.

“We’re very into the offense this year,” said Upshur, who has played primarily on special teams. “We’re going to get the ball a lot, but we’re still going to be blocking a lot. We’re definitely going to be involved.”

Under Jimbo Fisher, former tight end Nick O’Leary scored seven touchdowns in each of his last two seasons with the Seminoles in 2013 and 2014.

Departing starter Ryan Izzo only had six touchdowns during his career, as Fisher utilized running back Dalvin Cook as a major vocal point of the FSU offense from 2015-17.

Izzo and McKitty accounted for just 10 percent of last year’s receptions, with 21 of the 202 pass completions.

Under Taggart, the energy of the tight end position has changed.

“It’s a whole different vibe than it was last year and I think it’s for the better,” McKitty said.

Along with instruction from position coach Telly Lockette, offensive coordinator Walt Bell has also emphasized an importance for the tight ends to grasp FSU’s new scheme.

Upshur says there may be times where tight ends see multiple passing plays during drives come their way. Bell wants to make sure they are ready to contribute.

“[Bell’s] going to make sure that we have everything under