Stover leads experienced group of OSU tight ends
Editor’s note: In advance of spring practice at Ohio State, The Dispatch is previewing each of the Buckeyes’ position groups. Today: Tight end.
In the weeks leading up to the College Football Playoff, Keenan Bailey sat in tight end meetings.
Bailey, who had spent the past halfdecade as a member of Ohio State’s support staff, was preparing to take over for departing offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson as the tight ends coach.
The period provided him with an upclose view of Wilson leading the position group.
“They say if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Bailey said. “Certainly, it’s not a broke room. This is one of the best tight end rooms in the country. I want to take as much from what coach Wilson did. I want to learn from him. I asked him questions. I still text him asking him questions. I want to build on that.”
The collection of tight ends inherited by Bailey makes for an experienced group, bolstered by the return of Cade Stover for a fifth season with the Buckeyes. Not only was Stover one of the toppass catching tight ends in the Big Ten last season, but he was also a model of toughness for teammates.
“I don’t think I could have hand-selected a better leader for my first year of being a unit leader to have as my foundation,” Bailey said. “To have a guy like Cade who does things right on and off the field, it’s going to make my job a whole lot easier.”
Scholarship count
6: Stover, Gee Scott Jr., Joe Royer, Sam Hart, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman
Player to watch
It’s rare for freshmen to find playing time at this spot. The past four tight ends who signed with Ohio State redshirted during their first season with the program. But Thurman could push for a larger role, even with experience at the top of the depth chart. The son of former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman is the highest-ranked tight end to join the Buckeyes since Jeremy Ruckert, who was also the last freshman tight end to appear in four or more games.
Coach comment
“He can go down as one of the better the ends to go through this place, which is certainly something to be said about that.” — Bailey on Stover
Key stat
90.6: Catch rate by Stover on passes within 9 yards of the line scrimmage last season, according to data from Pro Football Focus.
Final outlook
While Stover hasn’t been ruled out for spring practice, it’s possible he could be limited after injuring his back in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Georgia, a scenario that would open the door in more reps for Royer or Scott. Both in their fourth seasons, they already are set to be more involved following the departure of Mitch Rossi, who was paired most often with Stover as a tight end or fullback last season. Royer and Scott, a converted wide receiver, both have pass-catching capabilities.