The Pinkie Previews: UofL Tight Ends

The tight end position for the Cards is a bit of a question mark. Not because of lack of depth or lack of experience, Louisville has both. It’s a question mark because we don’t know exactly how the tight end will be used in offensive coordinator Mike Sanford’s spread offense. The only thing we do know is Sanford said specifically on media day, Louisville will utilize the tight end in this offense. Let’s take a look at the group.

The Favorite – Cameron Graham

Cameron Graham is Louisville’s best, and most experienced, returning tight end. He started ten games last season and caught 27 passes for 327 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The 6-4, 253 lbs senior from Inglewood, California has been named to the 2010 John Mackey Award Watch List, the honor given to the nation’s top tight end. 

Cameron has solid hands, decent speed for a tight end, and was one of the most reliable receivers the Cards had in 2009. He looked good in Spring ball and appeared to benefit greatly from an improved strength and conditioning program. Again, we do not have a clear picture of how the tight ends will be used, but Sanford was quite adamant they will play a role.

The Contenders – Pete Nochta, Nate Nord

Pete Nochta appeared to be the Cards’ tight end of the future in 2008. However, replacing Gary Barnidge and Scott Kuhn proved to be tough to do, especially without a Brian Brohm at quarterback. Nochta showed flashes of his ability during the 2008 season. He started six games and caught 9 passes for 81 yards and 2 TDs.

In 2009, he battled injuries from the start and mostly backed up Cameron Graham. He caught one pass for 48 yards. A pretty good yards per catch number. In any event, I imagine we’ll see Nochta remain in the back-up role this season. While the Cards will show an occasional two tight end set, I can’t imagine them doing it too often which I think will limit his game snaps.

Nate Nord has been one of the more intriguing Louisville players the past few years. He’s had a bunch of injury problems dating back to his school, which is what affected his recruiting ranking. Most services had him as a two-star recruit, but many people, including the previous coaching staff, felt Nord was easily a three to four-star talent.

The son of former Cards’ assistant Gary Nord and nephew of another former Cards’ assistant Greg Nord, Nate, a sophomore from Boca Raton, Florida, has the physical attributes you like from a tight end. He’s 6-5 and weighs 235 lbs, and was clocked at a 4.68 forty time in high school. From what I have seen of him in practice, when healthy, he has the ability to be a big time player.

Unfortunately, he has not been healthy too often and with Cameron Graham looking good, I don’t think we’ll see a lot of Nate Nord in 2010. Nate is only a sophomore, so his time could very well be 2011-2012, and if he is blessed with good health, I think he’ll deliver.

The Wild Card – Josh Chichester

This move really intrigues me. The 6-8 Chichester has solely played receiver during his first two years. He has been called out directly by Coach Charlie Strong for not playing close to his potential. Chichester has struggled with the drops during his Cardinal career, as well as physical play from defenders. It was talked about during Spring ball a bit, but his move to tight end did not really begin until this summer.

Chichester is now at 240 lbs since being introduced to strength coach Pat Moorer. Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford says the move to tight end is going well for Josh and it will work because Josh is a “tough guy.” I really don’t know how this move will work out, if at all. But I can say there has been a change in Chichester and it appears a fire has been lit under him.

His talent has never been questioned. Despite being 6-8, Chichester has very good speed and with his length, should be able to catch balls defenders have no chance to catch. I think part of the problem was he was not utilized adequately by the previous coaching staff, but it’s also on him as well. He should be much better than he is at this point, but he has two years left to get there.

As a whole, the tight end unit is pretty solid. Cameron Graham is good, with the potential to be very good. Josh Chichester presents a unique challenge for the defense and it will be very interesting to see how the Cards’ choose to use him. Pete Nochta has experience and is more than capable of holding down the spot, and Nate Nord may have the most pure talent at the position.

Overall, I think this unit will be just fine. On my list of concers for this Louisville team, the tight ends aren’t on it.