ITHACA, N.Y. -- It's time to take an in-depth look at the 2010 Big Red football team position group by position group. It's time to look at the tight ends, a position which will have a greater impact this season and will play key rolesi n both the running and passing games.
Practice Photo Gallery Day 1 I Day 2 I Day 3 I Day 4 I Day 5 I Day 7
Big Red 101 - Special Teams I Defensive Tackles I Tight Ends
Junior
Ryan Houska (6-2, 233) and sophomore #J.C. Tretter# (6-4, 247) are the likely candidates to split time at tight end. Both bring a versatile skill-set to the position, which also features senior
John Nitti (6-3, 215), sophomores
Jake Allyn (6-3, 229) and
Kyle Arendsen (6-3, 214) and freshman
Tyler Bostain (6-5, 220).
Houska is a prototypical pass-catching tight end, with his blocking skills significantly improved over a year ago when he converted mid-camp from linebacker. He made several highlight-reel catches during the 2009 campaign, making 13 catches for 132 yards. He also was a key special teams player, making three stops and serving on nearly every coverage and return squad. Houska has both the physical ability and the mentality to become one of the top tight ends in the Ivy League.
Tretter has been just as impressive in the fall, and with his size and strength, becomes almost like a sixth offensive linemen in either the passing or running game. Tretter has also developed soft hands and become a good route-runner, allowing him to build upon a freshman season in 2009 in which he earned a varsity letter.
Nitti, a former walk-on and converted quarterback, is one of the team's hardest workers. He is not only a good athlete, but a solid leader on the field and in the locker room. He will have an opportunity to earn his first varsity letter in 2010.
Allyn is another near-lock to play a significant role at the position after earning a letter thanks to his special teams play in 2009. He played on both punt and kick return teams a year ago, and will likely play a bigger role at tight end as a sophomore. He is solid in protection and can make a play downfield in the passing game.
Arendsen transferred in to Cornell from Grand Rapids Community College and will walk-on in 2010. He joins Bostain, a big target at 6-5, in trying to get onto the field and help the varsity immediately this season.
