2002 TCU Football: The Tight Ends
7/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 30, 2002
Gary Patterson: "That's a key position for us. That's a position where we'll need to step up. The tight end is a key to our offense, both with the run and with the pass. This year it may have to be done by committee. To be able to do the things that we like to do within our offense, the tight end plays a big part."
The Horned Frogs were hurt by graduation at the tight end position more than any other position on the field. Not only did they lose Matt Schobel, who was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, but they lost B.J. Roberts, a four-year starter at the position. The Frogs are looking for their trio of returning lettermen to step up at this key position.
Senior Quint Ellis comes out of the spring as the starter. He is the leader of the group and is well-schooled in the fundamentals of the position. He showed an ability to catch the ball in the spring.
Junior Stanley Moss gained some game experience last year and is expected to contribute even more in 2002.
The best of the trio may ultimately be Cody McCarty. McCarty seems to have found a home at tight end after starting his career at quarterback and spending some time on the defensive line. an excellent athlete, he brings an offensive-minded mentality to the line, but is still learning the position.
Mark Gudeczauskas slides down the line from a tackle position to the tight end slot for his senior campaign. His experience on the offensive line makes him a fine run blocker, one who could be used in goal line situations and on special teams.
The Frogs have a pair of newcomers who will provide depth at the position. Chad Andrus and Maurice Bouldwin are two six-foot, four-inch kids who bring excellent prep credentials to TCU, Andrus at nearby Keller High and Bouldwin at LaGrange, where he was a teammate of Tye Gunn.
