Tight End U: Christopher Herndon IV

The University of Miami has been the most successful college program putting tight ends into the NFL. Christopher Herndon IV is most likely going to be next.

Herndon was a 3-star prospect out of Norcross, Georgia, and was viewed as a complimentary player for Miami. Last year he showed some flashes, playing alongside David Njoku in Mark Richt’s tight end heavy offense. He finished the year with 28 catches, 334 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 13 games.

With the early departure of Njoku to the NFL, Herndon was asked to be the #1 tight end option for the Canes. Besides his game against Toledo (8/65/1), it looked like once again Herndon was going to be a role player on the offense. While he was still a willing blocker, the big receiving games weren’t there.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Herndon has really turned it on with some big time performances. His break out game came against Syracuse in which he dropped a 10/96/1 line on the Orange. Against VT, Herndon showed off his YAC ability by breaking off a 43-yard touchdown that included a broken tackle and some nifty footwork.

Herndon did not have a huge impact against Notre Dame as a receiver due to the lopsided score of the game. But Herndon was able to put up some good blocking tape for NFL scouts with Miami going run heavy in the second half. Herndon had another quiet day against Virginia (1-14) in which Malik Rosier only completed 15 passes. Miami will need to feature Herndon in the middle of the field, and in the flats, if they want to take down Clemson. Herndon will get a chance to show the nation how good he really is with at least three more nationally televised games left on the schedule (1 regular season, ACC Championship game, and Bowl game.)

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Herndon will really get to shine with a post-season bowl when scouts can really see him on 1 on 1 drills against the best seniors in the country. Herndon has really found a way to become a mismatch for the offense, without possessing elite athleticism, and has some of the best footwork you will ever see. If Herndon can put together some strong receiving performances to end the season, he will be a lock to get drafted on Day 2 of the NFL draft.

Where do you think Herndon will get drafted? Is he the next great UM tight end in the NFL?