Canes Football: Next Generation of ‘Tight End U’ Waiting in Wings

If names like Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey makes Miami Hurricanes’ fans smile, get ready for the next generation of NFL tight ends to come from Miami.

Since 2000, the Hurricanes have widely been considered ‘Tight End U’ for their ability to develop tight ends in college and at the next level. Since the turn of the century, Miami has seen six of their tight ends drafted, which ranks top of any college in that time.

In that time frame, former Canes tight ends have combined for 20 Pro Bowls, five All-Pros and two Super Bowl championships. On the list are some of the NFL’s best at the position, including a potential Hall of Famer in Greg Olsen, an up-and-coming star in David Njoku, and a revolutionary tight end in Jimmy Graham.

In 2019, however, the next generation of NFL tight ends are waiting in the wings of Miami in the tune of true sophomores Brevin Jordan and Will Malory, who have combined to create one of the best groups in the nation.

In the case of Brevin Jordan, he’s the kind of player that may even be future a first-round pick. While 2021 (his first draft eligible season) is a long time away and anything can happen between now and then, Jordan has drawn comparisons to current New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, in large part because of the speed both of them possess. The Las Vegas native is currently slotted in the top half of WalterFootball’s 2021 mock draft.

In 2018, Jordan was Miami’s most dominant weapon on offense, leading the tight ends in receiving yards (287) and placing second among all offensive players for receiving touchdowns (4). Despite being largely underwhelming in the beginning of the season, Jordan finished the season earning All-ACC second team honors at the end of the season.

His NFL potential is clear. Jordan is a modern tight end by all accounts. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Jordan is less an in-line tight end and more a modern tight end that can play in the slot. With his receiver-like speed and catch radius, Jordan has all the potential to be a first-round draft pick.

Alongside Jordan is the do-it-all Will Mallory, who is quickly turning into a NFL tight end in either 2021 or 2022.

Unlike Jordan, Mallory has a natural tight end build, measuring at 6-foot-5. The build allows Mallory to play both in the slot and in-line, as well as be a punishing blocker, making him an appealing option for potential NFL franchises.

While Mallory has struggled to get consistent playing time in his freshman season, the Jacksonville native has taken advantage of Jordan’s knee injury that kept him out for a majority of spring.

In the spring game last Saturday, Mallory finished with three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown that required him to reach the limits of his catch radius.

Unlike Jordan, Mallory likely will not get first round consideration but the true sophomore will almost certainly get consideration beginning on day 2 with proper development.

While things will definitely change from today and both of their junior and possibly senior seasons, the duo will play an important role for a Hurricanes offense that looks to reverse a lethargic 2018 campaign.