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When Dan Enos was hired as offensive coordinator back in January, there were many reasons to be excited about him coming to Miami. For one, he had a great track record developing quarterbacks, such as Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts last year at Alabama. His offense also had been known to put up points at ease.
Though the reason why I was so ecstatic about Enos and his offense, was that he loved to use tight ends. If you go back and look at some of the teams Enos had coached, the tight ends had been a critical part of the success of the offense.
Miami has been known as Tight End U (#TEU) for many years now, with their ability to develop successful TE’s in college and then in the NFL. Jeremy Shockey, David Njoku, Jimmy Graham, Bubba Franks, just to name a few. All of them had success playing in Coral Gables, and then took that to the pros.
Going into 2019 however, while Miami had talent at the tight end position, there was doubt after beloved TE coach Todd Hartley was let go at the end of the 2018 season.
His replacement would be Stephen Field, who had spent the previous two seasons as recruiting director for the Oregon Ducks.
I am excited to be back in Miami! Thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to being part of the great tradition that the U carries! God is Great! Let’s Get It! #TEU pic.twitter.com/Xja6Ov4XzJ
— Coach Field (@CoachField) January 18, 2019
A native of South Florida, Field picked up right where Hartley left off, and has a great knowledge and respect for the legacy that tight ends have at Miami.
Don’t be Shocked #TEU #Paradise pic.twitter.com/m1MwLmgD0N
— Coach Field (@CoachField) June 19, 2019
Today, the Hurricanes are blessed with an extremely talented tight end room, one of the best possibly in school history, in my opinion.
Starting you have sophomore Brevin Jordan. The Bishop Gorman product out of Las Vegas has been a fan favorite since he was being recruited. Fellow sophomore Will Mallory is right there with Jordan in terms of talent and potential. Then you have redshirt junior Michael Irvin II who has great size. Throw in true freshman Larry Hodges and you have a plethora of weapons for Miami at tight end.
Miami QB Jarren Williams really loves his tight ends. Three of his four completions and 86 of his 92 yards have come courtesy of either Brevin Jordan or Will Mallory
— C. Isaiah Smalls II (@stclaudeii) September 21, 2019
If you follow me on Twitter or have read my articles for awhile, you know that I'm a huge fan of Brevin Jordan. In my opinion, he’s the best tight end in the country already as a sophomore, and I truly think he can be the best to ever play the position at Miami. And the best part is, Enos realizes that.
Dan Enos is praising Brevin Jordan. Jordan leads all tight ends in the country with 161 receiving yards.
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) September 9, 2019
"We really think we haven't scratched the surface with Brevin."
Canes up!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 25, 2019
Jarren Williams finds Brevin Jordan for six. pic.twitter.com/8timO7hYym
Through the first four games, Jordan is tied for first in receptions (16) and leads Miami with 233 receiving yards, and he’s averaging an impressive 14.6 yards a catch. He’s also scored a touchdown.
Enos knows that Jordan is perhaps Miami’s most talented player on offense, and looks to target him often. One of the most effective ways that Brevin is used is with the tight end screen. Here against the Gators and Central Michigan, you see that the screen is used when Jordan is lined up on the line with the quarterback under center.
First drive still, play action tight end screen to Brevin Jordan. Love love the play call. pic.twitter.com/ZDtVawCSex
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) August 26, 2019
Perhaps my favorite play in the Enos offense: tight end screen to Brevin Jordan. Shame #9 had only 3 catches on Saturday pic.twitter.com/6jEnRWn4yR
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
But it can also be used with Brevin spread out wide as a receiver and Jarren Williams in the shotgun. The wonderful thing about Jordan’s game is that he’s so versatile, and can be too fast to be covered by a linebacker, but too big for any defensive back.
2nd play of the season, and I love this call to Brevin Jordan. Also great blocking by Thomas and DeeJay pic.twitter.com/5wpVystbH2
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) August 26, 2019
In their most recent game against Central Michigan, Jordan led the team with three receptions for 70 yards.
Jarren quickly sees Brevin Jordan (best tight end in America) with the pressure on him in a flash. Quick throws are your friend! pic.twitter.com/CYc61qQPI2
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
Here’s Brevin again early in the third quarter. Incredible how open #9 gets. Easy throw for Jarren and a nice gain pic.twitter.com/yqB4nxXNaH
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
Moving on to Mallory, #85 is someone who was a Greentree all-star in the offseason, flashing his obvious skills and showing why he was a top-10 tight end in his recruiting class. There was even talk that he should be starting over Jordan.
I’ll be going on @560WQAM to talk #Canes spring game and more with @560Friedo and @AlexDonno at 11 am. Tune in. Plus, watch my shot of @WillMallory_25 making a stellar TD catch on a pass from @Jarren2Williams pic.twitter.com/EOWyQ7NTNk
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) April 22, 2019
Will Mallory with the one-handed snag out of the sky. Kids about to break out I’ve been trying to tell you pic.twitter.com/FQdLSxXNnM
— Gaboowins (@GabyUrrutia22) July 27, 2019
While his offseason was great, Mallory struggled against the Gators, dropping several passes, and showing his inexperience and just lack of reps in big game. Against the Tar Heels in week two, William caught a late touchdown but then dropped a crucial two-point conversion.
I need more Will Mallory. #85 has just 3 catches in 4 games. Him and Brevin need to be fully unleashed pic.twitter.com/nSS1vFoslA
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
This past week against Central Michigan, Mallory jumped out on the first drive with two receptions for 59 yards. Instantly you thought that Will was going to finally have his breakout game, but he didn’t record any catches the rest of the day.
JT4 draws attention, leaving Will Mallory wide open again and Jarren gets to him. How did Will have 2 catches on the first drive and then nothing the rest of the game? pic.twitter.com/dpFnxIeMIN
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
Nice to see you again Will Mallory. Great job by Jarren here standing in the pocket and delivering it to 85 pic.twitter.com/Tr3cU1RbYA
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
While the two-headed monster of Jordan and Mallory have shown flashes of what they can do when they’re both utilized, we’re still waiting for them to hit that next level and both turn into main components of the offense.
Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory in the first two drives of the game: 3 catches for 86 yards
— Gaboowins (@GabyUrrutia22) September 21, 2019
Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory since: **crickets**
They are CLEARLY the mismatches in this game. Why aren't they getting targeted?
Irvin II, son of UM and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, has been slower to jump out to Jordan and Mallory levels, but the talent is undeniable. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 240 pounds, Irvin presents himself as a dangerous weapon, especially in the redzone. Injured for all but one game in 2018, Irvin has worked his way back to being healthy and is a valuable option for Enos’ offense.
Just like Mallory, Irvin had himself a successful offseason, dropping down from 16 percent body fat to 12. He’s recorded just one catch this season so far, but there’s reason to believe that more is coming.
Michael Irvin II makes his first catch of season for 8 yards and UM has ball on UNC 21-yard line with 10:14 left in third quarter.
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) September 8, 2019
Finally we have the youngster, true freshman Larry Hodges. To be completely honest, I didn’t expect to see much of the Tampa native this season. Seeing him in fall camp, he definitely looked a little slimmer, and I questioned whether he could make an impact right out of the gate.
Hodges has recorded two catches, and both went for touchdowns in Miami’s game against Bethune Cookman. Yes, I know that Bethune Cookman isn’t Alabama or Ohio State, but to see the kid making plays and raising his confidence goes a long way.
First of many touchdowns for Larry Hodges. Kid is a star in the making pic.twitter.com/CVNoDpZMFZ
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 17, 2019
Another thing about this tight end group is that it’s not just the receiving aspect, but they’ve also established themselves as key blockers. And with the struggles of Miami’s offensive line, blockers are needed.
For how good Brevin Jordan is as a receiving tight end, Dan Enos feels he might be even better as a blocker, especially at his size.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) September 9, 2019
On this screen pass to Jeff Thomas on Saturday, look at Jordan holding his block and allowing JT4 to pick up a nice gain.
Two things:
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019
1. More Jeff Thomas
2. Can Brevin also be used as our left tackle pic.twitter.com/bndXka6TSr
Dan Enos credits Brevin Jordan for "blocking his tail off." Says he controlled the C-gap and that he was extremely unselfish
— Gaboowins (@GabyUrrutia22) September 16, 2019
This was back in August, but watch how well Mallory does when up against Romeo Finley.
Romeo Finley and Will Mallory battling here at 1 on 1’s. Intensity is high here at Greentree pic.twitter.com/5r3hEnwUcu
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) August 13, 2019
Even the boy wonder Hodges led the way blocking for a DeeJay Dallas touchdown against Bethune.
Look at Larry Hodges pancake blocking https://t.co/l09ONUhYXj
— CanesfamRob (@flkeyssb20) September 15, 2019
While there is still much work to be done, here are the combined stats from Miami’s tight ends so far: 22 receptions, 314 yards and four touchdowns. And trust me, it’s only going to get better.
If you’re a tight end, you know where to go #TEU pic.twitter.com/QpIx9YSbgl
— Confused Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) September 25, 2019