Can new cast of tight ends truly be dual threats?
We know that Collin Klein is a big fan of utilizing the tight end position to its ultimate effect, as demonstrated by his deployment of Ben Sinnott at Kansas State. However, it was less of a player this last season than some had hoped and anticipated.
Part of that was the fact that the Aggies had too many one-trick ponies at the position. Either the TEs excelled at only pass-catching or only blocking— some of them, in reality, excelled at neither.
For the TE to really be a weapon in this Klein offense, someone has to emerge who can really do both things. Theo Melin Ohrstrom has spoken recently about a newfound commitment to blocking, which is encouraging, but he'll have to prove it on the field.
Amari Niblack is a formidable pass-catcher, but his blocking is not his best. I'd keep an eye on Nate Boerkircher, who was a plus blocker for Nebraska and showed some chops catching the ball as well— he could end up being the best bet for a true dual-threat TE before all is said and done.
I think this position will be better in 2025 than it was in 2024, but the degree to which they'll improve is the question here. Can one of these transfers or newcomers step up, or will the veteran Ohrstrom take the strides himself?