Josh Heupel admits tight end was 'a real position of need' for Tennessee

Thanks to one of the more successful seasons in recent memory, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was able to put together a solid 2023 recruiting class. The Volunteers brought in some top talent, including five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. However, Heupel wanted to spend some time on the tight end position.

Heupel said tight end was a major position of need for Tennessee this tackle, especially for the kind of offense they run. They were able to sign two guys, with one coming out of high school and another through the NCAA transfer portal.

“The roster that we inherited, being limited on the number of guys you could sign a year ago — that’s a real position of need for us,” Heupel said.

Princeton Fant was the leading tight end receiver for Tennessee this season, securing 20 passes from quarterback Hendon Hooker. Those went for a total of 222 yards and three touchdowns. Heupel also used him in creative packages, giving Fant six rushes for 17 yards and five touchdowns.

However, he still wanted reinforcements brought into the program.

McCallan Castles was previously at UC Davis and will suit up for Tennessee next season. Heupel loves what he is going to bring to the table in Knoxville, listing off his favorite traits about the tight end.

“McCallan is athletic, has the ability to place in space. Physical size, strength, want to, and explosive power to play in the core as well. Which is something we have to have. You guys know that’s a huge part of our game. Smart, competitive, fits the traits.

“He’s already here. I think he blends into that culture of the tight end room, already connected with those guys. Looking forward to getting him healthy and rolling here when we get back in January.”

Ethan Davis was the other tight end signed by Tennessee, coming out of Suwanee, GA. He is ranked a four-star prospect by the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. Davis is the No. 125 overall player in the country and No. 5 at the tight end position.

While Heupel is just getting started, it’s a new offensive era in Knoxville. Josh Heupel is excited about the use of his tight ends are cannot wait to get Castles and Davis rolling with the Volunteers.