Tight End U: Where the Florida Gators fit into the conversation
ESPN has officially released its Position U rankings. They rank the top-10 schools at each position in terms of who has produced the best players. It’s a debate that is constantly taking place and will never go away.
This article highlights the tight end position, with Miami coming in at No. 1 for ESPN.
David Hale, who wrote the article for ESPN, explains the criteria that goes into ranking the schools.
“ESPN Stats & Information combed through data on every team dating back to 1998, looking at key markers of greatness at each position,” Hale of ESPN wrote.
“We awarded points for college production (by way of all-conference and All-America honors), NFL draft selections and NFL production (though only through the players’ first five years. Michigan can claim responsibility for Tom Brady’s success for only so long).”
Why the Florida Gators belong on this list
Another Sunshine State program that made the cut, and understandably so, is the University of Florida.
According to ESPN’s Hale, the Gators are fifth in the rankings for Tight End U.
Now with the Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts is viewed as one of the best college tight ends in recent memory. His memorable 2020 season featured 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, resulting in the Falcons drafting him at No. 4 overall.
However, over the years, a flurry of additional players at the position have starred for the Gators as well.
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Ben Troupe was a finalist for the John Mackey Award in 2003 and then selected 40th overall by Tennessee. He reeled in 39 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns that season, being the first tight end to lead UF in touchdown receptions since 1980.
Then you had do-it-all playmaker Jordan Reed. He recorded passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns while with the Gators and was then selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
And despite his legal troubles and everything off the field, Aaron Hernandez also plays a significant role in UF’s ranking. He finished the 2009 season with 68 receptions for 850 yards and five touchdowns before being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Other than Miami, only Notre Dame, Iowa and Stanford, respectively, are ranked ahead of the Gators. That means ESPN views Florida as the No. 1 tight end-prouducing school in the SEC.
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