Syracuse Football: Top 10 players to watch out for in 2018

8. Ravian Pierce

Wait another tight end? Oh yeah that’s right, I think SU is going to flirt with two tight end sets in 2018. Why would I think that? Well SU tried a social experiment of sorts in the 2018 Spring Game. While usually the playbook is vanilla I think SU found a potential diamond in the rough formula to whip out.

Ravian Pierce is a senior and oozes talent. He obviously wasn’t used anywhere near enough last season and has one more chance to show what he’s made of. I could realistically see him smash his highs from last season in every major receiving category.

Now just think of the devastation that could be caused with two athletic freaks at the position on both sides of the tackles or flexed out. I’ll let Babers figure out the logistics.

I always talk about the three keys to playing tight end at any level: seam, security, and red zone. Attacking the seam lets you be a mismatch nightmare (too big for a corner, too fast for a linebacker). Security blanket for whoever your quarterback is if something goes wrong. And finally red zone, being a guy who can go fight for the ball and use your size to your advantage. If SU can employ some two tight end sets, I think they can maximize the talent on this roster.