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UCLA Football 2019: Position Group Preview – Receivers and Tight Ends

By Mike Regalado

BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins runs with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 28, 2018 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins runs with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 28, 2018 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends

  1. Devin Asiasi (Sr) 6’2, 250
  2. Jordan Wilson (Jr) 6’5, 255
  3. Matt Lynch (Jr) 6’4, 218
  4. Michael Martinez (Fr) 6’6, 250
  5. David Priebe (R-Fr) 6’6, 230
  6. Josh Harris (R-So) 6’6, 230
  7. Michael Churich (Fr, Walk-on) 6’6, 240

The early exit of Caleb Wilson leaves a big hole in both a receiving game and the tight end structure. Theo Howard will be the new go to guy in the passing game, but who is going to step up among the tight ends and lead this group?

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Currently, Devon Asiasi is the top candidate for that. Despite only catching for 130 yards last year, he averaged 21.7 yards per cacth (the most on the team). His blocking has improved, but could do with a little more refinement, and aside from that, he has enough in the pass catching department to help him be very productive this season.

Jordan Wilson adds a lot of good experience at the TE position. Though he will make it a battle for the starting spot, there’s no doubt that he would be able to handle it seeing as he took over for Caleb Wilson in the second half of the 2017 season when the now-pro injured his foot.

Lynch is a former quarterback that moved over to the tight end spot when he realized he might get more playing time at this new position. Well considering Chip Kelly uses a lot of tight ends, he should defineitely see the field this year.

Martinez was one of the first players to commit to the Bruins during the last recruiting cycle and brings a lot of talent to the tight ends. Martinez should develop nicely and with a little bit of time in his first season, he should acclimate pretty quickly.

Priebe did not play last year but could find a spot in the offense this season, especially since Chip Kelly likes to use a lot of tight ends. He should continue to develop, but unless he makes a major jump, he will be a ways down on the depth chart.

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Harris is an interesting pick up because he has never played TE before. The UCLA coaching staff picked him up a few weeks ago as a community college transfer where he played quarterback for a few years. I for one am interested in where Chip Kelly plans to go with Harris in this offense.  Churich add some depth to the group as he comes in as a walk-in.