University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Previewing the 2003 Panthers: The Tight Ends
7/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Previewing the 2003 Panthers: The Tight Ends
7/14/2003
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Kris Wilson |
?I believe tight end is one of the deepest and most solid positions we have on offense,? said positional coach Bob Ligashesky. ?Everyone is back so we expect the tight ends to be a major factor.?
Indeed, the tight end position should play a prominent role in
Fifth-year senior KRIS WILSON could be described by all of the aforementioned adjectives. Standing 6-3 and 250 pounds,
While watching
While not conventionally large for the position, he thrives utilizing his quickness and tenacity. His soft hands and ability to gain yards after the catch allowed him to average 21.6 yards per reception in 2002 (18 catches for 389 yards).
?Kris is very versatile,? Ligashesky said. ?His quickness allows him to be an effective blocker in the run game. His ability to run really provides favorable matchups in the passing game. Kris enables us to get into a lot of different personnel changes and that is what keeps him on the field.
?We are looking for him to step up and elevate his contributions to our offense even more.?
If he does, All-Big East honors and increased national attention should follow.
Enthusiasm surrounding the tight end position is enhanced by the development of junior ERIK GILL. In his first active collegiate season last year, Gill was a solid reserve behind
The 6-5, 265-pound Gill has an excellent frame with potential to match. His large body type, an ideal complement to the fleet Wilson, belies his good footwork and athleticism.
?Erik gives us options at tight end,? said Ligashesky. ?He continuously is becoming more adept in both the running and passing games. That?s an indication that he has an increasing knowledge of the speed of college football and our system. He knows what to do and now we?re looking for him to consistently execute.?
New to active duty is sophomore STEVE BUCHES. The 6-3, 240-pound Buches did not see any action as a true frosh last season following a standout career at nearby Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The top receiving tight end in the WPIAL in 2001, he has shown similar promise with the Panthers. His rapid grasp of the system has been an asset to his development thus far.
?Steve will provide us with needed depth at tight end because he has done a good job learning the offense,? Ligashesky said. ?He overcomes a lack of size with his knowledge of the game and ability to catch the football. We look for him to continue to advance as he gains game experience.?
Note: Players listed by academic class.
