University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Past Experience, Former Players Help Cruz Grow Into Role
8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 11, 2010
A season ago, Mike Cruz had the chance to watch Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson thrive in the role of tight end for the Panthers. After earning All-Big East honors, both Byham and Dickerson were drafted and later signed contracts with NFL teams.
So when asked about the learning opportunity he had in his first two seasons with Pitt and the things he's learned, Cruz can only smile.
"Nate was the best blocking tight end in the nation," the redshirt sophomore said. "And Dorin was the best route-running tight end. Taking the best of their abilities and trying to form that into my game, that's definitely helped...I just try my hardest at both. I go out there and try to bring to my game what they taught me."
As Cruz said, each former Pitt tight end had their strengths. Byham, now with the San Francisco 49ers, was a three-year starter and a force off the edge, constantly taking on defensive ends and linebackers with great success in the blocking game. He finished his career at Pitt as the only tight end in Panther history to twice earn All-Big East honors.
Dickerson, who is now playing for the Houston Texans, stretched the field with his speed, athleticism and tremendous route-running ability at Pitt. He was a first team All-American (Football Writers Association of America) and a finalist for the John Mackay Award, which is annually presented to the nation's top tight end.
With those talents on display over the last few seasons, Cruz is aiming to have a nice mix of both players added to his game, which is what tight ends coach Brian Angelichio is also hoping he'll achieve. Angelichio said Cruz's hands were a major plus, but that route running and blocking is something all college tight ends need to adjust to. And in Pitt's system, Angelichio said the tight end will always have a key role in the offense, meaning every opportunity counts.
"Mike's been working hard, he's making improvements," Angelichio said. "The nice thing is, he's starting to grasp the offense and the system of what we're trying to get done here. His blocking is going to be a continuous thing; he's working at it. He's getting better each day. Certainly by the end of training camp, that'll be an area that he makes great strides in."
Angelichio added that a major strength Cruz possesses is that of his pass-catching ability -- something he's displayed since his days at Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, Pa. Last season, Pitt fans got a sneak peek when Cruz caught a 2-yard touchdown pass against USF for the first score of the contest. He also gained valuable game experience, playing in 11 and starting one.
Cruz now weighs in nearly 10 pounds lighter than he did a season ago, measuring in at a more agile 6-foot-5, 255 pounds. He and his coaches are counting on him to help the offense in multiple areas -- whether that means making the key block or catching the pass.
"I think Mike has a chance to be a complete player," Angelichio said. "He certainly has the ability to do both (block and catch). Now we just need to see where it goes."