Spring Football Position Previews: Tight Ends

With Will Mallory pursuing a professional career, Miami’s tight-end group will have to replace a large chunk of its production from last season. 

Mallory led the Hurricanes with 42 receptions and 538 receiving yards. He provided consistency in what was a subpar UM passing offense.

Questions remain about whether this level of play can be replicated at the tight-end position moving forward. Fortunately for the Hurricanes, there is an abundance of talent that can do just that.

Third-year tight end Elijah Arroyo is the early favorite to step into the starting role ahead of spring practice. Arroyo missed the last eight games of the 2022 season with an injury. He totaled five receptions for 66 yards in the four games he played.

The Frisco, Texas native might be Miami’s most complete tight end. Arroyo’s blend of 6-foot-4 size and route-running ability makes him a threat in the passing game. He is also impactful as a blocker as both an H-back and an in-line tight end.

Sophomore tight end Jaleel Skinner, because of his positional versatility, is similar to Mallory in that he can line up all over UM’s offense. 

In 2022, Skinner lined up at numerous spots, including on the boundary and in the slot. He had nine receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown in his freshman campaign. Skinner had a season-high three catches for 40 yards against North Carolina.

While they’re not imposing threats as pass-catchers, tight ends Dominic Mammarelli, Kahlil Brantley and Cam McCormick are tenacious blockers who will likely line up at the H-back position.

McCormick, an Oregon transfer who is entering his eighth season of college football, has also flashed receiving potential around the goal line. He had three touchdowns last year with the Ducks, all of which came from within 17 yards of the end zone.

Freshmen Riley Williams and Jackson Carver are already enrolled at Miami and are expected to push the veteran players at the position for early playing time. Both players, at 6-foot-6, have the physical potential to be NFL-caliber players as they continue to develop under tight ends coach Stephen Field.