KU Tight End Preview

Meet Derek Fine

Let's hope that new OC Ed Warriner has been introduced to #85. Although Derek Fine did manage to find the endzone five times on 28 catches in 2006, it still feels like he was under-utilized. With Jon Cornish as the focus of opposing defenses and the nature of the spread offense, it looked like Fine was set up for a big year at tight end. Yet there were times when KU seemed to exclude him from the gameplan. He had a few key drops in the Nebraska game, but other than that he has proven to be a reliable option in the passing game. In order to be successful, our young QBs are going to have to learn to check down to the tight ends and hopefully the staff will focus more on the tight end getting Fine into the attack. Our offense seemed a lot more efficient in 2006 when Fine was in the mix.

Mark Mangino and his staff obviously feel comfortable with the depth at the position as no tight ends were included in the recruiting class. Both Fine and back-up Marc Jones will be seniors this year, so expect redshirt freshman Bradley Dedeaux to see the field more often in 2007 to make for a smooth transition in 2008. Marc Jones came in as a JUCO transfer last year but was mainly utilized as a blocking tight end. It'll be interesting to see if he is asked to catch the ball in 2007. I'd expect KU to sign at least two tight ends in the 2008 class and possibly use one of our limited JUCO scholarships for the position.

The Breakdown

In-House

85 Derek Fine Sr. 6-3/245 Sallisaw, OK (Sallisaw HS)
2006 Stats: 28-355/12.7 5 tds

83 Marc Jones Sr. 6-4/265 Norfolk, VA (Norfolk HS)
Recruited: 2006 *** 4.6

87 Bradley Dedeaux Fr/RS 6-3/250 Midwest City, OK (Midwest City HS)
Recruited: 2006 *** 4.78
 
96 Marc Dierking Sr. 6-2/225 Overland Park, KS (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)

95 Mathew Matte So. 6-2/230 Albuquerque, NM (St. Pius X HS)

49 Derek Spears Sr. 6-3/215 Osborne, KS (Osborne HS)