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LOGAN — New offensive coordinator Josh Heupel's new system will bring renewed value to a deep Aggie tight end position. In 2014, the Aggie tight ends combined for a total of 25 catches. Expect that number to jump significantly this season.
Junior Wyatt Houston is the only returning tight end with game experience for the Aggies. Houston saw time in 13 games last season, including seven starts. Houston caught 19 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns in 2014. Houston uses his big frame well in blocking, but excels when going out for a pass. He has great hands and isn't afraid to make a catch across the middle. Houston has the ability to make some very athletic plays and uses his body to hold off defenders while he makes catches. Houston looks primed for a breakout season in a system that will involve the tight end more than previous years.
Junior Landon Horne is in line to be Houston's primary back up. Horne missed the entire regular season in 2014 due to a leg injury. However, Horne returned in time for the New Mexico Bowl game against UTEP. Horne is a quick tight end who has good field vision and is difficult to bring down after he catches the ball. He will be a dangerous weapon across from Houston in two tight end sets, which the Aggies will be running more of.
Junior Chris Copier rounds out the top three at the tight end position. Copier, a junior college transfer from Snow College, joined the Aggies following the 2014 season. In his one season at Snow College, Copier earned All-Western States Football League first-team honors. Copier's time with the team through the spring and summer has allowed him to learn the new system and create a rapport with Chuckie Keeton and the other quarterbacks on Utah State's roster.
Two freshmen will also be looking to add depth to the position. Dax Raymond was on campus in time for summer workouts with the team. Raymond is a freak of an athlete who hauled in 74 receptions for 1,464 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior season at Timpview High School in Provo.
The other freshman who could add depth to the tight end position is Dalton Baker. Baker is another great athlete with a very versatile skill set. Baker played both offense and defense for Payson High School. While his numbers aren't as eye-popping as Raymond's, Baker grabbed 44 catches for 588 yards and three touchdowns in his senior season.
Overall, the tight end position looks to be a much improved group primed for a breakout season. The offense under Josh Heupel will utilize more multiple tight end sets, sometimes even playing three in a goal line or other short yardage situations. Houston, Horne and Copier will be counted on to be big-time contributors this season.
Projected starters: junior Wyatt Houston
Second string: junior Landon Horne, junior Chris Copier
Up next: Wide receiver Parker Robertson is a graduate of Utah State University, a freelance contributor, and an avid fan of sports. Follow me on Twitter @ParkerRob78 Email: ParkerRobertson18@gmail.com
