University of South Dakota Athletics

Starters
Brett Samson
 
Letterwinners
Connor Herrmann
 
Redshirt Freshmen
Nathan Kneifl
Austin Goehring
Alex Jensen
 
Freshmen
Ryan Mazurek
Nathan Stoffel
 
Perhaps the youngest position group on the squad, South Dakota tight ends are comprised entirely by underclassmen. Brett Samson played in all 13 games and earned two starts as a redshirt freshman a year ago and totaled three touchdowns – one rushing and two receiving. Connor Herrmann was utilized mainly in short-yardage situations and special teams. They, along with the five freshmen, will look to account for the 50 catches totaled by seniors Josh Hale and Aaron Ramsey in 2017.
 
Coach Tyler Paopao called it a cerebral group full of quick learners who take coaching well. He said there is a good mix of different skill sets at the position, and that the redshirt freshmen as a group are pushing for playing time and are all players who can step in and fill a role.
 
The newest members, Ryan Mazurek and Nathan Stoffel, are blessed with length and athleticism, and their futures look bright. Paopao said they are in a heavy learning process and that his goal is to slow down the mechanisms in their head so they can process all the information being thrown at them.
 
Thoughts from tight ends coach Tyler Paopao:
"Tight end is the position in football these days that's truly a football player. You're supposed to be a pass-catching receiver who is efficient playing in space, and you're expected to get in the box and play with the big boys in the run game. This group needs to think and identify things quickly, and not just be okay, but excel as run blockers and pass receivers."