Photo Credit: Isaiah Hole/247Sports

Freshpectations for 2016: Tight Ends

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

At one point during the 2016 cycle, it was looking likely that Michigan would only sign one tight end. However, that quickly changed as the Wolverines ended up adding two of the highest rated tight ends in the class right before/on National Signing Day which gave UM the best tight end haul in the nation.

Here are the expectations for that haul which includes Sean McKeon, Nick Eubanks and Devin Asiasi.

McKeon

MGoFish Scouting Report

McKeon is a big, physical, old school tight end that can make plays as both a pass catcher and run blocker. He has the size and skill that should fit perfectly in Harbaugh’s offense and remind some of former Stanford standout Colby Fleener.

Scout.com’s (via Brian Dohn) Scouting Report

McKeon is an intriguing prospect because of his combination of size, speed and athleticism. He needs to get stronger, which will help his blocking, but he releases well off the line of scrimmage and gets into his routes well. He high-points the ball in traffic and is also tough to bring down after the catch. When blocking, the intent and desire is there, but he needs to get stronger to stay on and finish the block.

Highlights

Eubanks

MGoFish Scouting Report

Eubanks is a long, athletic, hybrid tight end that reminds some of former Michigan standout and current Carolina Panthers receiver Devin Funchess. Though he’s not the most polished blocker in the class, he will give the Wolverines a pass catching target that can become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Something Harbaugh and the staff love from their tight ends.

Scout.com’s Scouting Report

A tight end with a great frame and the ability to play on the line or to be flexed out. Has great length, he knows how to extend for the football, and he can use that to his advantage. He will fill out, add weight, and get stronger. Solid blocker, but can get better at the point of attack. More comfortable now flexed as a big wide receiver going out for passes. Has good athleticism. Solid hands, but he can be more consistent there.

Highlights

Asiasi

MGoFish Scouting Report

Asiasi is one of the most versatile recruits in the class as he’d likely be a top ranked player at either tight end or defensive end. However, tight end is his chosen position and a main reason why he chose the Wolverines. And with his mix of size, athleticism and pass catching abilities, not only could he play early but he could end up being a game changer for Michigan throughout his career.

Scout.com’s Scouting Report

Asiasi is a huge tight end target who could honestly have even more upside as a defensive end down the road. He’s pushing 270 pounds and will have no problem stepping in to a college offense and being physically able to handle those battles in the trenches. Where he surprises people is with his ability to run and catch. He’s a very coordinated athlete for his size and can get down the field. He also has very soft hands and will be that reliable 3rd down pass catcher every quarterback loves to have. He’s a tremendous blocker and comes from a system at De La Salle where you learn to block early on or you won’t play. As long as he can keep his weight down, Asiasi should be a tremendous tight end at the next level with Sunday potential.

Highlights

Michigan’s 2016 Depth Chart Prediction

  1. #88 Jake Butt, SR
  2. #89 Ian Bunting, JR*
  3. Devin Asiasi, FR
  4. #8 Tyrone Wheatley Jr, SO
  5. #80 Khalid Hill, SR*
  6. Sean McKeon, FR
  7. Nick Eubanks, FR

Freshmen Year Expectations 

Michigan has a nice stable of tight ends heading into the 2016 season but with the talent coming in, it’ll be hard to keep the new additions from seeing the field.

  • Asiasi will be playing catch up a bit when he gets to campus this summer. But thanks to his elite size, athleticism and pass catching ability, I believe he will not only see the field during his freshmen year but could end up becoming a main part of the offense by the start of the B1G season. At the very least, I expect him to be used in heavy tight end sets this fall.
  • McKeon has the step up on the competition thanks to enrolling early. His size and blocking ability will give him a shot to see the field as well during the fall. Though I’m not sure how much time he’ll see outside of clean up time at the end of games.
  • As for Eubanks, he has the longest way to go in terms of putting on size to become a legit contributor. Though his pass catching ability and athleticism may allow him to climb the depth chart, I believe he’ll redshirt his freshmen year.

What are your freshpectations for Michigan’s incoming tight end signees? Add your thoughts below in the comment section! 

Photo Credit: Isaiah Hole/247Sports.com

Garrett Fishaw
Latest posts by Garrett Fishaw (see all)