The importance of the Burnet football team’s tight end

CAPTION: It’s hard to miss senior Riley Howell as he’s running to a spot on the field. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

It’s hard to miss them when they’re on the field. They’re the Burnet Bulldogs whose bodies can sometimes be as wide as the offensive lineman and whose feet and hands are as nimble and sure as the receivers.

They’re the tight ends and play an integral part of the Bulldogs’ offense.

“We use a variety for the position,” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Colton Brewer said then began naming off the number of plays those Bulldogs are in. The interesting part? They’re rarely in the same spot on back-to-back plays because of their versatility. .

Fans may see them lined up next to one of the tackles. Or in the flat, which is a few feet away from the offensive line. Or behind the linemen.

But no matter where they are, they have a defined role in each play, and Brewer isn’t shy about expressing that to all his players. In short, being able to block without holding goes a long way in his offense along with being able to catch the ball.

“We try to utilize both,” he said. “It really fills the skillset. It helps us in our formations. It’s a lot of timing. They’re involved in blocking a key element.”

He noted the “physical battles” that happen on Friday nights the Bulldogs try to simulate in practices to get these players prepared so they have the confidence they can win and keep the chains moving.

The coordinator also pointed out how these players — seniors Riley Howell and Demetrius Taliaferro — create matchup nightmares for defenses because of their natural body builds and their time in the weight room. Taliaferro is listed at 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weights 195 pounds, while Howell is 6-0 and 205 pounds.

“I think a lot of times that stresses the defense,” he said.

That “stress” on the defense was one of the talking points at the top of former head coach Bryan Wood’s agenda when he met with his offensive coaches, Brewer said. Coaches used Bulldogs in this position, who may have looked more like a receiver or running back and could use their build to get away from slower linebackers or go through smaller defensive backs.

“We had kids with the mentality and skill set that fit that position,” Brewer said. “Their body types didn’t fit that mold, certainly, but they had something we were looking for.”

Perhaps it was the way they prepared. The Bulldogs show up with an edge, both in mentality and physicality that makes it difficult on opponents to beat them because they don’t flinch.

Or maybe it was seeing that the Bulldogs are more imposing based on their heights and weights. After all, rarely do smaller individuals take down someone who is bigger and stronger.

“It’s a mentality and a demeanor in that position,” Brewer said. “There’s a willingness to be physical and do the dirty work. Those players are versatile. The more they block, the easier it is to get open. You can get that player the ball. The eager blockers find it’s easier to catch the ball. It can do things for your scheme. The better you physically are, the better your plays work. Our kids like learning the game and how to do it. That’s been the pleasant part of my job.”

CAPTION: Senior Demetrius Taliaferro hauls in this pass for a quick touchdown during 7-on-7 play againt Fredericksburg at the Llano June League. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro