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All-America checklist: Tight ends
Aug. 15, 2000
SportsLine.com/Lindy's reports
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Todd Heap, Arizona State (Jr., 6-5, 242) |
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Can he block? Who cares... he's such a great pass catcher that his blocking
goes unnoticed. This guy is unquestionably the best receiver among the
nation's tight ends, with amazing leaping ability, flexibility, speed and
hands. More... |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
12 |
189 |
15.8 |
3 |
27 |
| Career |
35 |
595 |
17.0 |
6 |
51 |
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Alge Crumpler, North Carolina (Jr., 6-3, 260) |
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Missed all of the 1998 season because of a knee injury and didn't receive a
lot of attention last year because of the Tar Heels' poor season. But he did
earn all-conference honors and impressed the pro scouting services, one of
which rates him the best tight end prospect in the nation. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
20 |
191 |
9.6 |
0 |
36 |
| Career |
45 |
473 |
10.5 |
4 |
36 |
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Brandon Manumaleuna, Arizona (Jr., 6-6, 260) |
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Good receiving targets don't come much wider than this, and he really makes
his mark as a powerful blocker. He's athletic enough (and quick enough off
the ball) that he's played on defense in short-yardage situations. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
20 |
316 |
15.8 |
2 |
44 |
| Career |
26 |
338 |
13.0 |
2 |
44 |
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Jabari Holloway, Notre Dame (Sr., 6-3, 260) |
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If the Irish are to survive a brutal early schedule, they'll need lot of big
plays and key blocks from Holloway, who has 29 career starts and is the
leading pro prospect among Notre Dame's seniors. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
42 |
1,007 |
22.1 |
9 |
88 |
| Career |
42 |
1,007 |
22.1 |
9 |
88 |
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Tracey Wistrom, Nebraska (Jr., 6-5, 220) |
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The Cornhuskers love to plant big boys along the offensive line, but they
have also found a use for a tight end with speed. Wistrom gained an amazing
26.8 yards per reception last season, including a 70-yard touchdown, and
earned all-Big 12 honors. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
16 |
429 |
26.8 |
2 |
70 |
| Career |
18 |
513 |
28.5 |
3 |
70 |
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Marcellus Rivers, Oklahoma State (Jr., 6-4, 225) |
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He has the size of a big wideout -- and that's where he might end up playing
some this season to help out a young group of receivers. With an offense
that is expected to feature more passing, Rivers should put up
more-than-solid numbers. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
27 |
336 |
12.4 |
4 |
42 |
| Career |
49 |
671 |
13.7 |
8 |
78 |
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Brian Natkin, UTEP (Sr., 6-3, 245) |
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Natkin caught more passes than any tight end in the nation last season (59)
and ranked second behind Todd Heap in yardage (648). He's a two-time all-WAC
selection. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
59 |
648 |
11.0 |
4 |
35 |
| Career |
108 |
1,147 |
10.6 |
7 |
45 |
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Terry Jones Jr., Alabama (Jr., 6-3, 262) |
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Still has lots of room to move up on the learning curve, considering he
played only one year of high school football. Has steadily improved his
blocking, and is ready to develop into an all-SEC player as a junior. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
13 |
201 |
15.5 |
1 |
44 |
| Career |
13 |
201 |
15.5 |
1 |
44 |
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Tim Stratton, Purdue (Jr., 6-4, 252) |
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As you would expect, the Boilermakers have a tight end who is a weapon
downfield. Stratton earned all-Big Ten honors last season after ranking
third on the team in receptions (49). |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
49 |
593 |
12.1 |
4 |
34 |
| Career |
87 |
974 |
11.2 |
11 |
34 |
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Antoine Harris, Southern California (Sr., 6-4, 250) |
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Not called upon to put up big numbers as a receiver, but the four-year
starter makes an impact with his blocking... and he'll be there in the
passing game when USC needs him. |
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Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
LONG |
| 1999 |
8 |
98 |
12.3 |
1 |
25 |
| Career |
33 |
412 |
12.5 |
2 |
66 |
Lindy's Football Annuals (National, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, ACC, plus Pro) are available at newsstands regionally, or can be ordered as a set at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.
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