Among all of the positions in the University of Washington’s history the tight end has always been an area of strength. During the Petersen era tight ends continued to be a strength as Husky tight ends continued to march into the NFL.
Joshua Perkins, Darrell Daniels, Will Dissly, Drew Sample, Hunter Bryant, and Cade Otton are all current of former Dawgs who have played in the NFL since Austin-Safarian Jenkins.
Expectations: The fans have been hearing about Devin Culp for years. Coming from eastern Washington the one-time Oregon commit looked like a small forward on the field. He was tall and skinny with the ability to catch passes. A few years in he looked closer to an offensive lineman. He had improved and saw the field as a blocker, but unfortunately most of his notable plays were drops. Last year Culp transformed into looking like power forward and became a reliable weapon in the running game and passing game.
Jack Westover was a bit of an unknown and Quinton Moore was a local kid back from his stint in JUCO at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas.
People projected that Culp could take a step forward and become the security blanket that Cade Otton was until he graduated.
Reality: While most of the attention was given to the receivers, the tight ends had a really impressive year. Devin Culp made some impressive catches on the season and kept the chains moving. He wasn’t targeted in the red zone as much as projected, but made plays to keep the chains moving. He was instrumental in the game-winning drive against Oregon State when he picked up a first down on 3rd and long with a delayed route. He finished the season with 29 catches and 266 yards.
Jack Westover seemed to be open on the most important downs. He caught 31 passes for 342 yards and moved the chains.
Quentin Moore saw the field as run protection more than anything else.
The tight ends played their role well. They moved the chains and were effective in the running game. All of the tight ends are coming back with the announcement of Culp that he will return the room will continue to be a strength for the program.
Grade: B
There’s a ton of untapped potential.
