Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by **djp73** » 06 Feb 2026, 21:50

2029 AMERICAN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM PREVIEW SERIES

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

NATIONAL RANK: 17 | AMERICAN CONFERENCE PREDICTION: 1st | 2028 RECORD: 15-1 (9-0, 1st in American, L CFP semi finals)

Head Coach: DJ Porter, 3rd Season
Offensive Coordinator: DJ Porter, 3rd Season
Defensive Coordinator: Tony White, 3rd Season

USF shocked the nation with a deep playoff run last season before the bottom fell out in a 37-13 loss to eventual champion Florida State. Their first round playoff win over Louisville was unexpected, their second round win over Oregon was downright astounding.

“We're proud of last season.” DJ Porter said earlier this month. “That doesn't mean that we're happy or satisfied with the ending.”

Porter and the Bulls retained 100% of their coaching staff despite a plethora of interviews.

“I think we have the best coaching staff in the nation as a whole and I am extremely fortunate to have all those guys back again.” Porter explained when asked about the unprecedented continuity in Tampa.

Despite key losses and a small incoming portal class USF looks like the team to beat in the American Conference and another CFP berth is the expectation in Tampa.

OFFENSE
South Florida enters the 2029 season with an offense that feels primed for a rebound, and possibly something more. At the center of it all is senior quarterback Locklan Hewlett, whose 2028 campaign qualified as “down” only by the lofty standard he set for himself. After throwing 30 touchdowns to just three interceptions in 2026 and 29 to seven in 2027, Hewlett finished last season with 25 scores against 14 picks. The spike in interceptions stood out, but context matters: injuries up front, turnover at receiver, and a heavier burden to create plays all contributed. Now heading into a third season in DJ Porter’s system, Hewlett should benefit from both continuity and comfort, and the expectation around the program is that his final season could resemble his earlier, more efficient form. Behind him, Joshua Brantley’s decision to stay provides an invaluable safety net as one of the more experienced and reliable No. 2 quarterbacks in the conference. Looking beyond 2029, Clemson transfer Jeremy Maginn arrives as the likely heir apparent once Hewlett and Brantley move on, though Damarious Friend is already positioning himself as a legitimate challenger for the 2030 job.

The engine of the offense, however, may once again be the running game. Connor Suggs returns after a stellar 2028 season in which he piled up 1,357 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, numbers that quietly placed him among the most productive backs in the Group of Five. Suggs has already been mentioned by some as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, a reflection of both his workload and his importance to the Bulls’ identity. What separates USF from most of the conference, though, is the depth behind him. Stevan Snead (570 yards, eight touchdowns), George Shembo (282 yards, six scores), Ethan York, and Nicholas Daniel are all seniors, giving the Bulls a veteran-laden backfield with multiple skill sets. Whether it’s power, short-yardage reliability, or change-of-pace versatility, this group gives USF one of the deepest, and most experienced, running back rooms in the American, if not the nation.

The biggest questions on offense reside at wide receiver. USF must replace significant production after the departures of Jordyn Bridgewater and Jeremiah Stoneburner, while Kyrie Michaels’ transfer further thinned the room. Among returning players, Gerald Carmada leads the way after posting 42 receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns in 2028. Help arrives in the form of Georgia Southern transfer Lamar Sweet, who brings a proven résumé with 1,800 career receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Sweet’s experience should immediately stabilize the unit. Lyle Dragos, Josh Barr, and Dakota Smith round out the top of the rotation, while there’s quiet optimism that freshman Dominick Moncrief could carve out a role sooner than expected if he adjusts quickly to the college game.

At tight end, USF will look for more consistency after a muted 2028 season in which Dalton Sahara’s 10 catches for 59 yards led the position. With uncertainty at receiver, the Bulls may lean more heavily on Sahara and Henry Gregory in 2029, especially in intermediate and red-zone situations, giving Hewlett dependable, possession-style targets.

Up front, the offensive line remains a strength, even as it undergoes some reshuffling. The Bulls were among the nation’s best in 2028 despite losing TJ Lawrence to injury midseason, but replacing Lawrence and center Teriyan Morman will be the key challenge. Treadwell, who stepped in at right guard after Forbes was replaced last year, is expected to claim one of the open interior spots, while Forbes will have the opportunity to reclaim his role. Jean-Pierre, who filled in admirably for Lawrence, could slide over to center as the new anchor. If the line gels as expected, USF’s offense has the pieces to be both balanced and explosive—an ideal formula for a veteran quarterback and a backfield built to punish defenses over four quarters.

DEFENSE
South Florida’s defense enters 2029 in a very different place than it did a year ago, defined less by proven production and more by transition and projection. Nowhere is that more apparent than along the defensive line, where the Bulls absorbed the heaviest personnel losses of the offseason. Kevin Wynn, Ira Singleton, Danny Felton, and Jahari Grant were the backbone of the front in 2028, combining for 27 of the team’s 45 sacks and consistently wrecking game plans. Replacing that level of disruption will be a major challenge for Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, who are expected to lean heavily on rotation and varied personnel groupings to manufacture pressure. The early hope is that Auburn transfer Jamerson Harris and Florida transfer Reed Spielman can provide immediate juice off the edge, even if the overall unit looks different stylistically than in recent seasons.

Linebacker is another area undergoing a significant reset. Eric Rance and Jermaine Dalais accounted for roughly 90 percent of the snaps at the position last year, meaning a massive chunk of experience has exited the program. Despite that, White and linebackers coach Sims are optimistic about the raw talent available. The spring will be pivotal in sorting out roles, but transfers Ralph Livings (Wisconsin), Armon Chambers (Tennessee), and Greg Luck (Mississippi State) enter with the inside track thanks to their size, physicality, and prior game experience. Behind them, holdovers Peter Traore and Frank Droege are expected to be key rotational pieces, while incoming freshmen Barry Boykins and Theo Vaughns add upside and long-term depth to a group that could look very different by the time fall arrives.

The secondary offers a mix of continuity and intrigue, particularly at cornerback. USF injected talent into the room last season with transfers Vernon Woodward III and Cameron Keys, and the returns were immediate. Keys emerged as one of the nation’s most productive defensive backs, intercepting eight passes and generating late-round NFL draft buzz. Woodward’s impact was quieter but no less important, as he settled into the nickel role and proved reliable in coverage while also holding up as a tackler in space. The Bulls struck out in the portal this offseason, but the staff added youth by signing four-star Ja’Quan Bean (6'2”, 203) and three-star Joel Ogbuehi, raising the overall talent floor. Who ultimately lines up opposite Jenkins remains one of the biggest unanswered questions and will likely be determined through an extended competition in spring and fall camp.

Safety is the rare area of stability for the Bulls defense, returning every contributor from last season while adding no new faces. The most significant “addition” is the return of Nick Jones, who missed most of 2028 with a torn rotator cuff. Granted a medical redshirt, Jones retains three years of eligibility and could immediately reclaim a prominent role in the back end. Igbinoghene, who converted from corner, may slide back outside if depth becomes an issue, while Bennett and Hatch are expected to remain fixtures in the rotation. James, Tull, Kush, and Vales round out the group, each looking for expanded opportunities.

Altogether, USF’s defense may not resemble last year’s unit on paper, but if the transfers hit and the young players develop quickly, the pieces are there for a retooled group that can still compete at a high level in 2029.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams quietly became a strength for South Florida in 2028, and the outlook entering 2029 is even more encouraging thanks to continuity and upside across all three phases. The headliner is Dom Bragg, who arrived on campus as a true freshman and immediately played with the poise of a veteran. Bragg connected on 14 of 17 field goal attempts, several of them coming in high-leverage moments, including game winners. His leg strength, consistency, and composure stood out all season, and internally the staff believes he has the ceiling to develop into one of the best kickers in the country as he gains experience and confidence.

In the punting game, Dorian McSordy was rarely called upon, a byproduct of an offense that consistently flipped field position and remained aggressive on fourth downs, but when his number was called, the results were impressive. McSordy was efficient and dependable, showing good hang time and placement, and he also handled kickoff duties effectively. While his stat line may not jump off the page, the staff values his reliability and believes he provides steady, no-drama production in a role that often goes unnoticed until it falters.

The return game adds another layer of explosiveness, led by Ethan York, who proved to be a dangerous weapon whenever the ball found his hands. York averaged 18.8 yards per kick return and 12.8 yards per punt return, punctuated by a return touchdown that showcased his vision and acceleration in space. With so many new faces across the roster in 2029, York’s experience and playmaking ability in the return game give USF a built-in edge in hidden yardage and momentum swings.

Taken together, the Bulls enter the season with rare stability on special teams. A young kicker with star potential, a dependable punter and kickoff specialist, and a proven return threat form a foundation that could quietly tilt close games in USF’s favor. In a conference where margins are often thin, that reliability could prove just as valuable as any splash play on offense or defense.

SEASON OUTLOOK
Expectations at South Florida entering 2029 are no longer whispered, they’re stated plainly. The Bulls open the season as the favorite to three-peat as American Conference champions and make another run in the College Football Playoff, a reflection of both sustained success and the standard that has been established under DJ Porter. This is a program that has moved past hoping to compete and into expecting to contend, and the internal mindset mirrors that reality. Last season’s run reinforced what USF can be at its peak, but the way it ended left a mark. The taste of success followed immediately by the bitterness of falling short has sharpened the focus throughout the building.

Offensively, USF has the potential to be one of the most exciting teams in the nation. The pairing of Locklan Hewlett and Connor Suggs gives the Bulls a proven, dynamic core that can stress defenses in multiple ways. Hewlett’s command of Porter’s system and Suggs’ ability to take over games on the ground make USF dangerous week to week, and if the passing game takes a step forward with a retooled receiving corps, the ceiling is even higher. Few teams in the country can match the balance, explosiveness, and experience the Bulls bring into the season, and that reality has them firmly on the national radar from day one.

Defensively, the path forward looks different but no less promising. The Bulls did lose star power along the defensive front, but what remains fits Tony White’s scheme and, just as importantly, has experience operating within it. The back end of the defense is a clear strength, giving USF the ability to play fast, aggressive coverage while trusting that the system up front will generate pressure through rotation and leverage rather than individual dominance alone. It’s a unit built to grow as the season progresses, and one that understands exactly what it takes to win at this level.

Put together, the 2029 Bulls feel like a team shaped by both achievement and disappointment. They know what it’s like to stand on top of the conference and they know how quickly seasons can end when miscues pile up. That combination often defines championship teams, and USF enters the year with every opportunity to turn that lesson into another banner and a longer postseason run.

2028 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS | 15-1, 1st in American
Sat, Aug 26 – vs Southern Miss – W 28-7
Sat, Sep 2 – vs UConn – W 37-23
Sat, Sep 9 – at Miami – W 24-13
Sat, Sep 16 – vs UCF – W 38-28
Sat, Sep 23 – vs Tulane – W 31-17
Sat, Oct 7 – at UTSA – W 38-25
Sat, Oct 14 – at North Texas – W 21-14
Sat, Oct 21 – vs Tulsa – W 17-14
Sat, Oct 28 – at Charlotte – W 42-20
Sat, Nov 4 – vs Rice – W 45-6
Sat, Nov 11 – vs Memphis – W 31-6
Sat, Nov 18 – at East Carolina – W 49-6
Sat, Dec 9 – vs UAB (American Championship) – W 27-10
Thu, Dec 21 – vs Louisville (CFP First Round) – W 23-21
Sun, Dec 31 – vs Oregon (Rose Bowl, CFP Second Round – W 24-21
Fri, Jan 5 – vs Florida State (Fiesta Bowl, CFP Semifinal) – L 13-37

2028 OPPONENTS
at UCF
vs FIU
vs NC State
vs 6 Notre Dame
vs East Carolina
at UAB
vs Rice
at Charlotte
vs 25 Tulane
at Tulsa
vs Memphis
at North Texas

TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS
(Per On3)
01. ATH Cam Deablo – ★★★★ – #55 NATL, #9 STATE, #1 POS – 6'2" 227 – HS – Cocoa, FL
02. WILL Barry Boykins – ★★★★ – #57 NATL, #10 STATE, #7 POS – 6'3" 233 – HS – Lakeland, FL
03. WR Dominick Moncrief – ★★★★ – #76 NATL, #15 STATE, #9 POS – 6'3" 209 – HS – Fort Lauderdale, FL
04. DT Brian Royer – ★★★★ – #129 NATL, #25 STATE, #7 POS – 6'3" 282 – HS – Largo, FL
05. WR Steve Biggums – ★★★★ – #269 NATL, #9 STATE, #51 POS – 6'2" 209 – HS – Bloomfield Hills, MI
06. CB Ja’Quan Bean – ★★★★ – #367 NATL, #45 STATE, #40 POS – 6'2" 203 – HS – Jacksonville, FL
07. WR Matt Roldan – ★★★★ – #440 NATL, #53 STATE, #84 POS – 6'4" 191 – HS – Fort Lauderdale, FL
08. QB Nicholas Earl – ★★★★ – #470 NATL, #16 STATE, #25 POS – 6'4" 172 – HS – Gastonia, NC
09. WILL Theo Vaughns – ★★★★ – #473 NATL, #56 STATE, #47 POS – 6'1" 229 – HS – Jacksonville, FL
10. WR Pat Gaydosh – ★★★★ – #599 NATL, #71 STATE, #106 POS – 5'8" 183 – HS – Jacksonville, FL

SCOUTING THE BULLS
“They’re a problem. Everyone in the league knows it. It starts with the quarterback and the back. Hewlett has been in that system long enough now that everything is going to look easy for him, and Suggs can beat you in about five different ways. If you load the box, Hewlett will hurt you. If you sit back, Suggs and the rest of that group will wear you down and suddenly it’s the fourth quarter and you’re chasing the game.

What people don’t talk about enough is how disciplined they are. They don’t beat themselves. You don’t get free possessions against them, and that’s why they’ve been so hard to knock off. Even with some new faces up front on defense, that group plays fast and fits what they want to do. The secondary is legit too, you won’t see many busted coverages, and they’ll make you pay if you’re late with the ball.

To beat USF, you have to play a near-perfect game and stay aggressive for four quarters. If you let them settle in, they’ll suffocate you with tempo, depth, and confidence. That’s a championship program right now, and until someone proves otherwise, they’re the team everyone’s measuring themselves against.”
-Anonymous American Conference Assistant Coach-

Post by **djp73** » 06 Feb 2026, 22:11

USF NEWS

USF Accuses LSU of Attempted Tampering With QB Joshua Brantley

South Florida officials have lodged a formal complaint with SEC and NCAA officials after alleging that LSU representatives attempted to tamper with Bulls quarterback Joshua Brantley, encouraging him to enter the transfer portal and consider a move to Baton Rouge.

According to multiple sources close to the situation, USF became aware of the alleged contact late last week, when Brantley notified members of the Bulls’ coaching staff that intermediaries tied to LSU had reached out regarding potential interest should he enter the portal. Brantley is not currently in the portal and, under NCAA rules, is not permitted to be contacted by another program without first declaring his intent to transfer.

USF head coach DJ Porter stopped short of naming individuals but made it clear the program views the situation seriously.

“We’re not naïve about how college football works right now,” Porter said. “But there are rules in place for a reason. Joshua is our quarterback, he’s not in the portal, and any contact like that crosses a line. We expect this to be handled the right way.”

Brantley, a veteran presence in the Bulls’ quarterback room, has been a key part of USF’s rise over the past several seasons. While Locklan Hewlett remains the starter entering 2029, Brantley’s decision to stay with the program provided critical stability and depth at the position, and his leadership has been frequently praised by teammates and staff alike.

Sources within USF indicate the alleged outreach did not come directly from LSU coaches but rather through third-party intermediaries, a gray area that has become increasingly common in the NIL and transfer portal era. Still, the Bulls believe the intent was clear: gauge Brantley’s interest in entering the portal and joining the Tigers.

Notably, LSU ultimately filled its quarterback needs elsewhere, landing transfer Trey Snodgrass from Michigan State and later adding Madison Lemmons from Boston College. While those signings eased immediate roster pressure for the Tigers, USF officials maintain that the alleged contact with Brantley occurred prior to those commitments and remains a violation regardless of LSU’s eventual portal outcomes.

LSU has not publicly commented on the accusation, and no disciplinary action has been announced. An SEC source, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied any wrongdoing and suggested the situation may be “mischaracterized,” though declined to elaborate further.

The incident highlights the growing tension around tampering enforcement in modern college football. As roster movement accelerates and NIL collectives expand their reach, programs across the country have quietly expressed frustration over what they view as rampant, largely unchecked violations.

For USF, the timing is particularly sensitive. The Bulls are coming off back-to-back conference championships and are widely expected to contend again in 2029. Disrupting quarterback depth, even with Hewlett entrenched as the starter, could have significant ripple effects.

Brantley, for his part, remains with the team and has not indicated any plans to leave.

“Josh handled this exactly the way you want a player to handle it,” Porter said. “He came straight to us. That tells you everything you need to know about his character.”

Whether the complaint leads to formal action remains to be seen. But inside the USF program, the message is clear: the Bulls believe they are now operating in a space where other power programs see their roster not just as competition, but as a target.

Post by **Caesar** » Yesterday, 10:42

if you ain't tampering, you ain't trying :druski:

redsox907 · Post by **redsox907** » Yesterday, 17:01

crying about LSU trying to steal the dude that isn't good enough to start for you is a choice

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 19:26

Caesar wrote: ↑
Yesterday, 10:42
if you ain't tampering, you ain't trying

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 19:27

redsox907 wrote: ↑
Yesterday, 17:01
crying about LSU trying to steal the dude that isn't good enough to start for you is a choice

he would start at LSU and he is from the boot to boot

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 19:45

USF FOOTBALL NEWS

Spring Practice Notebook: Locklan Hewlett Looks Ready to Take the Next Step

There’s a different feel watching Locklan Hewlett this spring. Not louder, not flashy. Just... calmer. More deliberate. From the first few sessions open to observers, the senior quarterback has looked like a player who finally knows exactly what’s coming next, and more importantly, what he can do with it.

The most noticeable change has been Hewlett’s touch. Short throws come out softer, with better placement that lets receivers transition upfield. Intermediate routes like digs, outs and layered crossers are arriving on time with a tighter window margin. Even the deep ball, which has always been functional if unspectacular, has shown better arc and consistency. He’s not suddenly turning into a cannon-armed gunslinger, but there’s undeniably more zip when he needs it, especially on throws outside the numbers.

Physically, Hewlett looks a bit more nimble too. No one is confusing him for a true dual threat, and he’s still not a speed merchant by any stretch, but his pocket movement has improved. He’s sliding laterally instead of drifting backward, climbing when pressure comes off the edge, and resetting his base faster than he did a year ago. Those are small details, but they matter, especially in an offense that asks its quarterback to stay patient and lethal from structure.

This is Hewlett’s third spring in DJ Porter’s system, and the comfort level is obvious. Coaches have opened the playbook wider, and Hewlett looks like a quarterback operating with full command rather than reacting. One NFL scout summed it up simply:

“This looks like a quarterback being unleashed. He understands the entire offense now. You can tell they trust him to get them in and out of everything. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he makes a big leap this year.”

The competition behind him hasn’t been quiet either. Joshua Brantley continues to show why the staff values him so highly as his accuracy remains his calling card, and he consistently puts the ball where it’s supposed to be. Jeremy Maginn, meanwhile, flashes arm talent that may be the best in the room. His throws jump off his hand, especially vertically, and it’s easy to see why many inside the program expect him to be the starter in 2030. Both Brantley and Maginn are more athletic than Hewlett, capable of extending plays in ways the senior generally doesn’t.

Even further down the depth chart, Damarious Friend has shown noticeable improvement, particularly in his accuracy. His mechanics look cleaner, and his misses are fewer and more predictable which is a sign of real developmental progress.

For now, though, this is Hewlett’s show. He looks confident without being reckless, assertive without forcing the issue. With three years of reps in Porter’s offense and a supporting cast built to complement his strengths, the buzz around a potential breakout season doesn’t feel manufactured.

It feels earned.

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 19:57

USF FOOTBALL NEWS

Spring Practice Notebook: Suggs Sets the Tone in a Loaded Backfield

What was expected to be a committee last season quickly became something else entirely, and spring practice has only reinforced that reality. This is Connor Suggs’ room. The USF running back group remains deep and versatile, but everything still flows through Suggs, and the junior looks poised to take another step forward.

Suggs has been the focal point of nearly every session, and he looks different this spring. He has added muscle without sacrificing quickness, and his movement appears even more sudden than it was a year ago. His jump cuts are sharper, his balance through contact is improved, and defenders have struggled to get clean shots on him. When they do, he is finishing runs with more authority. There is a growing sense that Suggs now understands how defenses are trying to play him and is already a step ahead.

Behind him, George Shembo continues to settle into his role as a change-of-pace back. Known for running through contact, Shembo has looked more elusive this spring while still maintaining his reputation for breaking tackles at full speed. He also appears more comfortable as a receiver, showing improved feel on routes and more confidence catching the ball out of the backfield.

Steven Snead remains the primary receiving back, a role that nearly expanded into a full-time move to wide receiver. That idea has cooled, largely because Snead has continued to refine his skill set at running back. His route running is cleaner, his hands more reliable, and he has been a consistent matchup problem against linebackers in space. He is no longer just a checkdown option but a designed part of the passing game.

Elton York continues to flash the traits that have made him such a dangerous return man. His ability to stop on a dime and change direction has stood out throughout camp, often leaving defenders grasping at air. Nicholas Daniel has also impressed, looking sharper and stronger while running with better pad level and decisiveness than he showed last season.

Behind Suggs and the quartet of seniors is a group with an eye on the future. Jalen Stevens, George Foucha, and Richard Boireau all bring slightly different skill sets, and the staff likes how naturally they complement one another. If the group stays together, the transition into 2030 could be seamless.

Suggs’ growth has not gone unnoticed outside the program. One Heisman voter said he already views Suggs as a potential candidate and expects an even bigger season than the one that put him on the national radar last year.

Based on what has been seen this spring, that sentiment feels well-founded. The depth is real, the versatility is obvious, and the engine of this backfield looks ready to drive USF’s offense even further in 2029.

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 20:08

USF FOOTBALL NEWS

Spring Practice Notebook: New Faces, New Balance at Wide Receiver

There is no avoiding the reality that USF’s wide receiver room is starting over in many ways. Jordyn Bridgewater and Jeremiah Stoneburner accounted for a massive share of the production in recent seasons, and replacing that kind of output is never simple. Adding to the transition, Kyrie Michaels, who was expected to step into a larger role in 2029, opted to move on to Tennessee.

What has stood out so far is how quickly the group has reshaped itself. Georgia Southern transfer Lamar Sweet wasted little time establishing chemistry with Locklan Hewlett. Sweet has looked like a natural fit in the offense, consistently catching the ball cleanly and running disciplined routes. Once the ball is in his hands, he becomes difficult to bring down, showing the ability to turn routine completions into chunk plays. He has quickly positioned himself as one of Hewlett’s most trusted options.

The returning receivers have taken noticeable steps forward as well. Lyle Dragos has shown some of the most dramatic improvement, particularly in his route running and reliability at the catch point. Gerald Carmada has continued to build on the role he carved out last season, providing steady production and a physical presence underneath. Josh Barr has also been more consistent, doing the little things well and earning snaps through attention to detail.

Sophomore Dakota Smith looks more polished this spring, especially in the way he sets up defenders at the top of his routes. His technique has improved, and he appears more confident working within the structure of the offense. Freshman Dominick Moncrief, who enrolled early, has flashed enough to catch the staff’s attention. While expectations remain measured, there is optimism that he could begin contributing by midseason if his development continues on its current path.

This group may not feature the singular, game-breaking presence that Bridgewater or Tyler Williams brought to the offense in previous years. What it does appear to offer is balance. The floor feels higher, the skill sets more varied, and the depth more reliable than in past seasons.

For Hewlett, that balance matters. Rather than leaning heavily on one or two targets, he has multiple receivers capable of winning in different ways. Through the early stages of spring practice, that diversity has given the passing game a steadier rhythm and a wider margin for error as the offense prepares for another run at the top of the conference.

Post by **djp73** » Yesterday, 20:17

USF FOOTBALL NEWS

Spring Practice Notebook: Tight Ends Searching for a Larger Role

Tight end has been a quiet position in the DJ Porter era, more functional than featured, and that reality is reflected in the production returning to campus. Dalton Sahara enters spring as the leading receiver at the position after catching 10 passes for 59 yards last season. Henry Gregory, with three receptions, is the only other tight end on the roster who has logged a collegiate catch.

What has been noticeable early this spring is an increased emphasis on the group. Sahara and Gregory have both been more involved in practice than they were a year ago, and both look more comfortable catching the football. Sahara, who converted from wide receiver two seasons ago, has added some bulk and has made real progress as a blocker. He is not dominating defensive ends, but his technique and strength have improved to the point where he can hold his own, which matters if this position is going to stay on the field more often.

Gregory has also shown improvement, particularly with his hands and confidence working in traffic. He looks less hesitant than he did last spring and has responded well to the extra reps. Sergio Isaac, a JUCO transfer who joined the program last year, has taken a step forward as well, though he still appears to be a notch behind Sahara and Gregory in terms of overall consistency.

One of the more intriguing developments involves freshman Cam Deablo, who enrolled early and has split reps between tight end and defense in the opening weeks of practice. His athleticism stands out immediately, and while it is far too early to project where he will ultimately settle, his versatility gives the staff options. If he remains on offense, his movement skills could add a dimension the tight end group has lacked.

The position may still be more complementary than central to the offense, but the signs point to a broader role than in past seasons. With a more experienced quarterback and questions at wide receiver, the tight ends could quietly become an important part of the structure as the spring progresses.

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