Tight End will probably be the toughest ACC position for me to name the top 5 players. There simply isn’t much established talent at this position in the ACC, so we’re going to have look at some “potential” guys. Let’s see which players looking the most promising.
Completed Rankings
Running Backs | Quarterbacks | Wide Receivers
1) Matt Furstenburg, Maryland
Furstenburg is a returning two year starter at Maryland. He’s coming off a solid season where he had 31 receptions for 348 yards at 2 TDs despite having two different quarterbacks splitting time in College Park. He also has good size at 6-4 245 lbs. The Terrapin TE also has 24 career starts. Experience and nice hands are a good combination for a tight and Furstenburg has both.
2) Chris Pantale, Boston College
If anyone can push Furstenburg for the ACC’s top TE spot it might Chris Pantale of Boston College. Last year the 6-6 Pantale had 21catches for 236 yards. Pantale is considered by many to be more talented than Furstenburg, but has been handicapped by an anemic BC offense. He has 77 receptions in his career at BC and could in line for a big senior season.
3) Nick O’ Leary Florida State
Nick O’ Leary is only a sophomore, but he has the potential to be the Seminoles best catching TE quite a few years. He was regarded as the nation’s top TE coming out of High School in 2010 and was a 5 star prospect. He did have 12 catches in 2011. Expect that total to at least double in 2012.
4) Brandon Ford, Clemson
Clemson seems to just keep putting out NFL caliber Tight Ends. Michael Palmer two years ago, then Dwayne Allen, and now Brandon Ford could be the next one. Coming off a 14 catch season that included a 50 yard long with 2 TDs, Ford like FSU’s Nick O’ Leary is looking for a big stat increase. Dwayne Allen had 50 receptions in 2011, if Ford can approach that it will be a great year.
5) Clive Walford, Miami
Is Clive Walford the next great Miami TE? Maybe so… Walford had an 18 reception 2011. The RS Sophomore is Canes the 2nd leading returning receiver and should be a bigger part of their offense in 2012.
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