Consistency The Key For Success At Tight End

Thursday, August 27, 2009 01:56 AM

Since the arrival of head coach Henry Frazier III and staff at Prairie View A&M in 2004, one of the most consistent positions under his watch has been at tight end.

The staff has done an outstanding job of developing quality tight ends who’ve aided in the team’s ascension to the upper echelon of the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings over the past six years. From pass catchers to run blockers, the tight end spot position has become one of the most important positions on the team due to the versatility it provides the offense.

The weight of the unit’s success at the beginning of the season will fall on the shoulders of senior Marlon Allen. A native of Stafford, Texas who earned second team All-SWAC Preseason Honors, Allen posted career highs in receptions and yards last season in addition to providing a blocking presence that helped Prairie View vault to the top of the offensive charts in several categories among SWAC programs. With a new quarterback under center, Allen’s presence will be needed more than ever as he provides a safety valve on passing plays along with a proven blocker when the team relies on its running attack.

“Marlon is a very intricate part of the offense with his ability to catch passes, block linebackers and defensive linemen,” said tight ends coach Roy Jones. “He provides the offense the stability it needs.”

Depth and an abundance of youth will be a concern for the position as no tight end on the roster outside of Allen has taken a collegiate snap. Behind Allen, the unit features a quartet of freshmen which means a lot of time will be dedicated to teaching both on the field and in the meeting room.

“The two redshirt freshmen and two true freshmen are picking the system up well,” stated Jones. “Redshirt freshman Alonzo Reveulta and redshirt freshman transfer Donald Law will provide us depth at the position as they’re both coming along in their assignments. In terms of blocking and passing they should provide Marlon a break if needed.

“The two true freshmen are like any other freshmen now as they’re still learning. Right now, if they know the plays and know who to block I’m satisfied with that. Once they pick up the system, I’ll move on to teaching the system’s finer points.”

The Panthers held their final set of two-a-day practices on Wednesday and will practice once on Thursday in preparation for Friday’s scrimmage.