2007 Tight Ends Preview

By: Roy Philpott

With former walk-on Thomas Hunter and his 16 catches for 305 yards last season moving on to life after college football, several tight ends on the 2007 squad are in line to see their production increase exponentially.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the tight end position entering the start of fall practice:

MICHAEL PALMER – After signing with the Tigers over Virginia, Palmer surprised many by playing last season as a true freshman. Entering the start of fall practice, the 6-5, 230 pound sophomore is listed as one of the starters at tight end and figures to see a significant increase in production with Thomas Hunter moving on.

In fact, tight ends coach Billy Napier called Palmer the best of the bunch earlier this spring.

“The best player we’ve got right now is Michael Palmer,” Napier said. “He had a great off-season and put on about 15 pounds is around the 240 range. He’s moving around better already this year than last year. It just goes to show you the benefit of buying into (strength and conditioning coach) Joey Batson’s system.”

As of now, Palmer will be the starter in one-tight end sets, but will share time with Durrell Barry. With two tight ends on the field, Palmer will be at one spot, with Barry and Akeem Robinson sharing the other one. The three of them will be used in the three-tight end set.

After recording five receptions for 30 yards last season, it’s not out of the question to see that production quadruple this year.

DURRELL BARRY – If there’s a wildcard tight end on this year’s team, it’s undoubtedly Barry, who has outstanding potential but has yet to become an impact player during his two years in the program. The 6-4, 250 pound redshirt sophomore is blessed with tremendous athleticism and has shown flashes of what he can do the field, but inconsistency has held him back.

Barry finished his redshirt freshman year playing in nine games, catching two passes for 41 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown in the Music City Bowl. He hurt his back during spring practice but should be at full strength once practice begins in just over two weeks.

Keep in mind several players this offseason have hinted they feel Barry could be one of the most improved on the team. If so, look out.

AKEEM ROBINSON – Robinson arrived at Clemson three years ago with the potential to play a number of different positions, including tight end, defensive end or defensive tackle. He ended up at tight end, where he’s been used mainly in a reserve role the past two seasons. A powerful blocker, Robinson’s strengths are best utilized in run blocking situations.

A 6-foot-5, 260 pound redshirt junior, Robinson has worked on his pass-catching under Napier and could become more of an offensive weapon this season. Still, even if he fails to catch a pass, he's extremely valuable in the two and three tight end sets.

ALEX PEARSON – This 6-1, 245 pound redshirt junior has worked hard during his three years at Clemson and it finally paid off for him in 2006 as he recorded four catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns playing the fullback/H-back role in 13 games.

Pearson is an excellent role player who could actually see his production increase this season.

BRIAN LINTHICUM – A true freshman, Linthicum elected to enroll at Clemson in January in hopes of receiving playing time early in his career. If spring was any indication, he’s well on his say. At the Orange & White game in April, Linthicum caught two passes for 46 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown.

You can view that scoring play by clicking here.

Considering the number of tight ends used by the Tigers in any given game, look for Linthicum to play this season and catch 10+ passes along the way.