Texas Tech football: Three pass catchers that could break out in 2022

Tight end Mason Tharpe could be a matchup nightmare

There wasn’t much that Matt Wells and his coaching staff did right in their two-and-a-half years on the job.  But one position group they seemed to solidify was the tight end corps.  In fact, when they arrived, that staff had no tight ends on the roster but by the time Wells was given the ax, Tech had quite the stable of big and versatile players to man that spot.

Now, one intriguing aspect of this season will be to see how Kittley utilizes those weapons given that he’s typically run a four-receiver set with two inside receivers on the field rather than tight ends.  But if you have mismatch nightmares on your team, you’d be wise to use them and tight end Mason Tharpe could prove to be one of the Big 12’s biggest mismatches in the passing game.

Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 250 pounds, the Klein native is far more nimble on his feet than most tight ends are.  Thus, he could be a weapon all over the field and not just in the red zone where we typically think that tall players can excel the most.

Last year, as a true freshman, Tharpe caught 14 passes for 198 yards and 1 TD.  But at times, it appeared as if the game was moving just a tick too fast for his brain to process.

However, if he is more comfortable mentally this year, look out.  In fact, look out for the entire Red Raider tight end group.

Jack-of-all-trade Henry Teeter has turned heads, especially after a strong showing in the spring’s first scrimmage.  In fact, he was recently mentioned by name by head coach Joey McGuire as a player who has impressed. Also, Jed Castles from Wichita Falls could be a tough cover given that he’s 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds.

But the ceiling is the highest for Tharpe who could be a future NFL Draft pick, especially if Kittley figures out how to get the most out of him.  Thus, don’t sleep on this massive matchup nightmare that the Red Raiders have at their disposal.