Utah's Secret Advantage: Tight Ends
The Utes' passing game will be stronger in 2021 with four starting quality tight ends.
Utah has risen to one of the top Pac-12 teams under Kyle Whittingham through a combination of a punishing running game and stifling defense. The Utes find ways to wear opponents down physically and mentally. Their passing attack has almost been an ancillary tool in these circumstances.
That promises to change in the 2021 season.
Why will it change?
One big reason is Utah has unparalleled quality talent, depth, and experience at the tight end position compared to previous seasons. The Utes have three tight ends who could be no. 1 on the depth chart at numerous other FBS schools in the nation and a fourth who is making enough strides in fall camp to get in the mix on offense. This gives Utah a mix of reliable targets on short and intermediate routes who will draw away some defensive attention from top receiver Britain Covey in the slot and open up the passing game to be more effective this season.
Here’s what you need to know about Utah’s talented tight end quartet:
Brant Kuithe
Kuithe became a breakout star two seasons ago. He led Utah in total receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns during his sophomore campaign in 2019, finishing with 602 yards and six touchdowns on 34 catches. His impact was a little more muted last season, but Kuithe still led the Utes in total receptions.
Kyle Whittingham noted that Kuithe looked like his old self in fall camp, in terms of his playmaking ability. That’s excellent news for Utah. Kuithe is capable of playing a dynamic role on offense, functioning both as a pass-catcher and a runner out of the backfield. He’s got good speed, great hands, and sharp field vision.
Cole Fotheringham
Even though he does not make as many splashy plays as Kuithe, there’s no disputing the sheer value Fotheringham brings to the offense. He is a proficient blocker and a reliable pass catcher. Fotheringham has started in 20 consecutive games and made 28 starts in 33 career games overall.
Fotheringham only totaled four catches in five games last season. But he averaged 13.0 yards per catch. If the junior can maintain a similar yardage per catch average in 2021, he will become a more frequent target on offense.
Dalton Kincaid
Before transferring to Utah last season, Kincaid emerged as a dominant playmaker in the FCS ranks. He spent two seasons at San Diego (2018-19) and piled up 835 yards and eight touchdowns on 44 receptions during his second season with the Torerros. Kincaid led all FCS tight ends in yards per catch (18.98) in 2019. He also ranked second receiving yards per game (69.6) and total receiving yards.
Kincaid played in all five games for Utah last fall and made his first career start against Washington. He finished the season with 14 yards on one catch, while mostly seeing spot minutes behind Kuithe and Fotheringham. With a year under his belt, Kincaid will likely factor into certain offensive packages this season.
Thomas Yassmin
Australia isn’t just a land where punters and kangaroos are born. Yassmin came to Utah as a project. His natural skills were there, but he never played American football before coming to the Utes.
After redshirting in 2018, Yassmin has played mostly on special teams in each of the last two seasons. Now he seems poised to take a major step forward in 2021. Kyle Whittingham said a light switched on for Yassmin coming into fall camp this season and he is earning a bigger role for himself in the weeks ahead.