USF's tight ends have lengthy job descriptions. They are run-blockers. They are pass-catchers. They are expected to get dependable yards across the middle and occasionally stretch a defense in a game-breaking mismatch. They line up tight or split out wide. They must be nimble. They must be tough.

"One play, we're blocking a 300-pound defensive lineman and the next play, we're blocking a 160-pound defensive back,'' said graduate student Weston Wolff, the most experienced member of USF's six-player tight-end room. "Honestly, it's the most dynamic position, not only on the field, but in our offense specifically. I think we have to be a jack of all trades.''

Wolff (6-foot-4, 239 pounds) is a proven commodity after providing leadership and making 16 catches in 2023 (injuries limited him to just one game last season).

Sophomore Jonathan Echols (6-6, 235), a four-star recruit and one of the most highly touted acquisitions for USF, has tantalizing potential. Due to injuries, his playing time was compromised last season and he made only one catch, but it was a big one (a 59-yard touchdown).

Florida Atlantic University junior transfer Wyatt Sullivan (6-4, 242) has high expectations after a 13-reception, two-touchdown season for the Owls in 2024.

Then there's senior Evan Dangler (6-3, 250), a sometimes forgotten player (except by USF coaches), who has always impressed with his blocking from the H-back position. Add in freshmen Tayte Crable (6-5, 215) and Brandon Kubay (6-3, 239) and there is great potential in the Bulls tight end room.

"We certainly feel like it's a strong group,'' Bulls tight ends coach Jack Taylor said. "They're truly like a unit and we feel like all of them can help us win football games. Weston (Wolff) has a really good understanding of what we're doing offensively. Wyatt (Sullivan) has been tremendously successful and we're grateful to have him. Jonathan (Echols) had injuries last season, but he was locked in the whole time and continues to bring a lot to our room.

"And Evan (Dangler), well, Evan is one of my favorite guys out there. He does so many things very well and he's super physical in the run game. He allows us to play in some different formations and he adds a different dynamic to the offense. I like our group a lot.''

Wolff, who began his college career at Maryland, became one of the most valuable Bulls in 2023, Golesh's first season at USF. Wolff is best remembered for a 17-yard reception from Byrum Brown on third-and-long at UConn that helped to rescue a pivotal victory that led to USF's victorious appearance at the Boca Raton Bowl.

Last season was a different story. He played sparingly in only one game and never shook his injuries. Now he's a full-go.

"Obviously, not being out there on the field was hard for me mentally,'' Wolff said. "But I feel like I grew a lot. I spent a lot of time on the mental side of the game and created relationships with my teammates. It helped me to become a better teammate and learn the game at a deeper level. Sitting through meetings, thinking through the playbook and all the details, I feel like I became a better player in that aspect.''

Echols was also haunted by injuries last season, specifically a partially torn meniscus and ACL.

"I'm definitely 100-percent now,'' Echols said. "I worked on getting my hands and feet together in the running game, every single day. When I first came here, I couldn't do everything I needed to do with the injuries. Now I'm feeling good. I can bring a lot of versatility to the team, split out wide, go catch balls, block, anything you need.''

"Jon has grown a lot,'' Taylor said "He came in as a young man last year, really a kid, and he has grown so much. He has made big strides and has a chance to be a really good players for us. He has put it in his mind that he's going to get better every single day.''

Taylor said Sullivan has tremendous physical skills, but the player's best attributes are his leadership and electric personality.

"People follow Wyatt,'' Taylor said. "Our young guys, they follow him around. He's a great person and he has so much leadership ability. He's very physical in the run game and he also has the ability to play on the perimeter and do some special things out there. We're grateful to have him.''

"Wyatt is an energy guy,'' Wolff said. "He'll go out there and make big plays to get everyone hyped up. He always has some sort of celebration after a big catch. He brings energy into our room every single day and we've enjoyed having him. We're going to have a great season with him.''

Taylor said the tight-end group is dedicated to doing whatever is necessary for the Bulls to have a great season.

"We want to be Byrum's best friend out there,'' Taylor said. "When he needs something, we want to provide it. We've got to be excellent in the run game and that will open up opportunities for us in the passing game. We want to win our one-on-one matchups. We want to get open, make plays and do whatever is necessary for our offense to thrive.''

–#GoBulls–