Tight end Preview: New era ready to take over for Bulldogs

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The tight end has always been a key piece of the Bryant University football offense and this fall the Bulldogs will look to a relatively inexperienced unit to lead the way.  

The Bryant University football team kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, September 3 against Merrimack at Bulldog Stadium. Leading up to opening day, BryantBulldogs.com will take a position-by-position look at the Bulldogs.

Bryant bid farewell to a pair of fifth-year seniors last fall in John Lavin and Ryan Barrett. The duo gave the Black and Gold one of the best tight end units in the Northeast Conference, with Lavin earning First Team All-NEC honors. They combined to make 33 catches for 383 yards and six touchdowns last season. Filling the void will be a group led by juniors Pat Danner (Plymouth, Mass.), Ken Blasser (Pembroke, Mass.), Ryan Carr (East Northport, N.Y.) and Joe Fine (Cumberland, R.I.).

"It's going to be very difficult to fill the hole left by John and Ryan," Danner said. "They were great leaders and players, however, our group aims to meet the high standard of our program and fill the big shoes of two former captains."

Danner looks to break camp as the No. 1 tight end and enters the season without a reception in his career. He excelled on special teams last season, however, and saw time at tight end on running downs. Joining him this season will be Fine, a fullback his first two years in the program. He caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown and at 6-1, 241, has the ability to make a difference at the position.

"As a group, we are young and have a lot of game experience but we have worked hard through the winter, spring and training camp and feel we are prepared for the weeks ahead," Danner said.

Among the other juniors, Blasser and Carr have appeared in a combined 12 games over the course of their careers. Blasser spent time as Bryant's long snapper last season and his 6-4 frame could give the Bulldogs needed height at the position. Also battling for playing time will be a trio of underclassmen in Cole Cronin (Wrightstown, N.J.), Nolan Wilson (Wenham, Mass.) and Tom Hennion (Totowa, N.J.).

"Our biggest strength is with our position coach [John Sielawa]," Danner said. "His positivity and knowledge has put us in a position to succeed."