Bruins have depth at tight end

The Bruins have several offensive challenges to overcome this fall. BruinBlitz.com already went over the running back position. Another missing ingredient UCLA will have to replace is Mackey Award winner Marcedes Lewis and his team leading 58 receptions, 741 receiving yards and his 10 receiving touchdowns.

Lewis will be hard to replace for many reasons, not only was he a go to guy who could be counted on in the clutch, but he was a good blocker as well.

If spring ball is any indication of what the fall will look like then it looks like the Bruins could replace Lewis by committee.

The Bruins have four capable tight ends who will be getting long looks during August Camp and if one pulls away from the pack then he will get the nod.

The four tight ends who will do battle this fall are red shirt senior J.J. Hair (6-5, 248), true sophomore Ryan Moya (6-3, 230), true sophomore Logan Paulsen (6-5, 237) and red shirt freshman Adam Heater (6-5, 248).

Hair has proven track record in the running game for his excellent blocking skills. He worked hard this past spring on his routes and hands hoping to make his presence felt more in the passing game. At the very least, Hair will provide experienced depth at the position and give solid minutes.

Moya has already made his presence known as a receiver. He showed flashes of being a homerun threat in the passing game. Another thing that makes Moya an interesting candidate to replace Lewis is he's an excellent runner after making the catch. He is also a terrific athlete who has an aggressive streak and can block. Moya could end up being a special player.

Paulsen earned the nickname of "Tarzan" in high school due to the way he looks and plays. This guy has a lot of athletic ability and improved immensely as a blocker. Paulsen is just beginning to hit stride as a football player and still learning the game. He only started playing the game in high school and like Moya has a chance to be special.

When the Bruins landed Heater during the summer of 2004, BruinBlitz.com was told by an insider that if Heater was to enter school that fall he would be the second best tight end on the team. That was said before Heater even started his senior season. Heater is an excellent blocker and he made some nice catches this past spring.

While it is never easy replacing a player the stature of Lewis the Bruins look to be solid at the position this fall.

One thing you can count on is the tight end will be an important piece to the offense.

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