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NFL Draft: 4 tight ends to watch in Week 1 of the CFB season

By Dan Matney

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 27: Jared Pinkney #80 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Congratulations, we’ve officially made it to week one of the college football season.

The first week brings exciting matchups but one of the most intriguing storylines of the week involves the tight end position.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl typically brings in 7-8 tight ends every year. Opening weekend’s slate brings intriguing matchups for four senior tight ends that will likely participate, or at least garner an invite, to Mobile in January.

Vanderbilt’s Jared Pinkney gets another chance at Georgia after leaving last season’s game against the Bulldogs after suffering a concussion.

Mitchell Wilcox is USF’s primary target in the passing game and will see one of two Power 5 teams on USF’s schedule in the Wisconsin Badgers. The Bulls hope he can replicate the impact he had the last time they faced off against a Big Ten opponent when he hauled in eight catches for 109 yards last year against Illinois.

Jared Rice has been a standout during his time at Fresno State and creates mismatches vs. most of his Mountain West competition. He kicks his season off against the most athletic linebacker and safety group that he’ll see this season.

Florida Atlantic’s strength of schedule is a bit underwhelming and they face their stiffest competition during the season’s first two weeks. The opener against Ohio State might be Harrison Bryant’s only true chance to shine and this game will certainly be a key piece of his on-field evaluation.

Each offers a differing skillset that is coveted in the NFL. Here is a closer look at where their game stands at this point, as well as some things to look for in each matchup.

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