Don't Overlook #85, He Could Be a Factor in 2008

There are few Spartan fans that know who “number 85” is on the Spartan roster. MSU coaches are hoping that he properly introduces himself in today’s Green

There are few Spartan fans that know who “number 85” is on the Spartan roster. MSU coaches are hoping that he properly introduces himself in today’s Green and White game. Garrett Celek is one of the young tight ends on the current roster and may have the most upside of any TE on the MSU roster.

Garrett will likely be forced into significant duty for the Spartans as he completes his redshirt year and enters the fall with freshman eligibility. The towering 6’5” tight end is a product of LaSalle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. His older brother Brent currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and was a star at Cincinnati for the Bearcats when Dantonio held the reigns of the southern Ohio program. Garrett is an inch taller, equally or more athletic, but still needs to add strength to be equal to his older sibling.

It is no secret around the state of Ohio that Garrett was talented while playing left tackle in his high school days. He played left tackle due to LaSalle’s inability to find a dominant tackle playing in such a competitive high school league. Ohio State’s coaches gushed over Celek while he performed at the OSU camp and likely would have been given a spot on the OSU roster had Ohio State needed a tight end recruit.

Celek is the complete package. He is physical, rangy, fast, and athletic. He brings a blue-collar attitude and toughness to the practice field. He needs another 15-20 solid pounds to become dominant, but MSU hasn’t got the luxury to wait for Celek to bulk up; they need him now.

Celek presents potential problems for opposing defenses because of his speed and athletic ability. He is certainly a player that could rack up a lot of yards after a catch. He will need to become a force early in the 2008 season and shows potential as both a blocker and a receiver. Spartan fans can only hope that Celek progresses quickly and can pick up some of the slack left by Kellen Davis who graduated this past season and will likely be chosen in the first five rounds on draft day.

I am looking forward to seeing Celek in a game situation today and really like his potential to make a slash and even start this fall. So much of Garrett’s development depends upon his ability to add quality weight and become a consistent dominant blocker. I am truly hopeful that Garrett is a pleasant surprise today and carries some momentum into fall camp. Good luck Garrett, Spartans everywhere will be pulling for you today.