How Ryan Grubb Could Utilize Washington's Tight Ends

Washington's tight ends are ready to be timely weapons for the Huskies.

If there's one thing that Washington fans know about quarterback Michael Penix and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, they love to spread the ball around. Penix completed 60 passes to returning senior tight ends Jack Westover and Devin Culp in 2022, with the pair catching 31 and 29 passes respectively. 

But how will they fit into the offense in 2023?

Washington's wide receivers arguably are the best in the country, led by preseason All-America candidate Rome Odunze and his running mate Jalen McMillan, and the offense also has a deep stable of running backs who can catch the ball very well.

Over their time in purple and gold, both Westover and Culp have proven to be capable blockers and tough matchups for defenders in coverage. So there's no question the two seniors will have a significant role in the offense, as well as Cal Poly transfer Josh Cuevas.

The bigger question is how many targets can they get?

Westover has proven to be a trustworthy security blanket over the middle of the field while Culp has made some tough catches over his Husky career. Working in all the talented newcomers, from receiver Germie Bernard to running back Dillon Johnson, as well as Cuevas, is going to eat into everyone's target shares.

With under two weeks to go until the Huskies kick off the season against Boise State, it appears that the starting job is Culp's to lose, but Westover and Cuevas will rotate in frequently. Culp most likely would be the go-to choice in two tight-end sets while Cuevas, who impressed Grubb with his blocking abilities in the spring, could find his way into red-zone personnel packages.

Washington's coaching staff has a plethora of talented pass-catchers at running back, wide receiver and tight end to choose from throughout the season and need a few to assert themselves behind Odunze and McMillan. 

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