The tight end position hasn’t been one that has been used much in Austin over the past several years but his year under Mike Yurcich could be different. In the past, Yurcich has used them on offense to help spread out a defense. For the Longhorns there are several to keep an eye on this spring as they battle it out for playing time.
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Cade Brewer:
Brewer comes into 2020 as the incumbent starter, he required ankle surgery during the 2019 campaign. Brewer would appear in seven games with 11 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown. With so much uncertainty surrounding the wide receiver position in 2020, Brewer could be in for a big senior campaign in 2020.
Malcolm Epps:
For the Longhorns, Epps could make an impact in multiple spots on offense. Epps was recruited as a tight end but made the switch to wide receiver last season. With Yurcich’s affinity for multiple tight end usage on offense he could find himself back at his original position in some capacity for the Longhorns.
Reese Leitao:
Leitao found his way into two games during the 2019 season, mostly due to the injury to Brewer. Much like Epps, Leitao could work his way onto the field in 2020. Brewer will be a season in 2020 and the Longhorns need to have some development into the next tight end in Austin.
Jared Wiley:
Wiley is a young tight end who signed as part of the 2019 recruiting class as an early signee. The 6’6″ tight end caught one pass against Texas Tech in 2019 for 15 yards. He will likely battle it out with Leitao and Brayden Liebrock for backup duties to Brewer in 2020.
Brayden Liebrock:
Liebrock should be the dark horse of the entire group. He has all the makings of a great tight end at the University of Texas. The four-star prospect was named to the USA Today All-American second team and participated in the Under Armour All-American game. He appeared in the Rice and Texas Tech games but did not register a reception. Liebrock is the one player outside of Epps who could really give opposing defenses fits in coverage and the tight end to watch this spring.