Houston Football: 5 breakout candidates for the Cougars in 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Tyler McCloskey spent the past two seasons as Houston’s starting tight end. As a senior last year, McCloskey caught 23 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns. He was also a valuable part of the run-blocking schemes that helped Ward, Catalon, and Birden put up big combined rushing numbers in 2016. McCloskey parlayed his versatility into a contract with the San Francisco 49ers, where he is battling to make the team as a fullback.
Now Major Applewhite needs to find a new starter at tight end as he tries to replicate the immediate success his former boss generated at Houston. He will likely turn to Houston native Romello Brooker, a junior who played a relief role in 12 games last season.
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Brooker caught just two passes all year, but Houston doesn’t necessarily call upon its tight ends to do a lot of receiving. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Brooker offers a bigger blocker than McCloskey brought to the run game. He could open holes that help turn the previously mentioned Catalon into a star.
But Applewhite is likely to incorporate tight ends as receivers more in 2017, given the skill set his new quarterback brings to the table. Brooker also offers a bigger target going out down the seam and in tight windows in the middle of the field. Look for him to become a star in his own right as the junior enjoys a breakout season both receiving and blocking.