By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
HAYS – Fort Hays State will have a new face at tight end this season after the graduation of three-time All-MIAA selection Cale Cormaney.
While replacing a player of Cormaney’s caliber won’t be easy, the Tigers return several players with experience and have added a pair of transfers to provide depth at the position.
Senior Kade Evans is the most experienced of the returners. He has played in every game over the past two seasons and enters the season with nine career receptions for 36 yards. Evans also served as the Tigers’ second tight end a year ago and was voted a team captain this season.
“Losing Cale was tough, but the room has risen to the occasion over the offseason,” tight ends coach Aaron Corbin said. “There’s a lot of depth.”
Sophomores Tristen Davidson and Noah McDoulett also saw action in all 11 games last season. Davidson had two catches for 18 yards, while McDoulett’s lone reception came on a touchdown against CSU Pueblo.
Junior Keron Watson is another player to watch. Entering his fourth year in the program, Watson has been limited by injuries and has yet to see game action. Corbin said Watson has made significant strides as a blocker during the offseason, expanding his role beyond the passing game.
“He’s conquered that, and he’s ready to rock and roll,” Corbin said. “Now he’s a true 11-personnel, first-down tight end.”
The Tigers also added Andale native Noah Bruce, a transfer from Butler Community College, and Jaxon Hart, who transferred from Stephen F. Austin. Both are competing for playing time.
With a mix of returning players and newcomers, Corbin believes the position can make a bigger impact offensively this season, particularly in the passing game.
“Getting them back in the passing game has really been a big goal for us,” Corbin said. “When defenses are thinking it’s automatic run, we can catch them off guard and get them involved in the pass.”
The competition for playing time will continue through the remainder of preseason camp, but the Tigers believe they have the depth to withstand the loss of one of their most productive tight ends in recent years.