Spring Ball Preview: Utah Football’s Tight End Room
Feb 25, 2025, 10:35 PM | Updated: Feb 26, 2025, 10:04 am
SALT LAKE CITY—With the start of spring ball just around the corner, it’s a good time to start previewing each position group for Utah football.
These five weeks of spring camp will allow Kyle Whittingham’s staff to integrate all the newcomers into Utah football’s culture.
Utah’s tight end position will see some new faces step into prominent roles as the program looks to reload for 2025. With key departures and fresh talent emerging, this spring will be crucial in shaping how the position group contributes to the offense under Jason Beck.
MORE: Utah Basketball Head Coach Big Board: Potential Targets 1.0
Utah football’s tight end room
Who’s Left: Brant Kuithe, Miki Suguturaga
Who’s Back: Landen King, Hunter Andrews, Dallen Bentley
Who’s New: Drew Clemens, Bear Tenney, Broderick Redden
RELATED: Three Utah Football Players Invited To NFL Combine
The Utes lost an all-time great in Kuithe, and a physical presence in Suguturaga but there remains good potential in the room. Utah enters spring ball looking to figure out its tight end rotation in the new-look offense.
King and Bentley, both return from last year’s squad as the only tight ends with experience under their belt. Andrews also returns from this past season’s roster but has moved from linebacker to running back, back to linebacker and now to tight end, where he actually has a ton of promise.
Meanwhile, Utah has added three young players to the room: Clemens, Tenney, and Redden. Each could develop into an option at tight end for Utah.
𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 🏃 pic.twitter.com/uCp2rbpeq3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 26, 2025
Landen King’s emergence could be the key
King presents the most intriguing upside as a receiving threat. The former Auburn transfer has the size and athleticism to become a prominent option in the passing game. At 6-foot-5, he provides a sizable target with natural ball skills, but this spring will be about him taking a step forward as an all-around player.
Establishing the chemistry with Devon Dampier will be important. King has flashed the ability to make big plays, but is he ready for the demands of being a consistent, reliable pass catcher? That will be key for him this spring.
King’s inclusion on the leadership council is a really positive development for him and Utah. Last season was a difficult one, but his willingness to stay committed to the process seems to have paid off.
An anchor in Dallen Bentley
Bentley will be a vital component of the tight end room as a physical presence in the run game. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, he is built to be a dominant blocker, and Utah will likely lean on him to set the edge in its rushing attack.
While his primary role will be as an in-line blocker, Bentley has the potential to contribute as a short-yardage receiving option. His development as a pass catcher will be something to watch, but his main value lies in his ability to help solidify Utah’s run game.
The surprise factor with Hunter Andrews
Andrews move to tight end is an exciting one. Given his background, there are parallels to Kuithe. He was a dynamic running back in high school but given his size, seems like a promising option as a versatile tight end type.
With Utah needing to replace lost production, Andrews could carve out a role if he shows he can handle the X’s and O’s. His progress throughout spring ball will be key in determining how much he can be relied on and how much he might contribute next season.
RELATED: Utah’s Spencer Fano Named In PFF’s Top 101 Players From 2024 Season
Keys for the tight end room in spring ball
The tight end position will have a new identity in 2025, and spring ball will be instrumental in defining it. King’s emergence as a pass catcher, Bentley’s role as a blocking anchor, and Andrews’ potential to surprise will all be storylines to watch.
After that, it will be entirely about learning what the young guys can bring to the table. Clemens, Tenney, and Redden each show promise, and we’ll gain a better idea of who is ready to help Utah next season.
With Dampier leading the offense, finding reliable targets will be a priority. If King can take the next step, Bentley can provide stability, and Andrews can take to the position quickly, Utah’s tight end group could become a key factor in the team’s success this fall.
