NATIONAL TIGHT ENDS DAY: ND/MN Edition

National Tight Ends day originated in 2019 and is now celebrated every forth Sunday in October in the NFL.

FARGO (KVRR) – Whether they are sealing the edge in the run game or hauling in highlight plays, Tight Ends are some of the most versatile athletes in the game of football. Sunday, October 26 was National Tight Ends day. Several athletes who play the position in the FM area shared their thoughts on the grit, toughness and swagger that goes into it.

“They’re linemen, they’re running backs, they can play anywhere,” said Barnesville High School Quarterback Jacob Strand. “I mean, we wouldn’t be able to run this offense without them, so I really appreciate all that they do”

From pancake blocks to red-zone grabs, there’s one position making a unique impact on the game every weekend – and Sunday it is celebrated: Welcome to National Tight End’s Day.

Tight Ends day originated in 2019 and is celebrated every fourth Sunday in October in the National Football League. It gives everyone a chance to appreciate all that tight ends can do on the football field. It’s a position that when you have a good one, it elevates your team.

“We want to have two of those guys on the field, if not three of them on the field,” said North Dakota University football coach Eric Schmidt. “I think they all bring something different as far as their skill set goes. They play hard, but they they cheer for the guy that goes in the game too behind them or beside him. They want them to do well too.”

A true brotherhood in any Tight Ends room. The Barnesville Trojans own a tradition of excellence in Minnesota Class 2A football. They run a run dominant Power T offense. The few times a game they go the air, guess who … a lot of times its the Quarterback’s best friend: The Tight End…

“We don’t throw a lot, but if it is thrown to them, they’re expected to catch the ball,” said Barnesville High School football head coach Bryan Strand. “They have to block well and, of course, run very good routes. When the tight ends get involved it just opens up. Otherwise everyone wants to play 11 guys up. We’ve got to be able to throw the ball to weaken them up a little bit. So, to have two qualified guys, it’s spectacular.”

In North Dakota you can just about call Fargo South “Tight End High”. Prior to the current star at the position Drew Kessel, the Bruins had current North Dakota State Bison Reis Kessel. Both Kessel brothers love the position.

“You get to go make plays like touchdowns,” said Drew Kessel. “I mean, put up yards like wide receivers do, but at the same time, also blocking like make plays happen for your team.”

Reis Kessel added, “Being a Tight End is awesome. It’s the most versatile position. We’re an extra O-lineman, and we can go out there and catch touchdowns. It’s the best position, in my opinion, by far.”

For South’s head coach Tyker Kosel, its certainly a luxury to continue have elite Tight Ends on his team year after year.

“Great family, great kids, great athlete. Drew has made a lot of plays the last two years, just going over top of kids that are absolutely tremendous. Obviously he is getting a lot of division I attention now, so he’s just been a big weapon that we have.”

North Dakota State has seen great Tight Ends come through the Program and Reis Kessel is yet another that is continuing to develop. Even where he is at right now is something Bison head coach Tim Polasek gets excited about:

“This guy’s up to 200 and some yards receiving, 21 or 22 yards per catch. Like, if he can continue to develop, you can line him up in the slot, and then the next time he’s the nub side tight end, he’s blocking the run. So, I would just say formation diversity, and then the middle control. Controlling the middle of the field with a pass catcher, not only can catch it, but can do something after the catch. That is really something I get excited about – That’s hard to defend.”

At The University of North Dakota, Nathan Hromadka is fourth on the team in touchdown catches. The 6’6″ frame makes the true freshman a reliable target for his Quarterback.

“It’s a huge advantage to us,” said UND quarterback Jerry Kaminksi. When you have a guy like Nate out there who is a matchup problem. He runs routes like a receiver, it’s a lot of confidence looking out there, you see that guys on your side.”

Hromadka added, “Jerry gives us opportunities. I mean, he throws it near us, we’re supposed to catch it. That’s kind of our job. You know, any ball in our vicinity is our ball. That’s the mentality of the whole tight end room.”

Combine size, athleticism and the hands…They say, you know, tight ends might have the best hands on the team. Is that an argument they win amongst their teammates?”

Drew Kessel (Fargo South HS): “Yes, I think tight ends definitely do have the best hands on the team, for sure.”

Nathan Hromadka (North Dakota University): “Yeah. I mean, the wide receivers definitely give us a run for our money, but I got the tight ends all day, every day.”

Parker Strom (Barnesville HS): “Yeah, I definitely do I feel like I have one of the best hands.”

Happy National Tight Ends!

*Writers note from Ryan Bowlin*

As a former Tight End in high school (S/O Holy Family Catholic High School and my QB Jacob Zay), I agree that Tight Ends have the best hands on the team and that it IS the best position in football.