TIGHT ENDS OUTLOOK
The tight ends are the second-most veteran group on the Bulldogs' offense this season, and under coach Matt Entz and offensive coordinator Josh Davis the group may be used more in the passing game than it has the past few seasons.
When Entz was at North Dakota State, a tight end or fullback led or tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions four times (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023) in five years.
Brian Ferentz takes over as the position coach, coming to the Valley from Maryland where he served as a senior offensive assistant in 2024. He was the offensive coordinator at Iowa from 2017-23, and also coached the Hawkeyes' quarterbacks in 2022 and '23. During his tenure at Iowa, Ferentz also coached the offensive line, running backs and tight ends.
WHO'S BACK: Richie Anderson appeared in all 13 games last season, starting seven including the final six of the season. He finished with 18 receptions for 147 yards and ended the year with at least one catch in seven consecutive games. His five receptions for 60 yards at Air Force marked the most receiving yards in a game by a true or redshirt freshman tight end since Chad Olsen tallied 62 yards on four catches against San Jose State in 2014.
Jake Tarwater appeared in seven games this season, primarily on special teams, but played a key role in facilitating the run game. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned the highest run-blocking grade among tight ends in the Mountain West last season. He put on about 15 pounds to be more effective in the blocking game and is 257 pounds entering the season. Tarwater also had five receptions for 20 yards and added one rush for a yard.
Kamron Beachem appeared in nine games last season, starting once in the opener at No. 9 Michigan. He recorded nine receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown, with his best performance coming at New Mexico where he had two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown, including a 26-yard reception.
Brock Lium also returns. He appeared in all 13 games last season, contributing primarily on special teams, but played 25 snaps on offense. He caught a successful 2-point conversion in the win over New Mexico.
The group also returns Jace Nixon and Caden Rodgers. Rodgers made the move from linebacker to tight end this spring.
WHO'S NEW: The Bulldogs add one transfer and two true freshmen to the room.
Gavin Correia joins the roster from American River College with three years of eligibility remaining. He was a first-team all-conference selection last season as a freshman, appearing in nine games with 28 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Correia had a season-high 106 yards on five catches against Santa Rosa.
Ryan Lewis graduated from Escalon High, where he played tight end and defensive end and lettered all four years. As a senior, he recorded 34 receptions for 354 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team all-league honors at tight end. He was also named the school's athlete of the year and defensive player of the year.
Sebastien Boydell played three years at Corona Del Mar High, where he was a tight end and outside linebacker. As a senior, he recorded 11 receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Bulldogs' offense needs this group to have a strong season – either to help facilitate the run for a talented group of explosive running backs or, if opposing defenses focus on shutting down the run, to capitalize on the increased opportunities for targets.