Under Kalen DeBoer, Washington boasted one of the nation’s most prolific passing assaults last season. Yes, having Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. as quarterback helped, as did wide receivers Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk.
However, DeBoer’s scheme also uses tight ends in the passing game, with three different tight ends finishing the season with more than 150 receiving yards for Washington. One of those tight ends, Josh Cuevas, was one of four Husky players that followed DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, and Ja’Marcus Shepherd to Alabama.
After Tuesday’s practice, Alabama senior tight end Robbie Ouzts stated that having someone join their position group who is already familiar with DeBoer’s offense and scheme has been a huge help.
“It’s definitely helped, especially in the tight end room with Josh,” Ouzts told ESPN. “He has kind of been there and done that. Anytime we have a question—whether it’s about signaling, footwork, a specific scheme, or whatever we’re doing—having a guy with experience is helpful. “He’s been taught that before.”
Cuevas ended the season at Washington with four receptions for 164 yards and a score. It was his first season with the Huskies after transferring from Cal Poly, where he recorded 58 receptions for 678 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.
“Adding Josh to a tight end room that’s very versatile already, adding another hand- I feel like the tight end room’s the most complete position group on the team,” Ouzts told the media. “I feel like adding Josh to that group makes us that much better.”
Along with Ouzts and Cuevas, Alabama’s tight end room includes senior CJ Dippre (11 receptions for 187 yards last season), redshirt sophomore Danny Lewis Jr., and redshirt freshman Ty Lockwood.
New tight ends coach Bryan Ellis said Cuevas is a dedicated worker who can compete in the SEC.
“He’s tough— at the tight end position it starts and ends with toughness,” Ellis went on to say. “You have to have bravery. Playing tight end in this league requires even more of that. And he has lots of it. So I’m grateful that they (former Washington coaches) brought him with them.”
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