In 2023, Liberty’s tight ends combined for 30 receptions for 318 yards, and 9 touchdowns. Under first year head coach Jamey Chadwell and his staff, the tight ends were much more integral a part of the offensive game plan than the Flames have seen in several years, especially around the end zone.
Looking ahead to 2024, Liberty’s group of tight ends should be even more important to the team, especially considering the depth of talent at the position and the question marks that currently exist at wide receiver.
Bentley Hanshaw returns from a 2023 campaign where he had 18 catches for 219 yards and 6 touchdowns. Those numbers all led the tight end group as he was a big target for QB Kaidon Salter in the red zone. The former BYU transfer has fit in well with the Flames as he enters his third and final year with the program. Expect him to have a big year on the field for the Flames.
Like Hanshaw, Henderson also made a significant impact on the field last season. He saw just about the same amount of playing ti me as Hanshaw, being used in two tight end sets as well as single tight end formations. Henderson had 10 catches for 87 yards and 3 scores last year, and, with his experience, should see those numbers increase significantly this fall.
Jacob Jenkins had to sit out last year after transferring from Coastal Carolina, it was his second transfer of his career. Jenkins, a former all-Sun Belt performer for the Chanticleers, was allowed to play in the Fiesta Bowl and his presence was immediately felt as he caught 3 passes for 33 yards. He will likely be thrust into the mix with Hanshaw and Henderson, seeing a good amount of reps on the field.
Other names provide depth for the Flames at tight end including Bo Burklow, Eli Sisson, and Connie Hewitt, II. Burklow is a redshirt-freshman who played sparingly last season while Sisson and Hewitt are true freshmen that joined the program for the spring.
Previous Roster Reviews:
Defensive Line
Linebackers
Corners
Safeties
Special Teams
Wide Receivers
Offensive Line
