ERIE, Pa. - Beginning last week, we began showcasing a position-by-position outlook for the Mercyhurst College football team leading up to its season opener against Notre Dame College at Tullio Field on September 3. Our final positional outlook of our two-week series focuses on the tight end position.
After the graduation of one of Mercyhurst's all-time leading receivers in Josh Szeluga after the 2009 season, a pair of players stepped up and formed a nice rotation at the tight end position last season, combining for 26 catches for 270 yards and four touchdowns.
The duo of junior
Ryan Bartizal (6-3, 240, Amherst, Ohio/Amherst Steele) and redshirt sophomore
R.J. Miller (6-3, 230, Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) will be looked upon again at the tight end position. Bartizal caught 11 passes last season for 112 yards and three touchdowns, while Miller caught more passes (15) and yards (158) but had just one score on the season.
Not only will the position be looked upon to help the receiving corps, but the tight end position also plays a significant role in run and pass blocking. Miller and Bartizal were a significant part of the line that allowed just 18 quarterback sacks last season.
2011 Camp Roster: Tight Ends
Ryan Bartizal (6-3, 245, Jr. Amherst, Ohio / Amherst Steele)
Jake Green (6-4, 230, Fr., Waterford, Pa. / Fort LeBoeuf)
Mitch Knapp (6-4, 225, R-Fr., Aurora, Ohio / Aurora)
R.J. Miller (6-3, 230, R-So., Pittsburgh, Pa. / North Hills)
Tymothy Takacs (6-2, 210, R-So., Woodlawn, N.Y. / St. Francis)
We will have one final outlook tomorrow, this time focusing on the Laker coaching staff, led by tenth-year head coach
Marty Schaetzle.
Position-By-Position Outlook Schedule
Monday, August 15 - Wide Receivers
Tuesday, August 16 - Defensive Line
Wednesday, August 17 - Quarterbacks
Thursday, August 18 - Defensive Backs
Friday, August 19 - Offensive Line
Monday, August 22 - Linebackers
Tuesday, August 23 - Running Backs
Wednesday, August 24 - Special Teams
Thursday, August 25 - Tight Ends
Friday, August 26 - Coaching Staff
