KNOXVILLE – Since he arrived on Tennessee’s campus in 2013, Jason Croom has looked the part of a tight end thanks to his oversized frame.
Only now, though, is the fifth-year senior learning what it takes to play that position.
Transitioning from wide receiver to tight end never was going to be an overnight process for the 6-foot-5, 246-pounder, but his coaches are pleased with the progress he’s made as Tennessee enters the final two weeks of spring practice.
“Jason Croom improves every practice,” offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said last week. “I know one thing with Jason: He’s tough. He’s making that transition right now, but by the time he goes through spring and then has the summer and gets involved in training camp, he’s going to be fine.”
Croom always seemed like a natural fit at tight end, but the position is more complex than most people think. It requires the strength and physical style necessary to hold up as a run-blocker or in pass protection, the knowledge of where to line up based on the how the defense is aligned and the understanding of pass coverage.