Faysal Shafaat, the former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga tight end who has a shot of hearing his name called in next month’s NFL draft, had a skill set that none of the four possible replacements currently possess.
But it is a position that still will be expected to be productive.
Senior Troy Dye, junior Steve Pickren, sophomore Malcolm Colvin and redshirt freshman Bailey Lenoir have been vying for the opportunity to succeed the graduated two-time All-American, who was third on the team in catches (34) and yards (413) and second in receiving touchdowns (five) in 2014.
Pickren is a 6-foot-5, 255-pound transfer from Alabama-Birmingham who played defensive and offensive tackle during his two seasons before the UAB program was disbanded after the 2014 season.
UTC coach Russ Huesman said Monday that Colvin has been the guy the coaching staff has been “most pleased with,” but said each tight end candidate has distinct strengths that could be vital once the season rolls around.