DETROIT -- Now that fall camp is less than a week away, we will continue previewing each position on the 2023 Wayne State University football team with the respective coaches highlighting their groups. In this segment, Pat Fogarty discusses the tight ends.
Wayne State must replace
Nick Poterack, who finished 33rd in career receiving yards (736) and tied-for-14th in touchdown receptions (8), but first among tight ends in both categories in school history, and was a three-time All-GLIAC performer.
The new look Warriors have incorporated the fullbacks into the tight end position.
Redshirt junior
Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez (Petoskey, Mich.), who played in all 10 games at tight end in 2022, starting five times, is the most experienced returnee at the position. Classmates
Tommy Guajardo (Dearborn, Mich.) and
Kaveon Ross (Columbus, Ohio / Walnut Ridge) have limited collegiate experience. Guajardo appeared in two contests a season ago, while Ross played in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2021.
Redshirt sophomores
John Rayba (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Stoney Creek) and
Nick Hayward (Bellevue, Mich.) both earned a letter in 2022 as fullbacks. Rayba saw action in all 10 contests in 2022, including at fullback in five games. Hayward saw action in the final nine contests, primarily on special teams.
Redshirt freshman
Gabe Mendoza (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester) and
Nick Ostas (Blissfield, Mich.) both redshirted in 2022. Mendoza was voted to the All-Oakland Activities Association White Division All-League team in 2021, while Ostas earned First Team All-Lenawee County Athletic Association honors as a senior defensive end.
Jobe Benschoter (Adrian, Mich. / Tecumseh) is a true freshman, who will most likely redshirt. He was selected to the
Detroit News All-State Second Team as a senior.
Other Position Previews
Season Preview
Quarterbacks Preview
Running Backs Preview
Offensive Line Preview
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