Wayne State University Athletics

Football 8/19/2024 8:26:00 AM Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

2024 WSU Football - Tight Ends Preview

DETROIT -- As we enter the final week of position previews for the 2024 Wayne State University football team, this segment is the tight ends preview with coach Pat Fogarty, Jr.

Despite losing Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez to Tennessee-Chattanooga via the transfer portal, the cupboard is hardly bare at the tight end/H-Back position.

Redshirt junior John Rayba returns after earning Honorable Mention All-GLIAC recognition a season ago. He played in all 11 contests and made nine starts. Rayba totaled six receptions for 66 yards last fall.

Redshirt senior Tommy Guajardo appeared in four games, mainly on special teams, in 2023 to earn his first collegiate letter after stops at Michigan State and Bowling Green.

In addition, redshirt sophomore Nick Ostas saw action at tight end in 10 contests (11 games total including special teams), making his lone start vs. Michigan Tech.

Notre Dame College transfer Jeremiah Drake played in six games in 2023 for the Falcons before the College closed this past May. Redshirt sophomore Gabe Mendoza saw action on special teams (kickoff return) a year ago, while redshirt freshman Jobe Benschoter will be pushing for playing time.

Other Position Previews
Season Preview
Running Backs Preview
Defensive Line Preview
Defensive Backs Preview
Quarterbacks Preview
Offensive Line Preview
Linebackers Preview
Wide Receivers Preview

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Players Mentioned

#86 Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez: TE; 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior

#89 Jobe Benschoter: TE; 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman

#84 Tommy Guajardo: TE/LS; 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior

#34 Gabe Mendoza: TE; 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore

#85 Nick Ostas: TE; 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore

#21 John Rayba: TE; 6' 0"; Senior

#86 Jeremiah Drake: TE; 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#86 Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior
: TE

#89 Jobe Benschoter
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman
: TE

#84 Tommy Guajardo
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior
: TE/LS

#34 Gabe Mendoza
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore
: TE

#85 Nick Ostas
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore
: TE

#21 John Rayba
: 6' 0"; Senior
: TE

#86 Jeremiah Drake
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore
: TE