Sophomore Beck could be the breakout player Horns need at TE

Published Jun. 15, 2015 10:27 a.m. ET

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Sophomore Andrew Beck could be the Texas Longhorns' breakout player of 2015.

Don't know Beck? Just wait.

The Longhorns are implementing an up-tempo, spread offense that will demand a versatile player at tight end, something of a hybrid lineman, fullback and pass-catcher. With talented blocking tight ends Geoff Swaim and MJ McFarland gone, as well as Greg Daniels, Texas will take a hard look at Beck, both out of necessity (Alex De La Torre and Blake Whiteley are options) and because he shows the versatility the Longhorns just haven't had the position.

Texas' tight ends had 21 receptions combined last season.

A former linebacker, Beck has gained the confidence of offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

"I started politicking right away," Watson told SB Nation last November. "I ran up to Charlie [Strong] and say 'Hey, [number] 47 has got unbelievable hands, and he can run.' At that time, we were good at back, but we needed some depth at tight end."

Beck played through a hernia injury as he earned a couple of starts, utilized mostly as a run-blocker. He couldn't haul in his only attempt at a catch.

After undergoing surgery in the offseason to repair the hernia injury, the 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is in line to win the starting tight end job.

"We've got three or four guys that are working their tails off," new tight ends coach Jeff Traylor recently told SB Nation. "We have some work to do, there's no doubt about it. But, Andrew Beck is a great kid who works his tail off, Blake Whiteley and Alex De La Torre have been fantastic for me so far, and we'll see which one of them plays the best, and they'll line up against Notre Dame and get going."

(h/t SB Nation)

Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports