Drew Cronic has evolved his “hybrid” version of Wing-T offense considerably over the years. One thing that has never changed is the importance of the tight end position.
In Cronic’s unique attack, the tight end is on the field for almost every down and plays a pivotal role in both the running and passing game. Needless to say, the tight end needs to be talented, versatile and impactful.
“Because you’re asking them to do so many different things,” Cronic said of why the tight end is so crucial. “They have to be an offensive lineman and a receiver. We move them around a lot. It’s a complex position just because they play in so many different places.”
Tight end has been a developmental position for the Midshipmen, who added the position to the triple-option offense in 2022. For the past two seasons, the position has been used in strictly a blocking role and has never been so much as targeted much less caught a pass.
For the Wing-T to operate as designed, the tight end must become a legitimate receiving threat.
“We want to target them, but we’ve got to see them worthy of being targeted,” he said. “Right now, they’re further along in the blocking game than in the passing game, but they’ve made a lot of strides since the start of spring. I’ve seen some moments of making plays. It’s a work in progress.”
For the past two seasons, Navy’s tight end depth chart consisted entirely of converted defenders. Senior Thomas Scully, currently listed as the starter, was recruited to Navy as a linebacker.
That junior Cody Howard and sophomore Jake Norris are second and third on the depth chart is testament to the evolving nature of the position. Howard was switched from wide receiver prior to spring camp, while Norris was recruited as a tight end.
Jon Williams, in his second year as the tight ends coach, is proud of the progress that’s been made. However, Williams acknowledges there is still a long way to go.
“Last year around this time I told you we were in the infant stages. I think now we’re in the toddler stages or maybe a little bit further along than that,” Williams said. “We’re still a young group in terms of playing the position. We have a couple veterans that are seniors and juniors, but in terms of knowing and understanding the position we’re still young and still learning.”
Spring practice was critical for the tight ends, especially the returning ones, who had to relearn the position as it fits into the Wing-T after playing in the triple-option system.
“Last year, I thought the most important thing was building a culture within the room that could be the foundation. This year, we are building brick by brick in terms of learning the fundamentals of the position,” Williams said. “The tight end in Drew’s system is much more active.”
By far the biggest emphasis during preseason camp has been route-running. Williams has stressed the importance of getting a clean release and not allowing defenders to disrupt the route. He has harped on the importance of breaking violently at the top of the route to gain separation.
“We’re going to be able to run the full complement of routes. We know how to run those routes, but we have to be able to do so in games,” said Williams, reiterating the necessity of the tight ends being versatile. “They’ve got to be really physical blockers in the running game while at the same time being athletic enough to not only run routes, but to get separation and get open to be a legitimate target in the passing game.”
Williams said Scully, Howard and Norris have separated themselves from the rest of the tight ends with each having their own dominant traits. However, he admitted it would be nice to have one tight end that possessed the complete package.
“Unfortunately, that’s not where we’re at right now,” he said.
For now, Scully is the best combination of blocker and receiver and is tenacious no matter the assignment.
“Thomas Scully is a big effort guy and I think that is the thing that separates him from the others,” Williams said. “He comes to work every day with an unbelievable attitude and is a really tough dude.”
Scully, who did not play on offense in high school, said he is finally comfortable operating as a tight end. He praised Williams for “taking me under his wing” and teaching the position from the ground up.
Scully, who said “I finally feel like a tight end now,” recognizes that much more will be asked of the unit and believes they are prepared to deliver.
“I think Coach Williams has done a great job of getting us ready. I think he has coached us up to be ready for this moment. We’ve stayed ready because we have been expecting this to happen,” Scully said. “We’re now a crucial part of the offense. Some of the routes we’re running on first or second reads for the quarterback, so we have to get open and make catches.”
After spending two years working as a wide receiver, Howard immediately become Navy’s most accomplished tight end in terms of running route and catching passes. The Northern-Calvert graduate totaled three receptions for 50 yards last season.
Howard missed spring practice after undergoing offseason surgery and has been playing catch-up since being cleared by team doctors. Howard worked hard in the weight room this summer and has bulked up to 231 pounds in order to become a more effective blocker.
“I’ve been really pleased with Cody in terms of how he’s adapted to the position. I think he has the potential to be the total package,” Williams said. “Cody has been running routes and catches pasess his whole career, so conceptually he understands the big picture of the passing game. The improvements we have to make with Cody are heavier toward the run game.”
Norris played both tight end and quarterback at Madison Central High in Mississippi. Williams has been impressed by the overall athleticism Norris has brought to the tight end position and said his potential is through the roof.
“Jake has done a good job. He’s just a really good athlete who runs well and can do a lot of different things,” Williams said. “He’s also fearless and very tough.”
Norris is one of eight sophomores or freshmen tight ends on the roster, most of which played that position in high school.
“The goal here is to have a tight end that does it all and I think we’re moving toward that in terms of recruiting,” Williams said. “I feel unbelievably good about what’s coming in terms of the young tight ends.”
Navy tight ends
Position coach: Jon Williams, second year
Returning starter: Thomas Scully (Senior, 6-2, 236)
Top backups: Cody Howard (Junior, 6-2, 231) and Jake Norris (Sophomore, 6-3, 230)
Letterman lost: Akalea Kapono