Our Duke Football Team Preview continues as this time we take a look at a position that is often forgotten, tight end. This group only loses one player from last year, Connor Peters, who saw little to no game action.

David Reeves, a 6’5, 250 pound, redshirt senior, is the old veteran here. In 2014, he started all 13 games and caught 13 passes for 103 yards and 3 TDs. Not spectacular numbers but he can be relied upon for solid blocking and when he is open he will catch passes. Reeves did not get many passes thrown to him as Jamison Crowder and Issac Blakeney were the focus of the passing attack. I would expect to see Reeves provide the same sort of production he has given the previous 3 years.

Braxton Deaver, a 6’5, 240 pound, redshirt senior, returns from a knee injury which cost him the entire 2014 season. When Deaver was last healthy in 2013, he was an All-ACC pick collecting 46 passes for 600 yards and 4 TDs. He was granted a sixth season of eligibility because of the knee injury. If he can return to his pre-injury form then he should be the starter. Deaver is your prototypical tight end who can play on the line of scrimmage as well as line up on the outside. He possesses a knack for finding open spaces in zone defense and is a great security blanket.

Erich Schneider, a 6’7, 240 pound, redshirt junior, returns and looks to be in-line to be the backup to Deaver. As you can see by his height, he is a tall, lanky kid who has very good hands. He has failed to put it all together yet as he only has 7 catches his entire career. It is finally time for him to play to the level he is capable.

Returning sophomore, Davis Koppenhaver, standing at 6’4, 210 pound, played in 3 games as a true freshman. He is primarily a tight end who will play in the slot and is a nice weapon to have when a quarterback gets into trouble. Fans should expect a sophomore surge from Koppenhaver if given the opportunity.

Dan Beilinson, a 6’5, 255 pound, redshirt junior, also returns from a ruptured right pectoral muscle. He has only played 94 career snaps but he has good size and has always been a prospect who had potential. I would not expect him to contribute besides special teams.

Finally, Daniel Helm, a 6’4, 240 pound, transfer from the University of Tennessee, came to the program in January but is ineligible to play this season. He is the most talented tight end on the roster and will be the future at this position.

ACC Rank: 4th

The key is Deaver. If he can return to his 2013 form then this ranking will be accurate. Reeves is at best a reserve tight end. Schneider, Beilinson and Koppenhaver are all unproven. Deaver returning from his knee injury will ultimately decide what kind of production this group hopes to receive. I would expect Deaver to be the man at the top of the depth chart with Reeves and Schneider backing him up. Koppenhaver should be given a bigger role in the passing game. Daniel Helm will take over this position next year.