Is there a No. 1 tight end on Indiana's roster?

If Indiana's wide receiver two-deep is fraught with uncertainty, then its positional neighbor, tight end, can empathize.

IU hasn't been able to find a clear-cut No. 1 tight end since Ted Bolser's departure in 2013. While replicating Bolser's record-setting career probably isn't realistic, finding a legitimate blocking/receiving threat here would be a significant boost.

Kevin Wilson should not want for options. Whether open competition breeds improved production remains to be seen.

NAMES TO KNOW

Michael Cooper, 6-5, 257 pounds, R-Sr.

Anthony Corsaro, 6-3, 250, Sr.

Sean Damaska, 6-7, 250, R-Jr.

Danny Friend, 6-5, 261, R-So.

Jordan Fuchs, 6-6, 233, So.

Austin Dorris, 6-5, 225, Fr.

IS THERE A FRONTRUNNER?

First, it's worth mentioning that Tevin Coleman probably doesn't rush for 2,000-plus yards in 2014 without good tight end play. So it's not like Indiana is starting from scratch.

The question is whether one of the aforementioned six players -- and that's every tight end on Indiana's roster at present -- can couple consistent blocking with some receiving threat.

Last season, three players (Corsaro, Fuchs and Cooper) combined for 10 catches, 95 yards and one touchdown (Fuchs). That encompasses the entire receiving output of the position group in 2014. Indiana's limitations in the passing game certainly extended beyond tight end, but improvement here would bolster the Hoosiers' options through the air, perhaps significantly.

Seniority and experience could give Corsaro the early edge. His contributions as a blocker last season are noted in his official team biography.

Fuchs' athleticism makes him an attractive choice, invoking some comparisons to Bolser's style of play at the position.

But, just as with Indiana's receiver corps, there are no guarantees anywhere on the roster right now.

FINAL WORD

Bolser was a crucial piece of an offense that led the conference in passing two seasons consecutively. His absence last season was equally impactful.

Again, this group deserves praise for helping build a record-setting rushing attack for Coleman last fall. And there's potential at numerous spots.

But with Nate Sudfeld healthy and back for one more season, Indiana's passing game must carve the path offensively if IU wants to play into the postseason.

So we return to the question: Is there a No. 1 tight end on Indiana's roster? If so, how quickly will he show himself?

OTHER POSITION PREVIEWS

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Follow Star reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.