Over the next two weeks, PowerMizzou.com will take a look at every position on the Missouri football roster. We'll review what happened in 2016 and look forward to 2017 both in terms of the current roster and the upcoming recruiting class. Today, we continue with the running backs.
ALSO SEE: QUARTERBACK REVIEW | ON THE ROAD RECRUITING | 2016 MAILBAG
Season Review: The tight end position was a dual role in the first year with Josh Heupel running the offense. While Mizzou's tight ends were often split out as receivers, they also took on an increased role as in-line blockers and often lined up in the backfield to help block as well.
Sean Culkin was the starter. He caught 24 passes for 282 yards and was a key blocker for the Tigers' attack. Along with Tyler Hanneke, who was often lined up in the backfield in short yardage situations, Culkin has exhausted his eligibility and will not return for the 2017 team.
Kendall Blanton became the No. 2 tight end throughout the year. Blanton caught 16 passes and scored three touchdowns. He was a little more in line with Missouri's tight ends back in the glory days of the position at Mizzou. He was more of a pass catcher than a blocker, though he did help out in that role as well. Jason Reese had eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns, but saw his playing time decrease over the course of the season.
Missouri had two 2016 signees redshirt at the tight end position in Brendan Scales and Albert Okwuegbunam.
