Barring unforeseen circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we could see college football in 2020. With quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jake Fromm now in the National Football League, the SEC could potentially be wide open. If the Florida Gators are able to make noise in the SEC East, look for the Gators to do it behind Kyle Pitts, Florida’s junior tight end.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed Kyle Pitts 23rd overall in his first big board of the 2021 NFL Draft process. In fact, Kiper had two tight ends listed on his board. This is refreshing after we didn’t see a tight end off the board in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Pro Football Network’s Nick Farabaugh recently listed Kyle Pitts as his top tight end ahead of the 2020 college football season.
Florida Gators tight end Kyle Pitts is TE1 https://t.co/8IzLmX1Hxc
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) June 24, 2020
What Makes Kyle Pitts A Top Prospect?
In order to find out what makes Kyle Pitts such a dynamic tight end, we have to go to the tape. I’ve embedded some All-22 film from the 2019 Tennessee game. Let’s take a look:
Above, we see Kyle Pitts explode off the line of scrimmage to get upfield quickly. After fighting through pressure at the top of his route, Pitts locates the ball and high points the catch. I’ve seen quite a few mention that you have to think of Pitts as more of a larger slot receiver, but I think his ability to succeed in this mismatch against the linebacker if what makes him so dangerous.
Is Kyle Pitts Able To Hold His Own As A Blocker?
Let’s take a look at another clip. This time, we’ll head down to Jacksonville and the rivalry game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
On this play, head coach Dan Mullen lines Kyle Pitts outside to use him as the lead blocker on a wide receiver screen. At the snap, Pitts maintains balance and establishes leverage as he drives through the defender to open a running lane for the receiver to burst through and get upfield quickly. While he doesn’t do it often, or as efficiently as he should, Pitts nonetheless has a solid blocking ability.
In closing, the University of Florida’s Kyle Pitts has the tools and the opportunity to become one of the best tight ends in the country. While his success is tied to quarterback Kyle Trask, both appear poised for dynamic numbers in 2020. If the gators are able to become one of the best teams in the SEC East, look for them to do it behind their quarterback-tight end duo.
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