'08 FB Class Review: TE

Nelson Hurst
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 235
Scout	*** #56 TE, #11 in Indiana
Rivals	** #12 in Indiana
ESPN	74, #47 TE

Nelson Hurst also received offers from Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Purdue, Illinois, and UCLA. He played both DE and TE in high school but will be a TE at Mississippi State. Hurst had 29 receptions for 505 yards and 7 TDs as a junior. His senior season, Hurst had 17 catches for 301 yards and 6 TDs.

The decrease in production as a senior is disappointing but I like the offer list. From looking at the ESPN evaluation, Hurst is a unspectacular but well rounded prospect that doesn't really shine in any particular area. He has decent hands, is a decent route runner, is a decent blocker, etc. Hurst enrolled early and participated in spring practices. Reports say he impressed the coaches and he could wind up being the #2 TE. Even if he doesn't though, he'll be #3 and will get on the field immediately.

Kendrick Cook
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 227
Scout	*** #50 TE
Rivals	**
ESPN	76 #34 TE

Cook held offers from Alabama State, Tulane, and UAB. During his junior year, he had 31 catches for 438 yards and 3 TDs. I looked but couldn't find anything for his senior year.

One line from the ESPN evaluation sums Cook up:

Bottom line, Cook's physical measurables might not be elite, but we still see him producing in both the run and pass game with his toughness, determination and abilities a pure football player.

Not exactly a glowing endorsement. If you read the entire thing, they say he has good hands and shows good strength in breaking tackles and pushing for extra yards. Also he shows good strength in his blocking, but he needs to work on his leverage. Cook lacks good speed and isn't very fluid.

If he gets better at his blocking and can make a 10 yard catch every now and then, he'll be just fine in this offense. The TE doesn't need to be all world.


Overall Grade: B
With only two tight ends on the roster, Mississippi State someone who could play immediately and it looks like they may have got just that in Nelson Hurst. Kendrick Cook will be 4th string and will have some time, barring injuries, to improve before being thrown to the wolves.