MSU is a program based on grit, physicality, and winning at the LOS. The TE room exemplified that during the Dantonio years with players like, Charlie Gantt, Brian Linthicum, Garret Celek, and Josiah Price. This position group went from often being a strength to a weakness under Mel Tucker. We witnessed converted punters playing TE, walk-ons starting, and Carr being as unpredictable as they come.
The Fix:
Coach Jonathan Smith brought over Jack Velling from Oregon State to end this streak. He is the Day 1 TE1. Velling has experience in Coach Smith's system and connection with Chiles. He dominated the Redzone in 2023 with 8 TDs. He also fills the veteran mentor role for younger players.
Ok, that's 1 TE, we need more this year...
Enter Parachek, a R-So who flashed potential in a limited role last year. In 8 games as a True Freshman, he took 93 snaps at TE and 43 more appearances on special teams.
Masunas looked solid in the Spring Game as a R-So, following two years of injuries and minimal development under the last TE coach. Masunas was a highly ranked recruit coming out of HS, with good size and willingness to block. He seems to have taken a step with additional reps, with Parachek being dinged up this offseason.
Rounding out the room we have Hopper and Faleye. Hopper has one year left of eligibility and is coming off a season-ending injury. But he is proven, he has played in 48 career games with 11 starts, compiling 24 career receptions for 283 yards and three touchdowns, with over 1,200 snaps at TE. He is known as a strong blocker. Expect to see Hopper in jumbo packages and goaline sets, as well as in the backfield as a lead blocker. Faleye has limited experience but good size at 6'6", and has the speed to stretch the field and make jump ball catches. All this to say, we have a solid room here.
How does this impact the scheme in 2024:
Oregon State used a lot of 11 (1 RB and 1 TE) and 12 (1 RB and 2 TE) personnel under Smith. We know we have our 1 TE in Velling. The ability to run 12 personnel is based on the quality TE2. If TE2 is athletic and a good enough receiver, they can be off the line, out of the backfield, or even the outside. I think Parachek and Faleye could fill this role. If they are a better blocker, they are likely used more inline; maybe Masunas or Hopper will handle this. In goal-line situations, they may even go jumbo to 13 personnel (1 RB - 3 TE). Which allows for more big body blockers (thinking Velling, Masunas and Hopper). The development, reliability, and specializations of TE2-4 are critical to deploying these options, which unlocks a new dimension to the offense. If MSU can rotate between 11 to 12 to 13 personnel, the Defense has to adjust, and some teams aren't built to handle all three looks. This creates mismatches with undersized secondary or poor coverage LB running with a verticle threat TE or a coverage-specialized LB trying to block a TE built to block. This is a huge advantage we haven't seen in a while.
Looking Ahead
We actually could have a bit of a logjam, something we haven't said in a while about the TE position. Velling technically has 2 more years, but I think an early departure to the pros is possible. Hopper is out of eligibility after this season. This sets up Parachek and Masunas to be TE1-2 for the next three years. Hook is an incoming freshman who can Redshirt and likely make an impact as a R-So. We have a great blend of experience and youth, setting us up for long-term success here, but you never know in the portal era.
Packing Bags
It's worth noting that on 4/23/24, Jack Nickle entered the portal. According to what I've read, he was jumped by Masunas and also had Velling and Parachek ahead of him.
Not to mention, Hopper and Faleye have more specialized roles, blocking Nickle from certain duties. The writing was on the wall that he wouldn't have a role this year and would be competing for PT for the next 3 seasons. So it's for the best he seeks greener pastures and opens up a scholarship to add another player.
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