Tight Spot

Jackson Heath


If it seems like it's been a long time since Columbia has had a pass-catching threat at Tight End, that's because it has been a long time.

Hamilton Garner '14, was the last Columbia TE to make All Ivy after he became then-QB Sean Brackett's favorite target in the otherwise terrible 2011 season. That was after Andrew Kennedy '11 put in two stellar seasons at the position and also made All Ivy.

But since then... crickets.

For example, last year Columbia Tight Ends combined for a total of three, yes just three, receptions for 26 yards and one TD. That one TD was a actually a key score in the Penn game and the result of a wonderful scoop catch by returning junior Rory Schlageter. But you get the point about total production.

Now, one big reason for this is the fact that Columbia had and still has probably the deepest and most talented corps of wide receivers in the program's history. With so many receivers who can get open so often, why waste the value of an extra blocker up front just to throw a pass to a slower target?

But having at least an occasional Tight End option is a great weapon, and younger QB's typically tend to lean on them as a safety valve.

Coming back this season along with Schlageter is sophomore Cameron Lipton-Martinez, who's 255-pound frame has lots of fans hoping he'll get into the mix this year. Junior Ben Hill was one of the three TE's who had one of those three receptions last year, and he played in all 10 games last season.

But perhaps the most excitement surrounding the TE slot comes courtesy of incoming Freshman Jackson Heath from Overland Park, KS. Heath was a highly sought-after recruit by Ivy and non-Ivy programs with two brothers and a father who played FBS football. He's an all-around athlete who even took some wildcat QB snaps in high school and played basketball as well. It's hard to believe Heath won't get a very good chance to get on the field as soon as possible.

But all in all, any offensive production the Lions get out of this position will be a net positive after so many years of quiet at TE.