Ohio State football: Can Cade Stover emerge as second TE?

With the Ohio State football team losing Luke Farrell to the Jaguars, they need a good blocking tight end. Can Cade Stover step into that role this season?

Kevin Wilson coaches his tight ends to be able to block. Blocking tight ends are a big part of the Ohio State football team’s offense. Tight ends help seal the end on running plays and can also help pick up blitzing linebackers and safeties. They’re very important.

The Buckeyes lost one of those important tight ends to the NFL in Luke Farrell. Farrell didn’t catch very many passes but was one of the best blocking tight ends in the country. Jeremey Ruckert is more of a pass-catcher than he is a blocker, so now they need someone to fill that role.

Enter Cade Stover. Stover is the tight end who has the biggest opportunity to earn playing time. Stover hardly played a year ago as a redshirt freshman. In 2019, he did make four tackles on special teams before redshirting. That’s where most of his impact has come.

This year though, he has a chance to get snaps at tight end. Stover shouldn’t expect to get many passes thrown his way but he can prove his value as a blocker. He’s listed at 6’4 and 255 pounds which good size for a tight end. He can use that size to his advantage in the running game.

If Stover can show his value as a blocker this season, then he can earn some targets next season once Ruckert leaves for the NFL. He’s someone with a strong work ethic and understands what his role is on this team. Ryan Day loves those kinds of players.

In order for the running game to be at its full potential, guys like Stover need to get into the second level on their blocks. I have no doubt that Stover can do that effectively.