Freshmen tight ends hope to earn starting job

One of the best – if not the best – tight ends in the history of Florida Gators football, Aaron Hernandez’s decision to enter the 2010 NFL Draft appears to have been the right one. Unfortunately for his school, the move has left a hole at the position on the team’s offensive line.

Three freshmen – four-star Gerald Christian and redshirts Desmond Parks and converted quarterback Jordan Reed – are up for the job and working each day during spring practice to catch the staff’s collective eye. Unfortunately for Parks, an injured wrist that requires surgery is keeping him out for the time being, leaving Christian and Reed to compete for the spot.

Though Reed is certainly athletic and could end up making a quick Cornelius Ingram-like transformation, Christian is the favorite to land the job due to his combination of size (6’3” 240 lbs.), strength (21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press) and speed (4.65-second 40-yard dash). Simply put: he has the pedigree.

“It’s exciting,” Christian told The Gainesville Sun of having a chance to play early. “One of my goals coming here was to play early. I’m hoping I can come in and win a spot. I want to come out and work as hard as I can and do whatever I can to help the team. I’m going to come out here and compete and try to get my spot. I’m not lying down for anybody.”

However, nothing is set in stone and the team appears to be pleased with the early progress of all three players. Do not expect a decision to be made anytime soon.

Photo Credit: Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post