LOUISVILLE, Ky. – While the Louisville football program’s first year under head coach Jeff Brohm was more so known for their defense and running game, historically, Brohm has more so been known for his prowess on the offensive side of the ball, and specifically the passing game. A crucial component of these high-flying offenses was strong play out of the tight end spot.
While at both Western Kentucky and Purdue, the tight end was a prominent fixture of Brohm’s passing attack, and he had three tight ends drafted to the NFL before returning to his alma mater. Tyler Higbee was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Brycen Hopkins went in the same round in the 2022 NFL Draft, then Payne Durham was taken in the fifth round of last year’s draft. Over their combined college careers, the trio amassed 324 receptions for 4,274 yards and 51 touchdowns.
However, in Brohm’s first year with the Cardinals, the tight end spot was the unquestioned weak spot on the offensive side of the ball, if not the team as a whole. For the season, Louisville’s entire tight end room combined to haul in just 35 catches for 377 yards and five touchdowns. Combined with inconsistent quarterback and receiver play all season, and Louisville finished with the No. 56 passing offense in college football last season art 236.6 passing yards per game.