As the running back position slowly begins to become very insignificant, the tight end position is becoming more of a priority. They aren’t your conventional tight ends. They’re smaller, faster, and basically glorified wide receivers. Shannon Sharpe was ahead of his time. Here are the top tight ends to look out for this college football season.

Nick O’Leary, Florida State – Throwback. Wears no gloves and can block well. We just have to keep him off that damn motorcycle.

Clive Walford, Miami – Former basketball player who didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. Came back for his senior season to improve his draft stock. Went on a streak of 27 straight games with a catch.

O.J. Howard, Alabama – Calvin Johnson is 6’5″ 236 lbs. Howard is 6’6″ 240 lbs and doesn’t run as fast as Johnson but definitely faster than the SEC linebackers trying to cover him this season.

Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State – Not an explosive playmaker, but steady like Jason Witten.

Devin Funches, Michigan – Reminds me of the good Ricky Dudely, athletic freak that you can’t cover. Also reminds me of the bad Ricky Dudely, way too many dropped balls.

Tyler Kroft, Rutgers – This is rare in today’s game, but Kroft can catch AND block.

Maxx Williams, Minnesota – Baby Gronk

Ben Koyack, Notre Dame – Anyone notice that the Fighting Irish has slowly become Tight End U?

Jake McGee, Florida – If Nick O’Leary wasn’t playing for FSU, then