Three’s company so it’s safe to say that there’s not a crowd at tight end for Virginia. The Cavaliers have carried just three scholarship tight ends on the roster during training camp with redshirt senior Zach Swanson in the elder statesman role. Redshirt junior Rob Burns and true freshman Evan Butts round out the active roster.

In other words, after being heavily featured in the past two seasons – and at times in UVa history – the tight end position may not be as big a receiving factor in 2014. That’s due, in part, to the growth of spread offense looks and, in part, to a lot of depth at the receiver position for the Hoos. Still, Virginia is expected to use tight end formations this season and the position could again play a key role in the running game. The ends helped running back Kevin Parks surpass 1,000 yards rushing last season.

Regardless of how the tight ends are used, however, Swanson is expected to be in the leading role. After a redshirt year and two seasons at fullback, Swanson established himself as a nice complementary piece in 2013. In addition to satisfactory work as an in-line blocking tight end, he also grabbed 19 receptions for 173 yards. After an injury against VMI, Swanson missed two games last season and he told VirginiaSports.com’s Jeff White that he never “got back into the groove of it” when it came to catching passes a year ago.

In addition to a lot of on-field experience, Swanson also has good chemistry and timing with new starting quarterback Greyson Lambert. When coupled with growth in opportunities due to Jake McGee’s decision to transfer (Florida), that could put Swanson in position to be a factor in the passing game in 2014.

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