Fifth in a series highlighting each position for the 2018 Morehead State Football program. - Quarterbacks - Receivers - Running Backs - Defensive Line

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- They may be small in numbers, but you can bet they aren't small in stature and determination to help the Morehead State football program.

They are the Eagle tight ends.

MSU's tight end corps consists of redshirt sophomore Cortney Laye (LaGrange, Ga.), redshirt freshman Jacob Peters (Canal Winchester, Ohio) and redshirt freshman Garrett Lawrence (Louisville, Ky.).  Laye transferred in from Clark-Atlanta (Ga.) last year and didn't record any stats, while Peters and Lawrence spent the 2017 season learning as redshirts.

"The tight ends have improved greatly from the first day of spring practice to now," said Killian Markworth, tight ends coach. "Cortney Laye and Garrett Lawrence got all the reps during spring practice and most of fall camp, and they took advantage becoming better blockers and reliable receivers. We added Jacob Peters part way through fall camp, and he has stepped in and made plays from day one. I expect all of them to have a major role this year."

While tight ends have a role in the passing-catching game, blocking can be a crucial aspect too to set the Eagle running backs and receivers free from opposing defenders.

"Run blocking is not optional for our tight ends," Markworth added. "We have a lot of talent at receiver on this team so the ability to block defensive ends and linebackers is what separates us and keeps us on the field."

The current tight ends got great learning experiences last year from seniors Joby Embry and Jake Sutherland.

"Sutherland and Embry had been the face of Morehead State tight ends for the last several years and the things they could do changed our offense," he said. "Our tight ends going forward will benefit from what they did in their four years. With that being said we are not looking for the next Sutherland or Embry, we looking for Cortney, Garrett, and JP to do what they're good at and that will be more than enough."

Markworth also added that the 2018 tight ends each bring a different skill set.

"I expect this group to perform at a very high level. Cortney is the oldest player and the most detailed-oriented player I've ever been around," Markworth said. "I expect him to quickly assert himself as a tight end to be aware of in this league. Garrett has established a physicality and confidence since spring and it shows every play. JP will be a match-up nightmare for defenses."

Morehead State gets the season started with an Aug. 30 game at Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET. Season tickets for the six home games are on sale now by clicking here (PDF).