Idaho State had three players on the FCS preseason All-American team. As more preseason accolades roll in, the closer the season feels. In a continuing series, we’ll sift though each of ISU’s position groups and take a look at how they stand coming out of spring practice and heading into fall camp. Thursday it was the quarterbacks, Friday the running backs and coming up now: tight ends.

OUTLOOK

Idaho State has a three-headed monster at tight end with junior Josh Cook and seniors Tyler Wright and Tyler Graves. Cook is the leader, a preseason first-team All-American. But Wright and Graves are both talented and each bring different strengths to the Bengals offense.

Idaho State utilizes a four-receiver spread attack to stretch a defense thin. It’s essential all the wideouts in pass routes are threats so a defense can never focus on one player. That’s how a guy like receiver Madison Mangum ends up with one-on-one coverage. The tight end trio, along with slot receiver KW Williams, helps Idaho State control the middle of the field.

CONCERNS

ISU may have three quality tight ends but two of them have struggled with injuries their entire careers. On the other hand, Cook has been a picture of consistency, playing in 24 games the past two seasons. Graves and Wright have had their seasons delayed because of nagging issues they can’t seem to shake.

Even in the spring, for example, Wright and Graves missed time, and that’s an issue because Cook is forced to stay on the field for large chunks of time. The Bengals would rather regularly rotate all the tight ends to keep everyone fresh.

THE STAR

Cook isn’t just the most productive of the three tight ends, catching 69 passes for 841 yards the past two seasons, he’s also one of the team’s leaders. He’s emerged as an essential component to ISU’s confident on-field persona.

He’s made two preseason lists as an All-American, but the great part about ISU’s attack is that Cook shouldn’t feel any pressure. He’s part of an offensive machine and just needs to continue doing his part and filling any role the Bengals require.

PLAYER ON THE RISE

Either Wright or Graves could fit this description if they remain healthy for an entire season. Wright had a three-game stretch in October where he snagged nine catches for 142 yards, but missed most of the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury.

Graves was a similar story. He’d pop in and out and make a few big receptions here or there on the way to a 20-catch, 246-yard season.

UNDERRATED PLAYER

Wright is 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, and the Mountain Home native is an effective blocker. He has solid hands and doesn’t shy away from contact when running routes over the middle. All of those attributes indicate a talented player capable of taking the Bengals to new heights.

Just as long as the injury bug doesn’t bite.

BOTTOM LINE

What kind of impact can ISU’s tight ends have? Think back to Idaho State’s game at Eastern Washington. Madison Mangum and Broc Malcom both went down with injuries and the Bengals were scrambling for bodies in a wild 56-53 shootout (an EWU victory).

In stepped Cook, Graves and Wright. They combined for eight catches and 162 yards. Graves (6-4, 225 pounds) and Wright have the size and Cook possess wide receiver speed. Together, they have the potential to form a devastating and lethal group.