As Idaho State’s fall camp rolls into action, the Journal is breaking down the Bengals’ 10 major position groups: quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and special teams to prepare you for the season.

It continues with the tight ends.

KEY PLAYERS LOST

Idaho State’s entire tight end corps returns from the 2014 season.

WHO’S BACK

By this point, you should know about Josh Cook, the junior preseason All-American. But he’s just the start. Seniors Tyler Wright and Tyler Graves are both back, and they’re joined by Colorado State transfer Jordan White, a junior.

OUTLOOK

Idaho State’s tight ends have size (Graves is 6 foot 5, 245 pounds and Wright is 6-5, 236) speed (Cook is fast enough to play receiver) and plenty of experience in ISU’s system outside of White, who played in 12 games at CSU as a sophomore.

What the tight ends haven’t had, however, is good health — particularly Graves and Wright. Each has had a malady of bumps, bruises and strains they’ve battled their entire careers. When healthy, they’ve been great complements to Cook’s abilities.

Rarely, though, have they ever been able to stay on the field for extended time.

“It’s been that way throughout their entire career,” said ISU coach Mike Kramer. “Keeping those two guys healthy all the time has been really a task that our coaching staff has had to dance around. We’re dancing around it right now. We’re holding our breath. They play hard. That’s why they get banged up.”

Both Wright and Graves took steps in the offseason to prepare for their senior seasons. All they want to do is remain as healthy as they can.

“I just decided to grind and put the work in, because this year is my last shot,” Graves said. “I don’t want to have any regrets.”

Graves said he added 25 pounds to his frame since last season. Never one to shy away from physical contact, Graves said he felt like his body wasn’t prepared for the beating it takes to play tight end in the past. He dealt with a number of shoulder injuries, for example. But now he’s ready to deliver as many hits as he takes.

Wright went a different direction. Many of his ailments have come from a lack of flexibility. So in the months leading up to the 2015 season, he stretched every morning and night. It was a daily ritual.

“This is our last year,” Wright said. “We just have to toughen up and get it done.”

QUOTABLE

“Now that I know that I’m probably bigger and stronger than the guy I’m going against, it’s definitely a mental edge.” — Tyler Graves

“There’s more than enough plays for all of those guys. We’ll find a way to keep them all happy. They can play in kick teams. They’ll all have a certain role, and they’ll all play it. And they’ll all be good.” — Mike Kramer

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

So far in fall camp, the Bengals are utilizing their tight ends in more ways than they have before. They’ll use two-tight end formations, have them line up next to a tackle and stick their fist into the ground or even have Cook play as an outside receiver. It’s all in an effort to take advantage of a talented group that can contribute in a variety of ways, including special teams.

Idaho State’s tight ends caught a combined 66 passes for 912 yards and four touchdowns in 2014. They could easily surpass those numbers in 2015.

It just comes down to health.

“Josh Cook is the most outstanding tight end in the conference. Ty Graves and Ty Wright are right there with them,” Kramer said. “So I feel like our tight end corps in and of itself is as good as anybody’s got.”