After taking a look at the Wide Receivers, we now turn to the Tight Ends. Led by Aaron Hernandez, the Tight End position will be the first option in the passing game. We all picture Tight Ends as the big blocking and occasional pass catching members of the team. But in recent history, the Tight End position has evolved into a more athletic position. We all know the NFL star Tight Ends, whether it’s Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates, but they have begun to change the Tight End position. Florida’s last Tight End, Cornelius Ingram, was more of a pass catching Tight End then a blocker, and his versatility made him a threat on offense for Florida. This season, the Tight End’s will need to provide receiving help for Tebow, and help alleviate the loss of Cornelius Ingram.

Arguably the best Tight End in the SEC, Aaron Hernandez displayed his skills last season after starter Cornelius Ingram tore his ACL. Going into this season, Hernandez will be Tebow’s main target, as he has shown that he can be a big playmaker at the Tight End position. Standing at 6’2”, he has great combination of size and athleticism. Linebackers will struggle to keep up with him, while Safeties will not be able to match up with his height. Hernandez is just another example of the new breed of Tight Ends that has grown in recent memory. With five touchdowns in 2008, Hernandez played a huge role in the BCS National Championship, leading the Gators in receiving with 5 catches for 57 yards. In 2009, Hernandez should provide a huge target for Tebow in the redzone, and may finish the season as one of the elite Tight Ends in the nation.

Behind Aaron Hernandez is Freshman Desmond Parks. Prior to Florida, Parks was a 2008 Second-Team All-State selection in South Carolina and had 12 touchdowns combined in his Junior and Senior years. He chose Florida over North Carolina, South Carolina and Clemson. Parks possesses great speed off of the line, and should cause many mismatches on the field. He will be behind one of the best Tight Ends in the nation, but he will see a good amount of action in 2009, especially in the early weeks when Florida puts up it’s normal 65 points on mid majors.

The Tight End Position for Florida will play a crucial role for the Gators in 2009. If Hernandez can live up to his potential in the upcoming season, and Desmond Parks can be a reliable option in 2009, Florida will be in good position to repeat as national champs, and make it three championships in Tebow’s career.

Tomorrow, Gators Sports Nation will take a look at the big guys up front, starting with Left Tackle.