The loss of Ja’Tavion Sanders to the NFL was concerning to Steve Sarkisian and Tight Ends Coach Jeff Banks following the conclusion of the 2023 season. Alabama transfer Amari Niblack was supposed to help fill the void in production left by Sanders’ departure, but ended up underneath Gunnar Helm on the depth chart. Helm more than solidified his position as the starter on offense, finishing 2024 with 60 catches for 786 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Niblack, a junior, has reportedly enetered the transfer portal according to CBSSports’ Matt Zenitz.
Niblack was used sparingly this season, along with Juan Davis, catching just 5 passes for 33 yards.
His departure, along with that of Helm and Davis, leaves a thin and inexperienced Tight End room that has zero catches at the collegiate level. Jordan Washington and Spencer Shannon are two names on the current roster that could compete for the starting job.
Early enrollee Emaree Winston and incoming freshman Nick Townsend are also options for Sarkisian and Banks, who will likely look to grab an experienced tight end in the portal this spring.
