University of Oklahoma Athletics

2005 OU Season Preview: Tight Ends

July 28, 2005 | Football

NORMAN, Okla. -- SoonerSports.com will preview the upcoming 2005 football season with a detailed series leading up to the start of preseason practices. The Sooners officially report on August 3 with the first practice slated for August 4. Player previews listed alphabetically:
 
Schedule | Roster | Tentative Preseason Depth Chart | Quick Facts

 2005 Tight Ends Preview

Chris Chester
Jr. | 6-4, 271 | Tustin, Calif.
Used primarily in a blocking role in short yardage situations and as a backup in the offensive line...

Joe Jon Finley
So. | 6-6, 228 | Arlington, Texas
Four of his six catches came over the last four games in 2004. Had a 24-yard TD reception at A&M...

Bubba Moses
Sr. | 6-3, 237 | Houston, Texas
Had 17 receptions for 151 yards in 2004. Effective blocker who is used in short yardage situations...

Willie Roberts
Sr. | 6-7, 244 | Miami, Fla.
Oklahoma's tallest receiving target. Lone reception in 2004 was 13-yard TD against Nebraska...

Returning players with starting experience: James Moses.
 
The tight ends cast is unchanged from a year ago, which means Oklahoma remains deep and versatile. James “Bubba” Moses got most of the snaps and was the leading pass catcher among the group last season. He is an all-around player who has proved himself a sound receiver and blocker. 
 
  2005 Oklahoma Tight Ends Photo Gallery
 
He is joined by Willie Roberts, who at 6-7 provides the biggest target, and Joe Jon Finley, the youngest player and perhaps best overall athlete of the trio. Another to watch is Chris Chester, who despite playing more extensively in the offensive line, could still show up as an extra tight end in some sets.
 
With less experienced wide receivers, a tight end group a little longer in the tooth will be a welcome sight. 
 
2005 OU Football Preseason Central |   2005 OU Football Guide
 
Next Preview

SoonerSports.com will highlight the OU offensive line on Friday, July 29.
 
Previously Released
2005 OU Season Outlook
2005 OU Quarterbacks
2005 OU Running Backs
2005 OU Wide Receivers 
 
Related Article: Tight Ends Come Through at A&M
In its second consecutive road win over a ranked opponent, the OU offense proved that it's willing to do whatever it takes to come away with a victory.
 
The Sooners defeated Texas A&M, 42-35, at College Station last Saturday. Oklahoma rallied from behind several times in the game. Tight ends came up big for OU at Kyle Field. James "Bubba" Moses and Joe Jon Finley each had a touchdown.
 
Throughout his tenure at OU, Bubba Moses has exploited his size advantage in his pass and run blocking roles as a tight end. Only more recently has he displayed his speed and shiftiness as a receiver...
 
Related Article: Tight Ends Coach Kevin Sumlin
OU's tight ends became a more integral part of the Sooner offensive scheme in Sumlin's second season (2004). 
 
The group went from 18 receptions for 219 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games of the 2003 season to 23 catches for 226 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games...

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