WASHINGTON – With under a week until the 2023 season kicks off at home against Marist on September 2, GUHoyas.com will take an in-depth look at each position with this edition featuring the team's tight ends. 

"I have a very young position group that is extremely talented with very high character," said tight ends coach Rob Spence. "They are hard-working and have a high ceiling of development. They'll be a critical piece to what we do because the tight end position ties both the run game and the passing game together in our offense."

The tight ends will be led by senior Graham Murphey. Last season the Wake Forest transfer appeared in all 11 games for the Hoyas and recorded two catches for 12 yards. 

"Graham does a great job at setting an example of the expectations of what's required at our position. He has been an excellent role model for the younger players. He is an incredible technician and helps us teach all the technics and fundamentals because he does them so well." 

This season the Hoyas' tight end group will include the addition of sophomore Michael Burton, who played on the offensive line during the 2022 season. 

"Burton is a throwback football player," said Head Coach Rob Sgarlata. "He started on the offensive line and he has worked himself into a tight end H-back position. He adds a lot to our run game and is able to be effective, especially in short-down situations. 

The Blue & Gray will also include sophomore, Conor O'Neil and Max McCormick along with freshmen Burke Carroll and Isaiah Grimes.. 

"Conor is a great athlete who is transitioning from playing quarterback to the tight end position. He is progressing each day and will add versatility to our room."

"Max is an outstanding young talent at the position is has showed a great deal of promise and potential. Is a talent a great talent for both the blocking  and route running. I am really excited to develop his talent even further."  

"Grimes played for a great program up in Philadelphia. He is a very accomplished basketball and football player. He has come in this year and picked up the offense very fast and will add another dimension for us."

"Burke's transition has gone quite well," adds Spence. "He adds a different element to our room with his toughness and resilience. He is a high-character human being who works hard and brings a lot of energy to the game every single day." 

"My goal for them is to plug into their specific role in each game. Every one of these tight ends has a different skill set and I want each of them to realize their role and play it during the course of the season. If they do that well then we should be very successful on offense because they play such a critical role in so much of what we do with blocking and throwing the ball."