With both Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith set to return for the 2019 season, there’s a lot of question marks surrounding the two players and those behind them at tight end.
One of those names behind Walker and Smith is rookie Parker Hesse.
Perhaps the most unique thing about Hesse is that he played as a defensive end in college, but signed with the team as a tight end.
The 6-foot-3, 261-pounder recorded 181 tackles, 30.5 for loss, 13.5 sacks, eight pass break-ups, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one touchdown over a four-year college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes at defensive end.
On his final season in 2018, Hesse was a Permanent Team Captain on defense, also receiving the Hayden Fry Award, Coaches Appreciation Award and the Iron Hawk Award among others.
So where exactly does Hesse fit into this Titans team? Team writer Jim Wyatt addressed a question on Hesse in his most recent mailbag post.
“As far as Hesse goes, I could see him used in both roles in offseason competition,” he wrote. But I’ll be honest – he’s still a long shot with so many other guys ahead of him. I don’t view him as Stocker’s replacement.”
Hesse will certainly have his work cut out for him as he goes up against the likes of Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt, Keith Towbridge and Cole Wick in addition to Walker and Smith.
