Last year five Ute tight ends caught a grand total of 12 passes in 13 games. The year before it was just seven passes caught by the tight ends. But even though they may not be catching many passes, they are still important to the Ute offense.

"Last year we played them a whole bunch," Hill said. "They were a big part of Darrell Mack's big rushing year. The more they're on the field, the more opportunity they'll have to catch the ball."

The tight ends would love to catch more passes, but are happy as long as their team is winning.

"I want to be a part of something great and if that's my role to block that's what I'm going to do," Sampson said. "We'll get some load passes every once in a while and that's great but I know my positives are more in the run blocking game. I've been trying to move to get some more passes, but whatever they ask me to do, I'll do."

"As a group we've had a great camp and we're trying to show that we can be a big part of this offense," said Clifford.

Hill said the starter for the season opener will likely be determined by the end of next week.

"Oh yeah, we're closing in on that," Hill said. "Going into that last week of practice we'll have it finalized. The best guy over the time period before the Michigan game will play."

"Anyone who comes out on top is going to help the team — that's the most important part," Clifford said.

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