BYU football: By 'George' he is a good tight end

PROVO — Andrew George is not the kind of guy who needs the spotlight.

In fact, the junior tight end from Englewood, Colo., knows exactly what his role is on BYU's football team.

"I am not a No. 1 guy, and I know that," said George, who serves as a second tight-end option in the Cougars' offense. Sometimes he's on the field with Dennis Pitta, and sometimes he gives Pitta a spell.

He knows, as most of BYU's opponents know, that the Cougars' first target out of the tight-end spot is always going to be Pitta. But for George, playing second fiddle to one of the nation's top tight ends suits him just fine. When you have the reputation of Pitta and some of BYU's other receivers, opponents tend to double team the main guys and forget about players like George.

"That's going to leave me some opportunities, and I'm fine with that," George said.

In Saturday's 21-3 win over New Mexico, George had two very big opportunities come his way. With the Cougars trailing 3-0 in the second quarter, on a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line and struggling to gain yards, quarterback Max Hall recognized that the Lobos were stacked for a run. So he checked off to a play where George sells the run, then breaks to the back of the end zone. Hall's pass was a touch behind, but George reached back and made the catch to put BYU ahead for good.

"I'm glad Max has trust in me to throw me the ball," George said. "He knew I was going to be wide open on that play, and I was."

Later, in the third quarter, George again cashed in on a play in which he also was the second option. From New Mexico's 11-yard line, BYU's coaches called a pass play for Pitta. But when he was double-covered, Hall saw that George had beat his defender and was open on a corner route. Hall delivered the goods, and George scooped them up for the Cougars' second score of the game.

"It's nice for me to have two tight ends who can make plays," Hall said. "Andrew is a big-time tight end."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall was also glad to see George get in on the action. He describes George as one of the many talented players that BYU has who just don't get as many opportunities as others, but yet are always ready to play. And when they do get the chance to shine, they don't waste it.

"I think Andrew would fit into that category," Mendenhall said. "It's gratifying as a coach to see guys who work hard to finally get rewarded on game day."

George, who had 17 receptions behind Pitta last season, caught his first career touchdown pass in BYU's 28-27 win earlier this season at Washington. Now, he has two more on his total. But whether it's a TD catch or just one that gives the Cougars a first down, George is perfectly happy doing whatever is needed to help BYU win.

"It's just nice to be able to make plays and contribute to our offense," he said.

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E-mail: jimr@desnews.com