Byham back

Last year, three tight ends combined for 43 catches, 507 yards and eight touchdowns. With… Last year, three tight ends combined for 43 catches, 507 yards and eight touchdowns. With last year’s starter Steve Buches gone, the remaining two tight ends, Darrell Strong and Nate Byham, will have to make up for Buches’ production and leadership.

Strong, a 6-5, 265-pound senior, had 15 receptions and three touchdowns in the 2006 season. His size makes him a threat across the middle, but his shaky hands make him an inconsistent option.

Byham, a 6-3, 245-pound sophomore, scored one touchdown and caught two passes for 34 yards as a freshman. After a strong finish to the 2006 season, Byham is expected to start at the season opener.

Also, look out for John Pelusi. Pelusi played in 11 games and lettered as a freshman in 2005, but missed last season because of a knee injury. His strong blocking makes him a valuable asset off the bench.

The final name on the roster is Dustin Walters, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound sophomore walk-on.

Ultimately, Byham’s work ethic and continued development should lead to more snaps and most of the starts. Pelusi is the wild card, and Strong’s potential to be better than the statistics show will probably keep him relevant in head coach Dave Wannstedt’s rotation.