Coming to Western Kentucky as a tall, lanky wide receiver, Tyler Higbee played very little in his freshman season, catching just two passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. It was clear that the coaching staff wanted him to try and make a position change so they could get his talents to a position of need.
Higbee upped his production as a sophomore, catching 13 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown. His junior season was a sign of things to come as he finished the year with 15 catches for 230 yards and four touchdowns.
Who would have though the sub-200 pound receiver just a couple years would add about 50 pounds to his frame and become one of the best tight ends in the country? As a senior, in fact, he was named an All Conference-USA performer at tight end and tied for the nation’s lead with eight touchdown catches by a tight end. He also added 38 catches for 563 yards.
Obviously, Higbee has athleticism and didn’t lose much of a step even though he put on some muscle weight to transition to tight end. He can run some impressive routes and he rises up to catch the ball in traffic with ease. Throw it his way and he’s going to find a way to make the reception.
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