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Southern University Jaguars tight end Dupree Fuller (5) carries past the tackle attempt of McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Maurquel Price (15) during their game at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, La. on Saturday, August 31, 2024. (Ricky Hickman) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The promise of using tight ends in the Southern offensive attack is finally being fulfilled.
Whether it’s Noah Bodden or C’Zavian Teasett working at quarterback, the Jaguars are succeeding at getting the ball to senior Dupree Fuller and junior Jermaine Minor. The duo has combined for 17 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns this season. Fuller caught three passes for 22 yards in Saturday’s 33-15 loss to Jackson State while Minor got his first career touchdown, a 16-yard play, on his only catch.
“It feels good to be a big part of the offense, but when it doesn’t accumulate wins it doesn’t feel as good as it should,” said Fuller, in his third season from Reseda, California. “We’ve got to get better in that department. It does feel good to be included and one of the top targets.
” Said Minor, an Alexandria native and transfer from Arkansas Tech: “I’ve been working hard and finally getting a lot of plays compared to last year. It felt good, and I’m hoping for many more.” Coach Terrence Graves has been effusive in his praise of the duo, whose position coach is former Alcorn State head coach Fred McNair, who joined the Southern staff last spring.
McNair, a former college quarterback, understands the importance of the position. “They are two of the best tight ends in the country, hands down,” Graves said. “They have a skill set you want.
They have the size and speed, ball skills, they can block, they’re physical. "I said we were going to use 11 and 12 personnel, throw it to the tight ends. Those guys have done a great job.
Coach McNair has done a great job getting them ready.” Fuller struggled last season with a torn labrum that limited his productivity and appearances. He caught two balls for 15 yards but was able to get a medical redshirt while playing in four games.
Minor caught two passes for 34 yards. “The stress of coming back, I still had a problem working the kinks out,” Fuller said. “Everything is coming together.
I’m not in pain, I’m 100 percent. I put on a little bit of weight but then slimmed down a little, got leaner. My blocking is a little better, and I took a big jump in the passing game.
” Fuller showed good athleticism and power on his touchdown catch, outrunning one defender and running over another at the goal line to score. Minor is still a bit on the light side at 225 pounds but said he makes up for it with aggressiveness. “I worked on training and trying to get better with my route running, speed and strength,” Minor said of his offseason emphasis.
“I don’t weigh as much as a tight end is supposed to, but I have to be aggressive. If I’m not, they are going to mess over me.” Graves thinks there is plenty of room for improvement for both players.
“They’ve come a long way with their blocking,” he said. “Fuller is healthy — that hurt him somewhat in the past. Minor is a year older and stronger.
They don’t mind blocking; they are physical guys. Minor can put on another 15-20 pounds and be even more formidable.”.
