RICHMOND, Ky. – EKU's football team is searching for a replacement for departed senior tight end Dan Paul during preseason camp.
 
Paul, a first team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, caught 20 of the 24 pass completions to tight ends during the 2018 season.  Five of those were the only touchdown receptions made by a tight end.
 
The tight ends are under the direction of new assistant coach Troy Rothenbuhler, who spent the 2018 season with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
 
Adam Valiga (6-5, 242) started three times, including the season-finale, during his first season as a Colonel after transferring from the College of DuPage.  He played in all 11 games and caught two passes.
 
Redshirt sophomores Collin Sanchez (6-4, 245) and Ethan Bradds (6-5, 242) both played in all 11 games last season.  Bradds made his first collegiate start against No. 8 Jacksonville State.  His lone reception of the season was a 26-yarder against Morehead State.
 
"The guys are working hard, we're ready to go," Rothenbuhler said.  "They're doing an extremely good job.  We've got a lot of competition in the group, so it cranks up their level every day.  It gives those guys a chance to compete for a job on a daily basis."
 
That trio of returning tight ends is joined by newcomers Christian Vinson (6-5, 245) and Malik Owens (6-5, 250).  Vinson is a redshirt senior and joins the program after spending the previous two seasons at Florida International.  Owens is a true freshman who averaged 22.7 yards per catch his senior season.
 
"Each guy has a slightly different skillset," said Rothenbuhler.  "Some guys are a little better in line.  Some guys are a little bit better on the edge.  For the most part their skillset is pretty solid all the way around." 
 
The 2019 season begins on August 29 when Valparaiso visits Roy Kidd Stadium.  Fans can purchase 2019 season tickets NOW by visiting EKUSports.com or calling 844-3-GoBigE.  For information or questions about our special theme days and unique game day experiences for groups of 15 or more, call 844-3-GoBigE. 
 
EKU is ranked 24th in the Preseason HERO Sports Top 25, 25th in the Lindy's Sports Preseason Top 25 and 26th in the College Sports Madness Top 44.  Eastern Kentucky ended the 2018 season with four straight wins and were in the conversation for a playoff spot.  The Colonels finished 7-4 overall and third in the OVC with a 5-2 mark.
 
Preseason Camp Schedule
(Note: dates and times are subject to change)
Practice 11          Thursday               August 15       9:45 a.m.
Practice 12          Friday                    August 16       9:45 a.m.
Practice 13          Saturday                August 17       9:45 a.m.  (SCRIMMAGE)
Practice 14          Sunday                  August 18       10:45 a.m.