Sydie London stood out in Tulane's practice on Monday in part because he was the only tight end on the field. It was more than that, though. According to coach Curtis Johnson, he impressed one notable observer at the Saints facility with his play-making ability.

"He had a great practice today," Johnson said. "It's funny. Marques Colston was at practice. He was standing next to me and said, 'Gosh, this No. 81, he's something else. Is he one of the best players on your team?' I don't know about that, but he's playing well."

London's timing was good because tight end has become an endangered species on the Tulane roster. Near the beginning of former coach Bob Toledo's final year in 2011, a whopping seven tights ends were getting reps in practice - Matt Marfisi, Evan Tatford, Brock Sanders, Greg Thomson, Josh Drum, Aaron Bryant and Stephen Suchy.

That number is down to two in the second spring under Johnson, and Tulane did not sign any tight ends in its recent class. Drum, Tatford and Sanders (whose eligibility would be gone anyway) left. Suchy, a walk-on, graduated with a year of eligibility remaining. The coaches moved Bryant back to his natural position, defensive end, right after they arrived.

Marfisi, a redshirt junior, and London, a true sophomore, are the last tight ends standing.

Still, they like the individualized attention they are receiving, although Marfisi has missed the last few spring practices with a niggling injury.

"You get a lot of reps in practice, that's for sure, all that you want and more than you even need sometimes," Marfisi said. "You get tired, but it's a blessing. There's a tighter camaraderie between me and Sydie, and it's easier to get coaching. We don't have just one coach talking to six different guys. I like it."




...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial