The NFL tight end position has become one that’s taken on added importance in the NFL. Just look no further than the 2026 NFL Draft. Four tight ends were taken in the second round of the draft, and one — Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher — who had 417 receiving yards in five years, was targeted largely for his blocking skills.

Importance is being placed by NFL coaches on being able to find ways to gain slight advantages off the edge in the running game, and being versatile is key there as well.

That’s where one aspect of the Tennessee Vols’ offense has flown a bit under the radar. And one VFL is pointing out how the tutelage and scheme of Josh Heupel and his staff has helped him at the NFL level.

Former Tennessee and current Dallas Cowboys tight end Princeton Fant joined WNML on Friday morning, and he said Heupel’s offense prepared him in a big way to be able to handle the varied duties of the tight end position at the NFL level.

Princeton Fant credits Tennessee’s versatile use of tight ends with preparing him for the NFL

“It prepared me huge,” Fant said. “Just like at Tennessee, we did a lot of insert blocks. They used me here as a fullback as well, so I think that just being able to learn that at Tennessee playing fullback, whether it’s been in a back zone or insert and on different blocks, or coming around the edge, kicking out blocks.

“So, I think that’s pretty special to me, to be able to have that. And also the route aspect of running routes at Tennessee, and being that third down guy really helped out a lot too. So, I think Tennessee really prepared me to be ready for the league and to understand that I play multiple positions just to be able to learn multiple positions just like at Tennessee. I think that prepared me tremendously to come out here and showcase what I can do.”

Nowadays, tight ends are asked to do a lot more than just at the end of the line, both in college and in the NFL. Some are tasked with serving in an H-back hybrid role. Some also handle some more traditional fullback snaps. We saw Fant do both in Knoxville, with his skills being particularly on display in the Vols’ memorable 11-win 2022 season.

Now, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all approach with players and a scheme. A good coach will take his players strengths and fit the scheme to maximize his skills. But for a player with the talent and skillset to be a versatile tight end at the next level, Fant is proof that Heupel’s offense can help develop him in a number of ways that can be beneficial in the NFL.

Heupel’s offense hasn’t been known for utilizing the tight end in the passing game the way some other systems do, but it’s pretty clear that there are a lot of reasons for top tight end recruits to strongly consider coming to Knoxville if they want to put their best foot forward for the NFL.