Recruiting Roundup: Christopher Coyle, TE

Christopher (Chris) Coyle
TE. Scouts, Inc. #23 TE, Grade 78.
6'3, 235, Westlake Village, CA (Oaks Christian HS)

What was the snap count again...

Overview

One of the top tight end prospects in the nation and one of ASU’s most accomplished offensive members of the 2009 class. Hails from the same hometown as former Sun Devil starting quarterback Rudy Carpenter.

Accolades

Invited to participate in the 2009 U.S. Army All-America game in San Antonio, Texas. Rated as the No. 19 tight end prospect in the nation by Scout.com and the No. 42 tight end in the country by Rivals.com. As a junior, he was named first-team All-League, All-County and was named Oak Christian’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.

High School Career

Was a key three- year contributor on offense and defense for one of the elite high school football programs in America. Began career as more of a DE, where he played primarily as a sophomore with limited action at TE. Began starting on D and O as a junior and stepped up his production. Had his best offensive season as a senior and solidified himself as a TE prospect. Career stats, TE – 47 receptions, 767 yards, 10 TDs. DE – 142 tackles (101 solo), 12 sacks, 2 INT, and 1 fumble recovery. Coached by Bill Redell at Oaks Christian High School.

Senior 2008

Led Oaks Christian with 25 receptions in 2008, totaling 461 receiving yards (18.4 avg.) and 6 TD receptions. Had 3 catches for 64 yards (21.3 avg.) and 2 TDs against Bakersfield Christian on Sept. 5, 2008. Registered a career-long 67-yard TD against Oak Park on Oct. 31, 2008. Totaled 4 catches for a career-high 89 yards (22.3 avg.) and 2 TDs against South on Nov. 21, 2008. Also played Defensive End – collected 57 tackles (42 solo), 2 sacks, and 1 INT.

Junior 2007

Caught 19 passes for 264 yards (13.9 avg.) with 4 TDs as a junior in 2007. Totaled 4 catches for 49 yards (12.3 avg.) with a TD against Nordhoff on Nov. 2, 2007. Had a season-high 50 receiving yards on 2 catches (25 average) against Sierra on Nov. 23, 2007. Played Defensive End – 60 total tackles (45 solo), tied for the team lead with 10 sacks, 1 INT, and 1 fumble recovery.

Sophomore 2006

Posted 3 catches for 42 yards (14 average), as well as 25 tackles (14 solo) as a sophomore on Oak Christian’s varsity squad in 2006.

The Decision

Verbally committed to ASU on July 12, 2008. Chose ASU over Boise State, UCLA, and Washington among others. “Ever since I visited Tempe for the first time, I knew it was my goal to go to Arizona State,” says Coyle. “It’s just an awesome school, awesome (football) program and great academics. I just knew that it would be the best fit for me.” High praise – but well deserved, I must say…;)

Scouting after the jump...

Scouts, Inc.

"Coyle has adequate size for the tight end position and while you wish he was a little taller you can see that this kid has the ability to a productive player. He does a good job of quickly getting into his route. Displays good speed and runs good routes. Displays good hands. Will display the tendency to catch the ball into his body, but also shows regularly enough that he can catch the ball with his hands. Displays good concentration and can adjust to the bad ball. Will do a good job of selling a block before releasing into a route. He runs hard with the ball. Displays good balance and is tough to bring down with one tackler. Not overly elusive but his motor and balance allows him to avoid a defender here and there. Displays the toughness to develop into a productive in-line blocker. Makes good initial contact and will move his feet. Needs to watch his pad level and improve his hand placement. Coyle will give a feeling like he is playing hard and his effort level lets him play a little above what his ability may be. The bottom line is whether it is effort or just pure ability, the kid is pretty good and can be a productive college tight end."

Another position where he will compete to start in 2009, since we didn't see much production from the tight end spot in 2008. Not sure what sort of blocker he is since not much is mentioned, but I have a feeling the desire is there - takes a tough kid to get 10 sacks as a DE in the trenches. Sounds like he won't be a big play TE, but he did average 18.4 yards per catch his senior season - not too shabby.