Senior Chris Coyle looks to have another big year in 2013.
Tempe, AZ – “Tight End, Chris Coyle, transfers from Arizona State.” This could have been a headline a year ago.
It was the final year of the Dennis Erickson era. Picture Coyle sitting on the bench with all of his skill but no chance to use it. That was his situation in OC Noel Mazzone’s offense, which barely utilized the tight end position.
As the Sun Devils lost their final six games of 2011 and Erickson was shown the door, Coyle was considering transferring. He waited patiently to see who would be ASU’s next head football coach. More importantly, his question was what kind of offensive system be installed in the new Sun Devil team.
Then the tides turned for Coyle, and all of Sun Devil Nation can be grateful. In December of 2011, Todd Graham and Offensive Coordinator, Mike Norvell, arrived in Tempe proudly toting their “high-octane” offense.
An offensive attack that promised to utilize Tight Ends was enough for Coyle to feel good about his prospects in Maroon & Gold. His future as a Sun Devil was secured, and he dedicated himself to learning the new offense and playing a bigger role in the team’s success.
And that he did. To be honest, the one that everybody has circled this year is the Notre Dame game.
In 2012, Christopher Harlan Coyle tallied a remarkable 57 catches and at the same time, earned his spot in Sun Devil history. By a single catch, Coyle broke the record for most single season receptions by a Tight End, a spot previously held by none other than Sun Devil great, Zach Miller. Miller had caught 56 passes in 2004.
Coyle also led the 2012 Sun Devils in receiving yards with 696 while scoring five touchdowns. Just as important, he averaged 12.2 yards per catch which showed his skill of gaining yards after a reception.
Coyle not only collected the most receptions in four games, but he also finished third in the nation in tight end receptions per game with 4.38 catches per contest. His best performance for the Maroon & Gold was 10 receptions and 131 yards against Illinois on September 8, 2012.
When we look back in a couple years, it will be clear that Chris Coyle was the player to re-establish the tight end position for ASU football.
On top of the above, #87 is a stand-up representative one for ASU. He is always available to talk to, and he takes the time to answer all questions with thought and consideration. Even after long practice sessions, you can catch Coyle accommodating reporters or taking photos and meeting fans.
I asked Coyle if there was one game in particular he was looking forward to this year, he responded, “To be honest, the one everybody has circled this year is the Notre Dame game … It’s going to be the perfect chance for us to prove ourselves on national TV in front of everyone, and it’s going to be a challenge.”
We still get to watch and see what Coyle does in this, his senior year. Will he break his own record of 57 receptions? Will he lead the ASU Offense in total receiving yards again?
Regardless of what happens, when we look back in a couple years, it will be clear that Chris Coyle was the player to re-establish the tight end position for ASU football.
Coyle scores one of his five TD’s during the 2012 season.
*Interesting fact about Chris Coyle
Coyle’s a bit of a throwback in that he doesn’t wear gloves on the field. Like an old school baseball player wanting to feel the wood of his bat, Coyle likes to feel the pigskin with his bare hands. Seems to be working just fine. ForksUp
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