Andrew Park’s size and big play ability could have him on the field sooner than expected

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on wide receivers; this week, we’re looking at all of Maryland’s tight ends.

Andrew Park, TE

Height: 6’5
Weight: 245 lbs.
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia
High School: Lake Braddock

How he got to College Park

A three-star prospect, Park committed to Maryland on March 3 of 2016, making him the first commit for the 2017 class. His commitment also marked the beginning of DJ Durkin’s first full recruiting cycle as Maryland’s new head coach, one that would end as the No. 18 class in the country, per the 247Sports Team rankings.

As an upperclassman at Lake Braddock, Park totaled 741 yards and six touchdowns on just 47 catches, averaging more than 15 yards per catch. He drew a ton of recruiting interest early on, with nine offers before his junior season had even come to an end. Park likely had even more on the way, but capped his recruiting with an early decision.

Career highlight

He lined up both on the line and in the slot at Lake Braddock, and his 6'5 frame provided an easy target that quarterbacks could see over the defense.

2017 prospectus

In high school, Park ran simple streak and out routes, hauling in big gains on the fact he was simply bigger than anyone playing against him in the secondary. If he was isolated in man-on-man coverage, chances are he’d come down with it if it was thrown in his general vicinity. While Avery Edwards and Derrick Hayward are the two primary tight ends entering the season, neither has separated himself from the others in the passing game, and Park could see time early because of his big-play ability.

That said, he’s got to compete with Hayward, Edwards, Noah Barnes—who redshirted last season—and potentially Garland Owens for reps at tight end, so a redshirt season is also in play for Park.

Dream season

Park surprises offensively in two-tight end sets alongside Edwards, hauling in a couple of red zone touchdowns and becoming a regular contributor in a receiving unit that needs some firepower.

Next up

Offensive Line Week starts Monday! We’ll handle that a little differently than we’ve handled these other positions. Stay tuned.

Leaderboard

PeachesTerp got on the board, but HughGR finishes Tight Ends Week with two correct guesses, beating out Peaches, say_al and Murderlandboy.