Ohio State tight end Cade Stover had an interesting journey with the Buckeyes as he bounced back and forth on offense and defense. Stover finished up as one of the top tight ends in college football and has positioned himself well for a career in the NFL.
His stats late in his career tell the story of his success.
Cade Stover Begins Ohio State Career on Defensive Line
When Stover first joined Ohio State, he lined up as a defensive lineman, playing in just four games. He made three tackles in those games, including two solo and one assist.
This would be the only season he played on the defensive line as he would make the move to tight end.
Receptions: 0
Receiving Yards: 0
Average Yards Per Catch: 0
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Tackles: 3
Move to Tight End and Linebacker Defines the 2020 and 2021 Seasons
Stover didn’t make an impact on offense his first season as a tight end not posting a catch on the year. He did make three tackles in eight games played.
MORE: 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes Roster
Stover’s 2021 season saw him on the field more, with five receptions for 76 yards in 13 games. He would move to linebacker as the team did not have enough at the position late in the season, and started in the Rose Bowl against Utah. Stover posted nine tackles in 13 games that year.
Receptions: 5
Receiving Yards: 76
Average Yards Per Catch: 15.2
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Tackles: 12
2022 Season Signifies Full-Time Transition to Tight End
Things changed in 2022 for Stover, seeing him more in the starting lineup at tight end and gaining significant playing time.
Stover finished the year with 36 catches for 406 yards and five touchdowns. The Big Ten named him to its Third Team.
Receptions: 36
Receiving Yards: 406
Average Yards Per Catch: 11.3
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
Tackles: 0
Final Season Shows Career-Highs in Passing Game
Stover ended his Buckeyes career on a high note, finishing with career-highs in receptions (41) and yards (576), as well as catching five scores. He was back on the All-Big Ten team, but this time was up to the first-team selection.
KEEP READING: 2024 Big Ten Power Rankings
At the end of the year, Stover was one of the three finalists for the Mackey Award for being the nation’s best tight end. All that put together made him one of the top tight ends exiting college football.
Receptions: 41
Receiving Yards: 576
Average Yards Per Catch: 14
Receiving Touchdowns: 5
Tackles: 1
Cade Stover’s Final College Stats
Receptions: 82
Receiving Yards: 1,058
Average Yards Per Catch: 12.9
Receiving Touchdowns: 10
Tackles: 16
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