Andrews moves to tight end for Nevada

Douglas High graduate Joe Andrews has a tight end body, but he's been playing at offensive tackle.

So it only made sense that Andrews, a redshirt sophomore, would make the transition from the offensive line to tight end for the University of Nevada football team.

"That's what everybody said," said Andrews on telling him he should move to tight end. "I really wasn't able to put on any weight. But I got quite a bit stronger."

At 6-6, 255 pounds, Andrews does have the prototype tight end body. He can also bench press 370 pounds and squat 565 pounds.

Andrews is battling for the No. 2 spot at tight end although it's likely that he'll end up as the No. 3 tight end. Andrews, though, should see some playing time on special teams this year. He hopes to be able to earn the starting tight end spot by the end of his career at Nevada.

"Anything can happen," Andrews said. "I've got to be ready to play. I've got to be prepared.

"I heard from one of our teammates, the harder you work, the luckier you're going to get."

The transition from tackle to tight end was made easier since the blocking schemes for both positions are virtually the same.

"The blocking is actually real similiar," Andrews said.

But offensive tackles don't have to run pass routes and Andrews is receiving a crash course.

"It's a little tough going from offensive line to tight end right away," he said.

Andrews also wasn't so sure how well he would do catching the ball.

"A lot better than I thought I would be," said Andrews about catching the ball. "I worked over the summer with some guys. It's been coming along."

Andrews said he couldn't be happier playing at Nevada. "You feel like you're representing Douglas County," he said.

Nevada opens with Washington State on Saturday in Seattle. The Cougars feature Heisman Trophy candidate Jason Gesser at quarterback and are ranked in the top 20 in every major poll. Playboy Magazine ranks Washington State No. 5.

But Andrews said the Wolf Pack won't be intimidated. "It's going to be an eye opener, I think," he said. "Basically we're going to go up there and play our game. We seem to be a lot tighter than we have been in past years."

PENROSE UPDATE

Galena High graduate Luke Penrose is on the plebe roster for freshmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. A slotback, Penrose should be a part of the Navy's junior varsity program this year with a chance to make the varsity as a sophomore.