TOWSON, Md. - One of the most wide open positions on the Tigers' football roster entering the season is the tight end position.

Over the last few seasons, tight end has been one of the most predictable spots on the squad. Last year, Ryan Hanley started almost every game. From 2007 to 2009, John Godlasky manned the position.

According to Tight Ends Coach James Vollono, the situation could be much different this year.

"This position is wide open," he says. "I could envision us going with a tight end by committee this season. These guys are working very hard. They are pushing each other and making each other better."

Vollono, who coached running backs in 2009 and 2010, has enjoyed his new assignment.

"It's been an interesting adjustment for me," he says with a smile. "I find myself learning about these players and I am also learning from them. It is very different from any other assignment I've had."

Junior Mike Evans and sophomore James Oboh are the team's most experienced tight ends but that doesn't give them any advantage, according to Vollono.

"I have no idea who is going to start the season at tight end," says the coach. "Everyone is catching 100 balls a day and they have the common goal of getting better."

Evans played in ten games last season and caught two passes for 28 yards. Oboh, a transfer from Florida Atlantic, appeared in the first three games before suffering a season-ending injury. He caught four passes for 23 yards, including a touchdown catch against Coastal Carolina.

Daniel Vaughan and Drew Stanford, a pair of "red shirt" freshmen, are getting long looks. In addition, Sean Mooney, a first-year freshman from Philadelphia, has also been very impressive.

"The strength of this unit is the work ethic," Vollono adds. "They are a close group and they do everything together." 

On Friday, the Tigers will conduct their fifth pre-season workout.