Stover’s had ‘frustrating moments’, but finding comfort at TE

COLUMBUS, Ohio –– Sure, Cade Stover was no stranger to the offensive side of the ball. But tight end? That was new territory.

The Lexington, Ohio, native and No. 96 overall recruit in the class of 2019 had already switched from linebacker to defensive end during his first season of college football, but by the start of last spring, Stover was moved once again, and this time, to a position he was unfamiliar with.

“Sometimes people say versatility can get you in trouble because you can get pulled around to different positions I guess,” Stover said. “But I think I found a home here. I’m happy to be here, I’m comfortable with the ball in my hands in space, just like high school running back days.”

It’s taken time to develop that comfort, though.

Stover might have carried the ball out of the backfield as a running back in high school, but run-blocking and route-running were new for the in-state prospect, who was more comfortable putting hits on opposing tight ends as the No. 6 outside linebacker recruit in the country.

To make matters worse, after just a handful of spring practices following his position shift last year, the Buckeye program shut down due to COVID-19. Stover said he didn’t view the offseason hiatus as a setback, citing the hard work he put in back at home, but he didn’t deny he had quite a bit to catch up on when learning the ropes.

“I never really ran routes, I never played tight end before, so that was [difficult] as far as getting your footwork right and stuff like that,” Stover said. “The blocking, once I got my footwork down, I had the physicality, so that’s always helped me coming over from the defensive side. So I’d say the receiving probably the biggest learning curve there was.”

A year later, and even though Stover played just six snaps during his redshirt freshman 2020 season, he’s had ample time to learn behind Buckeye tight ends like Jeremy Ruckert, Luke Farrell and Jake Hausmann.

The latter two have moved on to the next level though, and with Ruckert the obvious choice as the No. 1 tight end in the bunch, Stover will be in contention for the No. 2 spot. In fact, Farrell thinks Stover may be the frontrunner for that job.

“Cade’s a beast, and I think you’ll find that out here soon,” Farrell said Tuesday at Ohio State Pro Day. “I think it was tough, him adjusting coming over from defense, but I think he’s more than capable of filling that spot. I’m excited for him for sure, to see what he’s gonna do.”

Head coach Ryan Day proved last year that with players as good as Ruckert and Farrell, two-tight end sets can be used with regularity in the Buckeyes’ offense.

Stover may have to make a big offseason leap in order to slot right in alongside Ruckert by the start of next season, but at this point, he’s past many of his initial growing pains at tight end and ready to take the next step.

“There were frustrating moments along the way, but that comes with everything,” Stover said. “I enjoyed learning a different position and learning new stuff and just expanding my knowledge for the game and just getting better prepared for the future.”