Introduction to Tanner Koziol
Tanner Koziol stands out on the University of Houston practice fields, and it’s not hard to see why. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, he’s bigger than almost everyone else, including the other pass catchers. His size and athleticism make him a formidable opponent, and his presence on the field is undeniable. Koziol’s height comes from his 6-foot-5 basketball-playing dad and his 5-foot-11 swimmer mom, and he’s determined to use his unique physical gifts to make a difference in the game.
A Game-Changing Transfer
Landing Koziol, one of the top tight ends in college football, is a major coup for the University of Houston coaching staff. Koziol originally transferred from Ball State, where he had a breakout season with 94 catches for 839 yards and eight touchdowns, to Wisconsin, before reentering the portal and landing at Houston. His arrival is expected to breathe new life into the Cougars’ offense, and he’s already making a big impression on his teammates. "That dude, he’s a monster," says running back Dean Connors, another transfer expected to make a big impact. "He’s huge, and I think anytime you can bring someone that size and athleticism onto your team, you’re grateful for it."
The Modern Tight End
Koziol sees himself as part of a new generation of tight ends that are sweeping the highest levels of football. He looks to NFL Pro Bowlers like T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta as role models, and he’s determined to emulate their skills and success. Koziol’s ability to rise up against defensive backs and linebackers to make contested catches is a rare gift, and one that makes him a valuable asset to his team. "Oh man, even when Tanner’s not open, he’s open," says quarterback Conner Weigman. "If he has man coverage and you put the ball up in a good spot, he’s going to go make a play for you. It’s really awesome. It’s a safety blanket."
Film Study and Teamwork
Koziol is a film nut, and he spends hours watching tape to prepare for games. He believes that watching film helps him anticipate what’s coming and make adjustments on the fly. "When you see those mental reps, like watching what has happened before, and then you see a play (during a game) and it’s the same look against a defense, you know what to look out for," he explains. Koziol is also impressed by his teammates, including Dalton Merryman, a 6-foot-9 transfer from Texas Tech who will help anchor the Cougars’ offense line. "He’s a great leader, a great communicator on the O-line, and he’s just been awesome," Koziol says.
Conclusion
Tanner Koziol is a game-changing transfer who is expected to make a big impact on the University of Houston’s offense. With his unique combination of size, athleticism, and film study habits, he’s poised to become one of the top tight ends in college football. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Koziol is focused on being part of something bigger than himself, and he’s excited to see what the future holds for the Cougars. With his talent, work ethic, and teamwork, the sky’s the limit for this talented young player.
