Brenden Bates wants to prove that he's more than a blocking tight end in 2023

Kentucky tight end Brenden Bates has a point to prove in 2023. With fewer than 25 receptions to his name in five years at Kentucky, the sixth-year tight end is on a mission to prove he’s got more than blocking and the rare target to his game.

Bates is bullish on his push to make more of an impact in the receiving game in part because he’s in much better shape. At various points in 2022, Bates was playing at around 270 pounds which made it difficult to move and stay conditioned for route running.

“I mean a lot of people probably don’t know but last year was the heaviest I’ve been here. I was pushing 270, which is not ideal for a tight end that wants to do more, especially in the pass game. So this year, especially going through rehab, going through the offseason, I just really dedicated my time to my diet and the weight room and getting in better. So right now I’m 255. I feel great. I just feel better out there running routes and that’s what I wanted to get at. I wanted to prove to BBN that I can do more than being just labeled as a blocking tight end,” Bates said.

A shoulder injury cost him the tail end of his 2022 season, but Bates has evidently used that time away from the field to hone his craft in other ways while getting his body in shape to better impact the game.

In 44 appearances and 14 starts, Bates has 22 career catches at Kentucky. He’s been decently productive the times he has gotten the ball, going for 8.3 yards per catch and scoring twice. But at half a reception a game pace, he’s been a non-factor in the passing attack for most of his career.

Bates discussed how some of the people he needs to convince the most are his own coaches.

Having been pigeon-holed as a blocking tight end for much of his career, challenging the coaching staffs perceptions of his abilities will be big for Bates carving out a bigger role. He again noted that he’s doing himself a big favor by making his case at around 255 pounds and not 270.

“I do feel like sometimes I am being a little bit pigeon-holed in that aspect but I’m not doing myself any favors if I’m going to be 270 pounds and can’t move like I know I can move,” Bates said. “So, that’s my goal: Prove to everyone, prove to my coaches like I got hands, I can run routes, I can do more in the passing game.”