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“It’s Moving Forward”: CJ Dippre Anticipates a Shift at Tight End for Alabama Football

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program, known for its rich tradition and consistently high-level recruiting, is always looking for ways to evolve and stay ahead of the competition. This year, one area of significant change appears to be the tight end position, where former Maryland transfer CJ Dippre is poised to make an immediate impact. Dippre’s arrival in Tuscaloosa and his potential role within the offense marks a critical shift in how Alabama plans to approach its offensive game plan, particularly in the passing game.

A New Era for Alabama Tight Ends

The tight end position at Alabama has seen considerable change in recent years. For much of the Nick Saban era, Alabama’s offense relied heavily on dominant tight ends who could block effectively in the running game while providing some occasional pass-catching threats. However, the game of football, and specifically the evolution of offensive schemes, has caused the tight end role to evolve significantly, becoming more dynamic and versatile.

Alabama’s offense has shifted towards a more pass-heavy approach in recent seasons, reflecting the broader trends across college football. With the emergence of more athletic, receiving-focused tight ends, the role has expanded beyond just a blocker or occasional target. Instead, the modern tight end is expected to be a legitimate receiving threat, capable of exploiting mismatches against linebackers and safeties, while still being asked to contribute in the running game.

CJ Dippre, who transferred from Maryland in the offseason, is part of this new wave of tight ends that Alabama is looking to integrate into its offense. His physical tools, skill set, and experience make him a key player in this anticipated shift. As Dippre gets acclimated to his new environment, all eyes are on him to see how he fits into Alabama’s evolving offensive system.

CJ Dippre’s Background: A Strong Foundation

Before joining Alabama, CJ Dippre spent two seasons at Maryland, where he quickly made a name for himself as a reliable and versatile tight end. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Dippre possesses an ideal combination of size, speed, and athleticism that allows him to be an effective weapon in both the passing and running games. In 2023, Dippre posted 30 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns, showing that he could be a reliable target in the passing game.

His play at Maryland demonstrated his ability to stretch the field vertically, a crucial trait for any modern tight end. But what sets Dippre apart is his ability to block effectively as well. He’s not just a pass-catcher; Dippre has the physicality and mentality to contribute in the run game, serving as a strong in-line blocker when needed. This balance of skills makes him an ideal candidate for Alabama’s offense, which has been known for utilizing tight ends in a variety of ways.

The transition from Maryland to Alabama is a significant one, not only due to the change in program culture but also because of the increased competition within the SEC. However, Dippre’s work ethic, intelligence, and versatile skill set make him an intriguing prospect for the Crimson Tide coaching staff. Head coach Nick Saban has always emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of college football, and Dippre’s skill set aligns perfectly with this vision.

The Importance of Tight Ends in Alabama’s Offense

Historically, Alabama has not been known for having elite tight ends who dominate the passing game. While the program has produced outstanding players like O.J. Howard (a first-round NFL draft pick) and Irv Smith Jr. (a second-round pick), the role of the tight end in the Alabama offense has often been secondary to the dynamic play of running backs and wide receivers.

However, with the rise of dual-threat quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Jalen Hurts, and the evolution of the offensive system under offensive coordinators like Steve Sarkisian and Bill O’Brien, Alabama has shifted toward an offense that places greater emphasis on the passing game. Tight ends, traditionally viewed as blockers or complementary pieces in the offense, have become more involved as dynamic playmakers.

In recent seasons, Alabama’s tight ends have seen increased usage in the passing game, often lining up in various positions to create mismatches against defenders. The versatility of players like Cameron Latu, who emerged as a reliable target in the red zone, and Jahleel Billingsley, who flashed potential as a downfield threat, highlighted the growing importance of tight ends in Alabama’s scheme. But there is still a sense that the position has yet to reach its full potential within the offense, and that’s where CJ Dippre comes in.

Dippre’s arrival brings a new level of promise to the tight end position. With his ability to make plays in both the passing and running game, he has the potential to become a major weapon for Alabama’s offense in 2025. His presence allows Alabama to diversify its attack and create even more opportunities for mismatches in the passing game.

The Role of the Tight End in Alabama’s 2025 Offense

One of the key questions surrounding Alabama’s offensive plans heading into the 2025 season is how tight ends will be used under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who took over the position in 2024. Rees, who previously worked as the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, is known for his balanced approach, which often includes a heavy reliance on tight ends as versatile weapons. At Notre Dame, Rees used his tight ends in a variety of ways, whether as traditional blockers or as dynamic pass-catching options in the middle of the field.

Given Rees’ history with utilizing tight ends effectively, it’s reasonable to expect that Dippre will play a major role in the offense. His ability to line up both in-line and in the slot gives Alabama the flexibility to use him in multiple ways, depending on the situation. Alabama could use Dippre as a primary target in the passing game, particularly on short-to-intermediate routes over the middle, where his size and athleticism allow him to box out defenders and make difficult catches in traffic.

Moreover, Dippre’s blocking ability will be crucial in both the running and passing games. As a strong blocker, he can help create lanes for Alabama’s running backs, which has been a staple of the program’s identity for years. Whether he’s sealing the edge on outside runs or helping protect the quarterback on passing downs, Dippre’s ability to contribute in the trenches makes him a valuable all-around player.

What CJ Dippre Brings to the Table

At his core, CJ Dippre is a well-rounded tight end who can make an impact in a variety of ways. His size gives him a natural advantage in contested situations, and his ability to win one-on-one battles against defenders makes him a difficult matchup. With a 4.7-second 40-yard dash time, he has the speed to stretch the field vertically, particularly in seam routes or mismatches with slower linebackers.

Dippre’s hands are another strength. Despite playing in a run-heavy offense at Maryland, he displayed reliable hands and solid route-running ability. As he continues to develop chemistry with Alabama’s quarterbacks, Dippre should become a go-to target on crucial third downs and in the red zone, where his physicality and ball skills can shine.

Furthermore, Dippre has an impressive football IQ and is a quick learner, which is essential when adapting to a new program and system. His understanding of the game allows him to quickly get up to speed in Alabama’s complex offensive playbook. Rees, known for his creative offensive schemes, will likely rely on Dippre’s versatility to create mismatches and open up opportunities for the other playmakers on the field.

The Impact on Alabama’s Offensive Identity

If CJ Dippre can live up to his potential and become the kind of playmaker many expect him to be, it could signify a new era for Alabama football. The ability to effectively use the tight end in both the passing and running game would give Alabama a potent weapon that forces opposing defenses to account for multiple threats. With Dippre stretching the defense and creating mismatches, Alabama’s offense would be more difficult to defend, especially when combined with its elite wide receivers and running backs.

Moreover, the development of Dippre at tight end could shift Alabama’s offensive identity. While the program has historically been built on a smash-mouth, run-heavy approach, the modern game demands that teams be able to stretch the field and diversify their attacks. A strong, athletic tight end like Dippre offers the perfect balance of both worlds, allowing Alabama to maintain its ground-and-pound approach while also opening up the passing game.

This shift would not only make Alabama more dangerous in the short term but also set a blueprint for the future of the program. A potent tight end who can impact the game in multiple ways is a key piece in building a championship-caliber offense that can compete at the highest level, not just in the SEC, but on the national stage as well.