Tyler McCloskey came to Houston as a well-regarded linebacker recruit who also was an accomplished dual-threat quarterback in high school. After seeing action primarily on special teams in 2013, McCloskey emerged as a starter at fullback in 2014 before taking over as the Cougars’ starting tight end last season. He scored his lone touchdown of 2015 in Houston’s win against Cincinnati and was instrumental in the team’s run to the American Athletic Conference title and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win against Florida State.
McCloskey enters his senior season as a team captain and a preseason candidate for the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. He is off to a great start in 2016 as he had a 2-yard touchdown catch in the Cougars’ win against No. 3 Oklahoma and has been a key blocker for an offense that has averaged 235 rushing yards through two games.