Name: Matthew Hibner
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 254 lbs.
High school: Burke (VA) Lake Braddock
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #88
Last year: I did not rank Hibner. He made 2 catches for 15 yards, 3 tackles, and 1 fumble recovery.
TTB Rating: 72
How did you guys let me get away without ranking Hibner?!?!?! What in God's name is wrong with you people?!?!?!
I legitimately don't understand how I have not ranked Hibner in the countdown since his freshman year in 2020.
Okay, so let me recap his career so far since I haven't discussed him since prior to his freshman year:
Hibner redshirted in 2020 and then has seen steady playing time increases over the past couple years. He played in eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2021, including five at tight end. I started to pick up some buzz about him prior to 2022, when there were suggestions that he was one of the freakiest all-around athletes on the team. He played in thirteen games last year, including eight at tight end, and started to make a bit of an impact with 2 receptions for 15 yards, 3 tackles, and 1 fumble recovery on special teams.
This past spring he had one of the more exciting offensive plays of the spring game with a long catch and run from Davis Warren, albeit finishing the play with a pretty embarrassing stumble:
Up until he got tripped up by the turf monster, though, he showed some nice acceleration and speed, and he was maybe on his way to outrunning the secondary for a touchdown.
This season the depth chart has cleared out for him. Erick All (Iowa), Joel Honigford (NFL), Luke Schoonmaker (NFL), Carter Selzer (graduation), and Louis Hansen (UConn) have all departed, and the only transfer replacement has been Indiana's A.J. Barner. While Barner and Colston Loveland will probably get the majority of snaps, the #3 tight end spot is open and looks to be Hibner's. Redshirt freshman Marlin Klein and redshirt sophomore Max Bredeson will also get snaps, but I'm guessing Hibner will be the third most used guy.
Prediction: Backup tight end
Ah, a RSJr TE emerging to #3, with #2 in his sights for next year ... TE University!
ReplyDeleteWhat was Deloitte's (or whatever auditing firm you're using) response when you raised the issue of Hibner's absence from the list? This is a significant oversight, and you should consider switching your auditor.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, let me take this opportunity to thank you for your effort. I don't comment much, but I visit regularly and read most of your production. This list is one of the best parts of the pre-season ... every. single. year.
Yeah, Deloitte is fired. I'm also firing Lanknows.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoy the countdown so much and that you're a regular reader!
Fair TBH
DeleteI don't see him passing bredeson but otherwise agree with the rank. He should step into something like Honigfords snaps, which means we can expect him to play on critical downs.
ReplyDeleteHibner vs. Bredeson is an interesting battle. I think Bredeson will step into Honigford's blocking role a little bit, but Hibner is a better overall athlete and I think he's a more dangerous receiving target.
DeleteHibner is the biggest TE but nobody is over 255. He is a senior who has been quiet. For a TE that could be ok but I don't see him surging suddenly into an impact player. But he'll have a role since we lost so many TE. Blocking is the key here and that's why bredeson has been ahead
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