Arch Manning already building great relationship with Texas Longhorns' new secret weapon

Last season, the Texas Longhorns leaned quite a bit on tight end Gunnar Helm. After a modest couple seasons, the now Tennessee Titans draft pick had a breakout season in 2024. He hauled in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns.

Well, now he's gone and Steve Sarkisian needed to go out and find a safety blanket for new starting quarterback, Arch Manning. No issue there as Texas went out and signed Cal tight end Jack Endries.

Last year with the Golden Bears, Endries finished the year with 56 catches for 623 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 240 pound prospect should be a huge factor in 2025 for Texas. How so? Let's get into it.

The one-time walk-on emerged as the go-to threat for Cal last season. Now, he will be asked to usher in the Arch Manning Era.

Pro Football Focus is a huge fan of Endries. Earlier this year, Max Chadwick listed him as the No. 2 returning tight end entering the 2025 season.

His 1,030 receiving yards since 2023 rank sixth at the position and first among returning tight ends who have played for a Power Four school during that span. Endries has strong hands for the position, dropping only one pass in 2024 while catching nine of his 12 contested targets. - Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus

Endries is a fantastic blend of a pass-catching tight end who can extend drives with clutch third down receptions. He can also stick his nose in there and block for you on running and passing downs. The latter being crucial as Texas breaks in four new starters on the offensive line and a new quarterback under center.

Run blocking is just as imperative in 2025 as injuries and sporadic production were major issues at times for the Longhorns. Endries being a more-than-willing blocker is a huge asset.