“It’s moving forward”: CJ Dippre anticipates a shift at tight end for Alabama football.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has consistently been known for producing elite talent at nearly every position on the field. From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, Alabama’s recruits are often the cream of the crop, and they have a long history of success under head coach Nick Saban. However, one position that has become increasingly important in recent years—especially in modern football—is tight end.

The tight end is no longer just a traditional “blocker” but is becoming a pivotal offensive weapon that can create mismatches for opposing defenses. Players at this position are expected to not only be able to block but also to run routes, catch passes, and contribute in the red zone. For Alabama, CJ Dippre, a transfer tight end from the University of Maryland, is one of the most highly anticipated players in the 2025 season.

As the season approaches, Dippre is already talking about a shift in how Alabama uses the tight end position in their offensive scheme. According to Dippre, the changes at the tight end spot will be a significant evolution of the role, and he’s eager to contribute to it. In this article, we’ll explore Dippre’s comments, what this shift at the tight end position means for Alabama football, and how the Crimson Tide could leverage this position to become even more dangerous on offense in 2025.

CJ Dippre: A Highly Anticipated Addition

Before delving into the shift in Alabama’s tight end strategy, it’s important to understand who CJ Dippre is and why his arrival in Tuscaloosa is so significant. Dippre, a former Maryland Terrapin, transferred to Alabama with an impressive resume from his time in the Big Ten. A highly regarded tight end with a skill set that can influence both the passing and running games, Dippre caught the attention of Nick Saban and the coaching staff as someone who could fill a critical need in Alabama’s offense.

In his time at Maryland, Dippre emerged as a reliable target for the Terrapins’ offense, displaying his versatility as both a pass-catcher and a blocker. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 250 pounds, Dippre has the ideal size for the position, with the added benefit of quickness and athleticism. He runs crisp routes, has solid hands, and is capable of creating mismatches against smaller defenders or slower linebackers. His ability to align as both an inline tight end and in the slot allows him to be deployed in a variety of ways, making him a versatile weapon in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s system.

His decision to transfer to Alabama was widely viewed as a major move for the program, as tight end has become an increasingly important position in modern football. With Jahleel Billingsley transferring out and Alabama searching for an answer at tight end, Dippre’s arrival brought a wave of excitement to fans and analysts alike.

“It’s Moving Forward”: CJ Dippre on the Shift in the Tight End Position

In interviews leading up to the season, CJ Dippre has discussed how he believes the tight end position at Alabama is evolving. “It’s moving forward,” he said when asked about the changes happening with the role of tight ends in the Alabama offense. According to Dippre, the traditional view of the tight end as just a blocker or occasional red-zone target is shifting toward a more dynamic role, one that features much more pass-catching and downfield involvement.

“I think the game has evolved,” Dippre continued. “Tight ends aren’t just there to block anymore. We’re expected to be playmakers, especially in today’s college football. We need to stretch the field, make catches in critical situations, and help open things up for other guys, whether it’s the quarterback or the running back. I think coach Saban and the staff understand that the game has changed, and they’re adapting. They’re moving forward with the role of the tight end.”

The Changing Landscape of Tight End Usage

What Dippre is referring to is a larger trend in modern football where the tight end position is being used more creatively and strategically. For years, tight ends were primarily tasked with blocking on running plays and occasionally catching short passes in the red zone. However, in the age of spread offenses, high-flying passing games, and matchup football, the tight end position has evolved into a versatile, all-around weapon.

Teams like Kansas City in the NFL with Travis Kelce or college programs like Georgia and Notre Dame have demonstrated how effective a dynamic tight end can be in a high-powered offense. These players have the ability to create mismatches by using their size and athleticism to exploit defenders in various ways. College football has seen a shift where the tight end isn’t just an extra offensive lineman but rather a hybrid role—someone who can block in the running game and serve as a security blanket for the quarterback in the passing game.

For Alabama, the emergence of a player like CJ Dippre could signal that the program is ready to make this shift in earnest. Although the Crimson Tide has always valued physicality and the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, their offense is increasingly looking for ways to utilize the tight end more extensively in the passing game. And with Dippre’s skill set, the expectations are that he will play a key role in bringing this shift to fruition.

How Alabama Could Utilize Dippre and the Tight End Position

As Alabama’s offense continues to develop under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, it’s clear that the tight end position will play an essential part in their strategy. With a roster full of talented wide receivers and running backs, having a tight end who can contribute in multiple ways gives Alabama an extra weapon to use against defenses.

Here’s how CJ Dippre and the rest of the tight end group could be utilized in 2025:

1. Stretching the Field

With the modern passing game, tight ends are being asked to stretch the field vertically—something that was often reserved for wide receivers in the past. CJ Dippre’s ability to run precise routes and his solid speed for his size means that he can line up either in the slot or as a traditional tight end and create mismatches against defenders who struggle to cover a player with his combination of size and athleticism.

Alabama could take advantage of this mismatch by utilizing Dippre on seam routes, post routes, or drag routes across the middle of the field. This would force opposing defenses to account for him in the passing game, opening up opportunities for Alabama’s wide receivers and running backs to operate more freely.

2. Red-Zone Threat

Dippre’s size and ability to catch passes in tight spaces also make him an ideal red-zone target. When Alabama is inside the 20-yard line, defenses will have to account for the possibility of Dippre being a primary target for touchdown passes. Whether he’s lining up in the slot or as an inline tight end, Dippre presents a large target for quarterbacks to throw to in high-pressure situations.

His ability to box out smaller defenders and make contested catches in the end zone will make him a frequent threat on fade routes, back-shoulder throws, and quick slants in critical red-zone moments.

3. Blocking and Protection

While the tight end position is often associated with receiving, it’s also critical in the running game. Alabama is known for its dominant running attack, and Dippre’s background as a blocker will be essential in helping create lanes for running backs like Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. As a blocking tight end, Dippre will need to be physical in the trenches and help seal the edge on outside runs or provide extra protection on passing plays.

His ability to excel in both the blocking and receiving aspects of the position gives Alabama a balanced offensive attack that can keep defenses on their toes. Whether it’s running the football or passing, Dippre’s role as a versatile threat will be a crucial factor for the Tide.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Shift Matters for Alabama’s Championship Aspirations

As Alabama looks to make a run at the national championship in 2025, having a player like CJ Dippre in the fold could make all the difference in the world. The tight end position has become one of the most important positions in college football in recent years, and having a player with Dippre’s ability to contribute in both the passing game and running game gives the Crimson Tide an additional weapon that could help them win close games and break through tough defenses.

This shift in tight end usage is also a reflection of Alabama’s willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. Nick Saban and his staff have always been known for their ability to innovate and stay ahead of trends, and with the arrival of Dippre, they are showing that they understand the evolving role of the tight end in today’s game.

A New Era for the Alabama Tight End Position

As CJ Dippre prepares for his first season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, it’s clear that the tight end position will undergo a significant shift in 2025. With Dippre’s talent, size, and versatility, Alabama now has the opportunity to create even more mismatches for opposing defenses, utilizing the tight end position in ways that were previously reserved for wide receivers.

For fans of Alabama football, this is an exciting development that could take their already potent offense to the next level. Dippre’s impact will be felt immediately, and his presence on the field could very well make the difference in Alabama’s quest for another national championship. As Dippre himself said, “It’s moving forward”—and Alabama’s tight end position is most certainly moving in the right direction.