Gunnar Helm of UT chooses to attend tight end finishing school in order to get ready for the NFL Combine.

Gunnar Helm of UT Chooses to Attend Tight End Finishing School in Order to Get Ready for the NFL Combine

As the NFL Combine approaches, many college athletes are preparing to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts, hoping to increase their draft stock and make an impression at the highest level of football. For Gunnar Helm, a standout tight end from the University of Texas, the path to success at the Combine requires more than just showing up. Helm, recognizing the importance of his performance at the Combine, has chosen to attend a tight end finishing school to ensure that he is fully prepared to compete against some of the best athletes in the country. This decision is both a strategic and calculated move, one that aims to sharpen his skills, enhance his technique, and ensure that he stands out during the various drills and tests that take place during the Combine.

In this article, we will explore Gunnar Helm’s decision to attend tight end finishing school, what this kind of specialized training entails, and how it fits into the broader picture of his preparation for the NFL Draft. We’ll also examine why the NFL Combine is so critical to an athlete’s future, the benefits of attending such a finishing school, and how Helm’s journey is representative of the increasing emphasis on preparation and fine-tuning for the NFL Draft.

1. Gunnar Helm’s Background and Career at the University of Texas

Before diving into the significance of tight end finishing school, it’s essential to understand Gunnar Helm’s journey as a football player. Born and raised in the competitive football state of Texas, Helm always had a love for the game, showing a natural affinity for both blocking and receiving. He initially attended a high school known for producing top-tier talent, where he quickly gained recognition for his athleticism, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple facets. Helm’s combination of size, speed, and agility made him a coveted recruit.

After signing with the University of Texas, Helm spent several seasons honing his skills under the guidance of the Longhorns’ coaching staff. During his time at Texas, Helm was consistently used as both a blocking tight end and a receiving threat, showcasing his versatility. While he didn’t necessarily have the spotlight of other skill players like wide receivers or running backs, Helm’s ability to contribute in the trenches and on passing plays made him a valuable asset to the team.

As a tight end, Helm quickly earned the reputation of a reliable, all-around player. He had a solid track record of making critical catches in high-pressure situations while also being known for his blocking prowess. Helm’s performance was a key factor in Texas’ offensive line’s success, as his ability to seal the edge and provide protection for his quarterback made him a critical part of the team’s offensive game plan. His skill set caught the attention of NFL scouts, who began to take notice of the combination of size, athleticism, and versatility he offered.

Despite not always being the focal point of the Longhorns’ passing game, Helm’s ability to play both roles at a high level made him a prime candidate for the NFL Draft. However, Helm realized that in order to make the leap from college to the NFL, his skills would need to be refined, and he would need to prove to scouts that he could compete at the highest level. That’s when he decided to attend a tight end finishing school—a decision that would have a lasting impact on his preparation for the NFL Combine.

2. What is Tight End Finishing School?

Tight end finishing school is a relatively new concept in the world of football, but it’s quickly becoming an essential part of an aspiring tight end’s preparation for the NFL. Essentially, it is a specialized training program designed to help tight ends refine their skills and fine-tune their technique, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the unique demands of the NFL Combine and, eventually, the professional league.

Unlike general combine training programs, tight end finishing schools focus specifically on the skills and attributes that NFL scouts are looking for in a tight end. This training includes a combination of position-specific drills, strength training, and mental preparation, all geared toward making a tight end more marketable for the NFL. These schools are typically run by former NFL players, coaches, or highly skilled trainers with experience working with tight ends at the professional level.

At these schools, players like Gunnar Helm get the opportunity to work on things like:

• Route Running: Tight ends must be able to run crisp, precise routes, whether it’s a quick out or a deep post. Tight end finishing schools focus on improving footwork, timing, and understanding the nuances of route running at the highest level.
• Blocking Technique: A tight end’s role isn’t just to catch passes; they’re also integral to the running game. These schools teach blocking mechanics, hand placement, and leverage techniques necessary to dominate at the line of scrimmage, making sure tight ends can compete against NFL-caliber defensive players.
• Hands and Catching Technique: NFL teams want tight ends with reliable hands who can make catches in traffic, on contested throws, or in key situations. Tight end finishing schools provide players with the opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination, catching passes in various scenarios, and making adjustments on the fly.
• Combine Drills and Performance: Tight end finishing schools also help players prepare for specific drills they’ll face at the NFL Combine, such as the 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, vertical jump, and bench press. They teach athletes how to approach these events with the right mindset, technique, and physical conditioning.
• Mental Preparation: Finally, finishing schools help players like Helm mentally prepare for the pressures of the NFL Combine, including how to manage nerves, stay focused, and showcase their skills in front of scouts and coaches.

Attending such a school gives athletes the opportunity to learn from the best, and it allows them to leave no stone unturned in their preparation for what is, in many cases, a life-changing event.

3. Why Helm Chose Tight End Finishing School

For Gunnar Helm, attending a tight end finishing school was a strategic move. While Helm already had a solid skill set coming out of Texas, he knew that in order to make an impression at the NFL Combine and increase his chances of being drafted, he would need to fine-tune every aspect of his game. A traditional offseason training program or a general combine prep course wouldn’t provide him with the level of specificity he needed to take his game to the next level.

Helm’s decision to attend the school shows his commitment to mastering the tight end position. He understands that the NFL is filled with elite athletes, many of whom have been playing football at an extremely high level for most of their lives. To compete in such a competitive environment, players must be not only physically prepared but also mentally and technically refined.

By attending a finishing school, Helm had the opportunity to improve his game in a highly focused, tight-end-specific environment, receiving the best coaching and guidance. This decision was made with one goal in mind: to stand out during the NFL Combine and ensure that he’s ready to make an impact in the NFL.

4. The NFL Combine and Why it Matters

The NFL Combine is an essential event in the football world, and it’s one of the most important opportunities for aspiring NFL players to showcase their talent. The combine consists of a series of physical and mental tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, bench press, and various position-specific drills. It’s a time when NFL coaches, scouts, and executives get an in-depth look at the athleticism, skillset, and overall potential of draft prospects.

For tight ends like Helm, the combine is particularly important. Tight ends must demonstrate their ability to not only perform athletically but also to execute on-field skills such as catching passes, blocking, and running routes. A standout performance at the combine can be the difference between being a first-round pick and falling into the later rounds of the draft.

Attending a tight end finishing school helped Helm prepare for the combine by allowing him to work on the specific drills and techniques he would be tested on. For example, Helm’s ability to showcase his quickness, explosiveness, and reliability as a route runner would be crucial at the combine, and a well-executed performance in these areas could significantly boost his draft stock.

5. The Road Ahead for Gunnar Helm

Gunnar Helm’s decision to attend a tight end finishing school is a reflection of the growing trend of athletes going above and beyond in their preparation for the NFL Combine and the draft process. As more players recognize the importance of fine-tuning their skills and mastering the fundamentals, the rise of specialized training programs like tight end finishing schools is likely to become more common.

For Helm, this decision is a crucial step on his road to the NFL. With the right training, mental preparation, and determination, Helm has the opportunity to elevate his game, showcase his abilities to NFL scouts, and secure a spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ultimately, his experience at the finishing school will help him become not just a solid contributor but a standout tight end capable of making an impact at the highest level of football.