Johnny Mundt: Opportunist Tight End

Michael Bigham FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

On September 14, 2013, Oregon played Tennessee in Autzen Stadium and Duck fans were worried. A new kid, Johnny Mundt started at tight end. Colt Lyerla, the normal starter, was missing because of undisclosed “circumstances.” There was no need for the fans to worry, though, as Mundt responded to the opportunity with a breakout game: five receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Mundt recalled his first touchdown as being surreal.

“It was amazing and nothing else has felt like that,” Mundt said. “Just hearing the crowd roar and having my team pick me up, it was just a great feeling.” Perhaps his best catch was on the Ducks’ second drive of the game, a 57-yard ramble down to the Volunteer red zone.

This year, Mundt is a sophomore, but Pharaoh Brown claimed starting tight end position and Mundt is again in a back-up role. That’s not to say that the 6’4″, 250 lb. Modesto, California native hasn’t contributed to the Oregon offense. He has two catches in 2014 for 29 yards.

With a ill twist of fate, Brown is now back home in Cleveland seeking treatment for a compound leg fracture. But Duck fans need not fret; the tight end cupboard isn’t bare. Along with Mundt, Oregon has two other capable tight ends: Evan Baylis and Koa Ka’ai. The word is that Mundt has better hands, Ka’ai is a better blocker and Baylis has the best combination of skills. Opportunities for the tight ends often depend on each opponent’s defensive scheme, but expect to see all three on the field contributing in upcoming games, and expect to watch Mundt respond again when his opportunity comes. He’ll be the big, raw talent rambling down the field for big gains.

 Top Photo by Ryan Kang/Emerald

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