Here's the catch

Pascoe working to increase his role, which for a 'Dogs tight end can have its limits.

Published online on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007

Don't let the friendly country accent fool you. Bear Pascoe has a mean streak in him that the Fresno State coaching staff simply loves.

"He's a mauler," tight ends coach Jeff Grady said.

"Our toughest son of a gun," special teams coach John Baxter said of Pascoe last season.

That all said, it's Pascoe's softer side that could determine whether the tight end becomes more involved in the passing game.

As in softer hands.

Pascoe spent the offseason working primarily on his receiving skills, running routes and catching passes in anticipation of a larger role in the passing game.

A third-year starter out of Granite Hills High, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Pascoe is the Bulldogs' most experienced target and in July was named to the watch list for the Mackey Award, awarded annually to the nation's best college tight end.

Pascoe had 22 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns last season. Only receiver Chastin West, with 33, had more receptions among returning Bulldogs.

Though Fresno State still is testing what plays work and don't work under new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, one play that seems etched in the playbook is the deep post route by the tight end.

It's the same play that allowed Pascoe to score on a 75-yard pass against Hawaii last year.

But as vivid as Pascoe's long touchdown was, so remains his dropped pass in the end zone during the 2005 Liberty Bowl that could have been the winning touchdown.

It's why Pascoe repeatedly worked on his receiving during the offseason to try to become a reliable target, particularly for third-down and red-zone situations.

Grady, the former Bulldogs quarterback in his first season as tight ends coach after serving as a graduate assistant, said his stable of tight ends -- Pascoe, Jesus Tapia and Drew Lubinsky -- could all be valuable receiving options.

"If you look at those guys, they're big targets and they can catch the ball," Grady said. "As a former quarterback, that can be comforting to know."

Pascoe said Grady has helped him gain a better grasp of which plays are likely to go to the tight end. He also has a better overall understanding of plays than just his responsibilities because of Grady's insight.

But as much as Pascoe yearns to get more involved in the passing game, his strength remains his blocking.

Pascoe did not have a reception in Saturday's scrimmage, but he regularly helped clear holes for the running game.

Grady said Pascoe's size and strengths gives the Bulldogs the equivalent of a sixth offensive lineman.

At practice, it's common to see running backs shadowing a Pascoe-led block.

"He's a big part of our offense because he does a bunch of things," Grady said. "You can use him in the passing game, and obviously, he's dominant in the run game."

Pascoe realizes he isn't likely to lead the Bulldogs in receiving considering their style of play and emphasis on the run. But he continues to fantasize being a first option. Pascoe, after all, was a quarterback in high school and is used to making plays.

"There's always a little desire there to play quarterback," Pascoe said. "But you know, I'm a tight end now, like Grady's a tight ends coach.

"We've got our role. It might not be the main part. But it's our role, and we've got to do it right."