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Colts Tight Ends Coach: “You Couldn’t Have a Better Group of Guys”

By Luke Schultheis

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Recently, Colts.com’s Steve Andress caught up with Indianapolis Colts tight end coach Alfredo Roberts to discuss this year’s tight end group.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts reacts against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Since being hired in 2012, Roberts is entering his 4th season as the Colts tight end coach, having previously served such a position for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-11. He played professionally for 5 seasons for both the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Dallas Cowboys, where he was a two-time Super Bowl champion under head coach Jimmy Johnson.

This year’s Colts group at tight end features talented young tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener atop the depth chart, but also has versatile reserve Jack Doyle playing behind them. Not to mention, both former basketball standout Erik Swoope and UDFA Jean Sifrin among others could potentially factor into the tight end equation as well.

When asked about the opportunity to coach two talented young tight ends in Allen and Fleener, Roberts only had high praise for his promising protégés:

"“They make me earn my money, no (laughs)…it’s awesome,” quipped Roberts. “You couldn’t have a better group of guys. That and you hope everyone understands how they affect the team, and their role, and I think they really feed of each other and their strength, and how to build each other up and their particular role with the team.”"

Coming off an 8 touchdown season a piece last season, the talented tight end tandem in Allen and Fleener has learned to play together, and there haven’t been any issues regarding playing time and touches despite both being two highly regarded competitors per Roberts:

"“No, they’ve done a nice job trying to blend,” said Roberts. “You know, you come in 3 years ago, or this is going to be their 4th season, and wonder if they were going to have a professional clash because both were proud and highly touted college athletes.”“They’ve come in and accepted their role and had some change, brought Pep [Hamilton] in and [it was] a little more familiar for Coby [Fleener],” added Roberts. “They adapted very well to their roles and understanding the offense.”"

Both Allen and Fleener are set to become free agents at season’s end, and the Colts could have trouble re-signing both members of their tight end tandem given today’s free agent market. Still, Roberts and the team will get to utilize the duo for at least one more season, featuring an abundance of two tight end sets, much to Andrew Luck‘s liking.

Here’s hoping it stays that way for many years to come.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) celebrates with tight end Dwayne Allen (83) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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