Hurricanes tight end Alex Bauman is expected to be an end-zone threat

CORAL GABLES Alex Bauman is new to South Florida, but thankfully, he is used to the humidity.

The Miami Hurricanes transfer is a New Jersey native who spent the first three years of his college career in New Orleans, playing for Tulane .

While with the Green Wave, he established himself as a productive tight end.

I dealt with a lot of humidity and heat in the summer, Bauman said.

But living down here in Miami is awesome.

Bauman was a prime target for the Green Wave when they got into the red zone.

He had 20 catches for 212 yards, but seven of those catches were for touchdowns.

He can stretch the field vertically, Hurricanes tight ends coach Cody Woodiel said.

Hes really savvy, running and getting in and out of breaks and understanding second-level releases.

He can really high-point the football.

If you look at his length, thats something thats one of his dominant traits.

Pro Football Focus gave the 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end a 55.3 overall offensive grade.

He had a 66.4 receiving grade, but a 61.3 pass-blocking grade and a 43 run-blocking grade dragged down his overall score.

Bauman said blocking has been an area of focus with Woodiel this spring.

My footwork at times at Tulane was maybe a little Swiss cheese, Bauman said.

So were trying to fix that up and get it down pat and obviously bring that PFF grade up.

Woodiel said Bauman is progressing well.

Hes just got to keep working the base fundamentals, Woodiel said.

Playing with a great base and hands inside, pad level.

All the stuff that coaches always preach.

But truthfully, when you get out there and youve got to block the guys we block every day on Greentree, its going to make you better.

I think thats probably the one (learning) curve for him right now.

Bauman said the coaching staff has spoken to him about his anticipated role this season.

I like to say I do a little bit of everything, Bauman said.

I can make the play downfield.

I can make those blocks, put a lot of extra effort into plays, make sure I get my teammates open while also trying to get myself open as well.

I try and pride myself on doing everything, not just just (focused) on one thing.

Miami did not just add Bauman for his on-field ability.

After losing veterans Elijah Arroyo and Cam McCormick to the pros and Riley Williams to transfer, the Hurricanes needed older players to help stabilize the group of young tight ends.

Bauman helps with that.

Hes brought a very good veteran, professional leadership to the room, Woodiel said.

And, obviously, is a very productive player, too.

So were looking forward to him continuing to build and develop.

Hes just now scratching the surface with us.

Luckily for Bauman, he said the Hurricanes have welcomed him with open arms as he looks to finish his college career at UM.

Obviously, coming to a new culture is hard, Bauman said.

But theyre very accepting and very welcoming to new people.

Its great to be here..

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