Full Circle: Jonny Harline Celebrates BYU’s Resurgence at Tight End with Renewed Pride and Promise
Jonny Harline’s name is etched in BYU football lore, most memorably for “The Catch” — his game-winning reception against Utah in 2006 that became an instant classic. Known for his reliable hands, athleticism, and clutch performances, Harline embodied the prototype of a BYU tight end. Now, nearly two decades later, the former Cougar star watches with pride as his alma mater begins to reestablish the tight end position as a cornerstone of its offense.
For Harline, this resurgence is more than just a tactical shift — it’s personal. “Seeing the tight end spot become a focal point again at BYU really brings things full circle for me,” Harline said. “It’s how I made my name, and it’s a tradition that’s always been part of BYU football.”
Historically, BYU has been a cradle for elite tight ends. From Gordon Hudson and Chad Lewis to Dennis Pitta and Harline himself, the program has long boasted a legacy of pass-catching tight ends who thrived in an offense that valued their versatility. However, in recent years, that tradition saw a dip, as offensive schemes moved away from the tight end-centric play that once defined BYU’s aerial attack.
That trend is now reversing.
With a new generation of dynamic tight ends emerging in Provo, the position is once again taking center stage. Players like Isaac Rex — whose size, athleticism, and red zone prowess evoke memories of the greats — have reignited excitement around the role. Offensive coordinators are increasingly designing schemes that leverage the mismatches tight ends create, using them not just as blockers, but as primary playmakers.
“Guys like Isaac are putting BYU tight ends back on the map,” Harline noted. “They’re doing things that make NFL scouts take notice, and it’s great to see the coaching staff leaning into that strength.”
Harline’s pride also stems from the cultural and developmental values that the tight end position often symbolizes at BYU. “It’s not just about making catches,” he said. “It’s about being dependable, doing the dirty work, leading by example — all things that define Cougar football.”
The return to tight end prominence also reflects a broader effort by the BYU program to honor its identity while adapting to the modern game. With the move to the Big 12, competition has never been stiffer, and versatility on offense is essential. Tight ends who can block, catch, and stretch the field provide a vital edge in this new chapter.
For Harline, watching this evolution unfold from the stands or on his screen is both nostalgic and exciting. “It’s fun to see these guys carry the torch,” he said. “It reminds me of why I fell in love with the game — and with BYU.”
As the Cougars push forward, blending tradition with innovation, they’re doing so with renewed pride in one of their most storied positions. And few are cheering louder than Jonny Harline — a tight end who helped build the legacy, and who now beams as it comes full circle.
