Update Interview with 4-Star 2021 Notre Dame TE Commit Cane Berrong
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
What was edging into forgotten territory on the gridiron is coming back, and players like Cane Berrong are the future at tight end. In pro-style sets, the tight end was a glorified extra offensive tackle that got the occasional dump pass or dragged across the defense as a forgotten target by secondaries. As teams switched offenses to a Spread attack, the emphasis on having four receivers on the field made the tight end obsolete. But when talents like Berrong take the field, his versatility opens up any offense. At 6-4, 230-pounds, he can line up with a hand in the dirt aiding in the run game, come out of the backfield as an H-back to help in the run game and/or passing attack, and has the speed to line up on the outside or in the slot to create mismatches. After a junior season earning first team All-State honors, the Hart County High School (GA) standout has earned 30 offers but limited his recruiting process early committing to Notre Dame on June 20, 2019.
In an RNG first-look with Berrong, the four-star sits down for an in-depth interview covering his abilities on the field.
Interview
Cane, if a fan of football went to the game just to watch you play, they would not be disappointed. Beyond your skill level, you do so many different things within the offense. If you will, breakdown your roles between lining up as a receiver, as an H-back, and with your hand in the ground at tight end?
“I feel like my game is similar to George Kittle (49ers) and Tommy Tremble (Notre Dame). I am a tight end but I can be an H-back or a receiver. I am an athletic tight end. I’m not a big guy that is another offensive tackle on the line, but I can block when they need me. I’m an athletic tight end that is faster than the linebackers and bigger than the safeties. I am an athlete at tight end out there.”
Given the different formations the Bulldogs run and all your various alignments, how did you prepare for each game last season?
“We took what the defense gave us. I had to block a lot last season. We ran a lot last year, because we had two great backs. I would do my thing as a receiver for the team. I worked in practice preparing for each game. As a blocker, I’d see what type of defensive end I was going against, physical, soft, and/or fast. That is what we focused on in practice; getting my hands on him or being physical. I worked with Coach Edwards in practice and applied that to the game.”
As a receiving threat, how did your overall game improve last season?
“I think it improved a lot. I am getting faster and more explosive. I have really good hands. I can go up and catch over everyone. From playing baseball as a young guy. My hand-eye coordination is very good. I know how to catch the ball at the last second.”
When you turn the jets on, you are gone. What’s the best time you’ve laid down?
“At the National Combine in San Antonio, I ran a 4.53 40-yard dash my sophomore year. That is when I started blowing up. My sophomore film shows it; we threw a lot that year. That showed my speed. I am one of those fast tight ends who can move.”
Are you taking on any new responsibilities during your senior year?
“Doing the same things. I think we will throw more; I will be flexed out as a receiver more this year. We have a new formation, the RIP. In the RIP, I am on the ball, but on the outside. I will move all over the place like I did during my sophomore year.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“I’m trying to get a bigger upper body; all the weight is in my legs. I want to add 10 pounds on my upper body. I am working on my hand-eye coordination. I am trying to get better at everything.”
In June of 2019, you verbally committed to Notre Dame. How do they plan on using you within their scheme once on campus?
“Kind of like Tommy Tremble, as an H-back. They have three tight ends on the field at all times. We can run or throw when we want to. They will use me as an athletic tight end. They like that I can move and that I’m fast. I can play slot, be split out, or play with my hand in the dirt. They can do whatever with me.”
How many times have you been to South Bend?
“I think three times.”
What drew you to Notre Dame as a recruit making you want to commit to the Fighting Irish?
“The education, definitely. I like how they have used the tight end over the past 15 year. I believe every starting tight end has been drafted. The education is there if you do not go to the NFL to back you up.”
Are you helping in the recruiting process? If so, how are you helping?
“Yes, sir. I am not one of those guys to pressure someone. A kid will go to Notre Dame if he wants to. When they come to me, I give them my spill. I don’t text every day to pressure someone. When they ask, I try to tell them about Notre Dame and the education they will receive.”
Cane, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Berrong family; Cane Berrong at a Notre Dame camp