BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Quarterback
Derek Green played alongside a trio of future NFL tight ends while an undergraduate at SMU. And Green firmly believes
Owen Glascoe, his current tight end with the LIU football team, belongs in the same conversation as that group of Mustangs products.
LIU head coach
Ron Cooper and offensive coordinator
Kort Shankweiler similarly heap praise on the 6-foot-4, 258-pound Glascoe. They both predict he has a professional football career in his future.
The coaches noted that the Tennessee Titans came to practice on Monday to see student-athletes including Glascoe.
Glascoe didn't disappoint, making a highlight-reel one-handed catch that wowed teammates and the staff.
"His balls skills are just tremendous," said Shankweiler, while adding that Glascoe is a weapon not just as a receiver but also as a blocker.
Glascoe certainly should have a major role on the offensive side when the Sharks open their season on Thursday at 7 p.m. at FBS member Toledo on ESPN3.
A redshirt junior from Massapequa Park on Long Island, Glascoe had 36 receptions for 555 yards and three touchdowns while appearing in all 10 games in 2021.
He is an All-Northeast Conference Preseason Team selection heading into the opener.
"I think as a team we will surprise a lot of people," Glascoe said. "We're under the radar right now, but a lot of good things are coming."
Green played alongside tight ends Grant Calcaterra (Eagles, sixth round, 2022), Kylen Granson (Colts, fourth round, 2021) and Ryan Becker (Cardinals, undrafted signee, 2020) while at SMU.
Green allowed that Calcaterra is somewhat more of a receiver than Glascoe, since Glascoe carries about 20 more pounds than Calcaterra.
Green added that Glascoe may be most similar to Granson among the three SMU products, except that Glascoe is roughly an inch taller.
"I can honestly say Owen fits in just as well as those other three guys," Green said. "He's got the size, speed and ability. I think he has a bright future ahead of him. Owen can definitely do everything. He can run, block, catch. He is a big part of the offense that I'll be looking to utilize, for sure."
Cooper has been at Power Five football programs throughout his coaching career, including most recently at powerhouse Alabama. He agrees with Green's assessment about Glascoe's future pro potential.
"He can run and catch the ball like a wide receiver, and he can block," Cooper said. "He's got to be a weapon for us. He can play a lot of places that I've been. I love his attitude. He's quiet. He's humble. And he works his tail off, and that's important."
