
Rice’s old-school TE profile with real receiving chops
In the 2016 season, Connor Cella was a dependable Rice tight end who caught 31 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown, giving the Owls a steady middle-of-the-field target[1][2]. What stands out beyond the box score is the way Rice’s staff framed him as a good athlete who played both tight end and defensive end in high school, hinting at toughness, versatility, and a physical edge[3][7]. If you want a TE who can do the dirty work, handle contact, and still contribute as a reliable pass catcher, Cella fits the mold nicely[1][3].