TE


Vance Bolyard- Duke


Vance Bolyard fits Tulane as a 6’5”, 240-pound prototypical tight end with elite blocking pedigree, mismatch athleticism in the passing game, and untapped receiving upside who immediately shores up a depleted TE room while adding special teams depth and physicality to the run game.


He’s a rising redshirt junior transfer from Duke (ACC) who committed in January 2026, via the portal. A three-star high school recruit (No. 23 TE nationally per ESPN) out of Northern Guilford HS in Greensboro, NC, he has multiple years of eligibility remaining.


Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit:

Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall and tight ends coach Tyler Spotts-Orgeron) relies on tight ends who excel in-line as blockers to support the run game, while providing mismatch opportunities in the pass game, especially in the red zone and on intermediate routes. Bolyard is a perfect scheme match: 


•  Size and blocking prowess: 

At 6’5”/240, he’s a “high-level blocker” who isn’t afraid to mess someone up in the run game. His frame and physicality make him an ideal in-line end who can dominate at the point of attack. 


•  Mismatch athleticism: 

Bolyard describes himself as a “mismatch” weapon, “If you get a linebacker on me, I’m too fast, and if you get a safety or a corner on me, I can bully them.” Scouts note flashes as a pass catcher on tape, giving him upside as a move TE or flexed option (Y-TE).


•  Versatility and intangibles: Multi-sport HS background (basketball and lacrosse) plus proven special teams contributor at Duke (valuable member in 2025) add immediate starter potential and football IQ. Tulane values TEs who can contribute across phases, and his frame/speed combo fits perfectly into their explosive concepts.

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