Waltman ready for next step at SRU
SLIPPERY ROCK — 1 catch, 12 yards.
That was all of Nathan Waltman’s statistics in 13 games of action at tight end for Slippery Rock University last season.
But the Karns City graduate’s impact on SRU’s offense figures to run much deeper than that this year. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, he’s like an extra offensive lineman.
“We’ve had some great tight ends here, but in all my years at The Rock, Nathan may be the best blocking tight end out of all of them,” SRU head coach Shawn Lutz said. “And he loves to do it. He’s an extremely physical player.”
Waltman and fellow junior Kam Kruzelyak (6-3, 225) will share time at tight end this season. Both will be on the field at the same time in some formations.
Waltman has been dealing with a shoulder injury this summer and has missed the bulk of summer camp. He plans to be ready for The Rock’s season opener Sept. 2 against Wayne State (Mich.).
“It’s a little frustrating, but it’s coming along,” Waltman said of his shoulder. “I want to be able to contribute in our opener and play more of a role this season than I have in the past.”
Waltman isn’t concerned with catching passes in SRU’s system.
“It’s always fun to run patterns and catch a few balls,” he admitted. “But I know what my primary role is and I love it. We’ve got so much talent in the receiving corps here and we’ve got explosive running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield.
“I don’t expect to be too involved in the passing game.”
He may catch a few more balls than he anticipates.
Last year’s tight end, Max Maciejewski, caught 31 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns. He was often open running short seam routes and getting yards after the catch.
“Defenses will have to pay attention to receivers like Kyle Sheets, Jawon Hall, Cohen Russell in the slot ... There is going to be open space underneath for Nathan and Kam,” Lutz said. “Nathan is not only big, he’s athletic.
“He can get open, catch the ball and be a tough guy to bring down. Drew (offensive coordinator Moulton) does a good job of keeping the tight ends in, like they’re going to pass protect, then releasing them late. I can see Nathan being very effective in that role.”
Offensive line coach Chris Conrad agreed.
“Believe me, we’re going to miss Max,” Conrad said. “The good thing is we have tight ends who know and understand their roles. Nathan is going to be an effective role player in our offense.
“But, man, I love his blocking. The best part about it is how much he enjoys blocking. It’s all good with him. He’s a tight end who loves to hit, thrives on physical contact.”
While Waltman describes his role in the offense as “limited,” he enjoys looking at the big picture.
“I don’t care about any personal accolades,” he said. “We’re about winning here and I just want to do my part. I understand the game a lot better at this level now than I did before.”
And Lutz has an appreciation for what Waltman brings to the team.
“He’s a selfless player who busts his butt every day,” the coach said. “The (shoulder) injury is unfortunate, but Nathan Waltman is going to hit the ground running. That’s just the type of player he is.”
