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It’s fitting that Brendan Doyle, an all-California Region I first-team tight end for College of San Mateo, will continue his football career in blue.
He did so as a senior standout for Monte Vista Christian School in the spring of 2021, when he was named MVP of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s A Division during the COVID-19 shortened season. And, he did so for the Bulldogs (12-1), who won state and national titles in the fall, and he’ll do so at the NCAA Division I level.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound sophomore tight end committed to Memphis Tigers on Friday. After securing plans to play for head coach Ryan Silverfield’s tight end friendly offense, the mid-year transfer dropped all his classes at CSM over the weekend and enrolled at the 100-year-old institution in Tennessee. Spring semester begins Jan. 17. He plans to major in psychology, and work in law in law enforcement, either the CIA or FBA, he said.
“It’s definitely overwhelming, but it’s exciting at the same time,” said Doyle, of his decision. “But I know it’s right.”
Former CSM teammate and current Memphis tight end Anthony Landphere recommended his coaches take a look at his former teammate after Tigers tight end Caden Prieskorn entered the transfer portal.
Bulldogs head coach Tim Tulloch raved about Doyle, and said Memphis will be a great fit.
Doyle finished the season with 16 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns for the Bulldogs, including a pair of scores in the state championship. His blocking and work ethic also impressed his former coach.
“He’s tenacious in his blocking, and it starts with his mindset,” Tulloch said. “He has great technique, and he plays through the whistle. He brings an old-school, blue-collar mentality to the football field. Whoever he goes against better bring a lunch pail for 60 minutes.”
Memphis was the first D-I program to offer Doyle a scholarship. He had dialogue with Oklahoma State University to play fullback, but they never offered. That said, he’s pleased he gets to remain a tight end.
He had offers from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, Lincoln University in Oakland, and Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado.
The Tigers went 7-6 in the fall, including 3-5 in the American Athletic Conference. They stomped Utah State 38-10 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas on Dec. 27. It marked the ninth straight season that the Tigers have qualified for a bowl game.
“The program is great,” Doyle said. “It’s a great opportunity to play tight end there.”
He took an official visit Friday, when he met the coach, and toured the city, campus and facilities.
“It definitely happened fast, and it was an awesome experience, for sure,” he said of the process. “And it came with a great offer. Their tight ends are really important in their offense. They’re blocking, catching, and know the playbook like a quarterback. That’s the difference between a good team and a great team.”
Doyle was a quarterback and linebacker in high school, but Tulloch moved him to the tight end position because of his decision making and high football IQ.
“Sure enough, he was one of our team leaders,” his coach said. “He is an extremely hard worker and set the standard in the weight room.”
Tulloch said that on game day, Doyle routinely faced Division I-bound defensive ends, and “singled up” on them. “He didn’t need any help,” his coach said.
He was also impressed with Doyle’s ability to haul in passes, both good and bad, and in any route. “He caught everything thrown his way,” Tulloch said. “He made some dynamic catches.”
Doyle is the third junior college player who prepped in Santa Cruz County to commit to a D-I program.
Cabrillo offensive lineman Jack Bacon, a Santa Cruz alum, signed a scholarship with Stephen F. Austin, and San Jose City wide receiver Casey Collins, a Scotts Valley alum, will be a preferred walk-on at Nevada Reno.
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