Tulane TE Matt Marfisi Could Juggle Several Roles For Saints
It wouldn’t be a New Orleans Saints rookie mini-camp without a Tulane University player or two being invited.
Quarterback Ryan Griffin and cornerback Derrick Stozier were a few of the invites last year as undrafted free agents with Griffin still on the roster but Strozier being released later.
Strozier was actually converted for the mini-camp last year from his cornerback position to running back in hopes of putting the 5’8″, 181 lb. speedster into a possible kick returner.
The Saints will try to do the same with another Tulane product in Matt Marfisi who is the sole Green Wave invite this year.
More from Big Easy Believer
- New Orleans Saints: Three biggest questions heading into the offseason
- New Orleans Saints: Three positives to take from playoff loss
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Sacramento Kings
- New Orleans Saints: Bold predictions for Wild Card Round vs. Vikings
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide in Los Angeles Lakers rematch
Marfisi, 6’6″ 265lbs., played tight end for his college career but the Saints are listing him as an offensive lineman for mini-camp.
In his freshman year Marfisi looked like he could become a viable option at tight end where he had 13 receptions for 131 yards and 1 touchdown.
But that would be the biggest year he would have and saw his numbers decline from 8 receptions for 20 yards the following year to 2 receptions for 17 yards in 2014.
Aug 28, 2014; Tulsa, OK, USA; Tulane Green Wave tight end Matt Marfisi (88) misses a pass against the Tulsa Hurricanes during the first quarter of a game at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Marfisi was utilized on special teams mainly and also doubled as a long snapper for Tulane during 2013 and 2014.
He would finish his college career with 27 receptions for 221 yards and 1 touchdown.
It’s curious that the Saints would try to use Marfisi as an offensive lineman but he could also see some reps possibly at tight end or even deep snapper.
More from New Orleans Saints
- New Orleans Saints: Three biggest questions heading into the offseason
- New Orleans Saints: Three positives to take from playoff loss
- New Orleans Saints: Bold predictions for Wild Card Round vs. Vikings
- New Orleans Saints: Complete roster breakdown vs. Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints: The one overarching reason why the Vikings will lose
Justin Drescher has been the sole long snapper for the team since 2010 and hasn’t really had any stiff competition for the job.
If Marfisi is looking to catch on as an offensive lineman he’ll need to put on some more bulk being a bit light for the position.
The chances for him making the roster is extremely slim with ten other offensive lineman competing for a spot in mini-camp as well with at least a two veterans and 2015 first round pick Andrus Peat in that number.
On the chance that the Black and Gold decide to keep Marfisi, they could try to develop him into strictly as an extra blocker on the line who is eligible in the role that made Saints tackle Zach Strief a household name….