Villanova Football Roster Breakdown: What Role Will Tight Ends Occupy?

This is one in a series of stories breaking down the 2025 Villanova Football roster. Click here to read about the Wildcats’ cornerback room; click here to read about the Wildcats’ defensive back room; click here to read about the Wildcats’ safety room; click here to read about the Wildcats’ defensive ends, and click here to read about the Wildcats’ defensive tackles; click here to learn about the Wildcats’ linebackers; click here to about the Wildcats’ specialists; click here to learn about the Wildcats’ interior offensive line; click here to learn about their tackles; click here to learn about their quarterbacks, and click here to learn about their running backs.

Villanova Football enters 2025 with just four tight ends on the roster, the fewest of any position group outside of specialists. Even under talented quarterbacks like Connor Watkins, the Wildcats have focused on their running game in recent seasons, limiting the amount of targets to go around.

Senior Antonio Johnson (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) hauled in nine passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, best among Villanova tight ends in 2023, but suffered a season-ending injury last season, preventing a potential breakout year.

Sophomore Nolan Clayton (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) and redshirt freshman Sean Brodnik (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) both bring value to the Wildcats through their blocking ability per the Villanova Football roster.

Incoming freshman Sean Welde seems to fit the deep threat profile of a modern tight end. A 6-foot-6, 260 pound target, Welde lettered in basketball during all four seasons of his high school career and hauled in 25 passes for 345 yards and six touchdowns last season. If the Wildcats decide to incorporate tight ends into their passing offense more often, expect targets for Welde in the near future.