Hardly.

Truth is, Harline's injury is not serious and he could return before spring drills end Saturday. But even if it were a long-term problem, BYU would simply tap into its deep well of talented tight ends.

"This is a place, for some reason or another, that attracts quality tight ends," said offensive coordinator Robert Anae.

Named to the Mountain West Conference's first team as a junior, Harline has NFL written all over him. Yet, he's not even guaranteed to start.

Dan Coats is right behind Harline and arguably is a better all-around player. The former Utah player of the year out of Northridge High is a strong blocker with the ability to beat linebackers and safeties in pass coverage.

Together, the two seniors form one of college football's best tandems at tight end.

"We expect from a team standpoint a lot of leadership there," Anae said. "Not just guys knowing what to do and where to go, but guys that lead and guys that produce."

And it doesn't stop there. Sophomore Vic So'oto and redshirt freshman Andrew George have each shown enormous promise during spring practice.

"It keeps the bar raised high," Coats said. "You know if you slack off a little bit, the three other guys are going to tear up and then all of a sudden you'll be at the bottom. It's kind of like you have to fight every day."

With his speed and glue-like hands, Harline has drawn most of the attention. He didn't catch a pass as a sophomore after transferring from Ricks College, but had 63 receptions for 853 yards and five touchdowns last season.

As the season progressed, he became quarterback John Beck's favorite target. Two years ago, he played mostly on special teams and backed up Coats and Dennis Pitta.

"Everyone brings a lot they can contribute with," Harline said.

Coats started with a bang as a freshman, catching two touchdown passes against Georgia Tech. His 30 receptions for 378 yards stands as a record for a BYU freshman tight end.

In the last two years, he's combined for 34 receptions and three touchdowns. Curing a case of the drops last season, Coats is primed for big senior year.

"We run the perfect offense to be a tight end," he said.

History may prove that So'oto was the best of the current tight end group. He was one of BYU's most celebrated recruits, drawing strong interest from nine Pac-10 teams along with other powerhouse programs such as Nebraska, Oklahoma and Florida State.

Seeing spot duty at tight end last season, So'oto still has a redshirt season available and also could opt to serve a church mission.

"The coaches said I'll get more playing time and I'll get more [passes] this year," he said. "It's just a test for me to see how much I've improved and how much I'll fit into the situation at tight end."

As a high school player in Colorado, George drew recruiting attention from several Pac-10 and Mountain West schools. He left on a mission before enrolling in college and then sat out last season.

George has seen time as the slot receiver in spring practice, replacing the injured Nate Meikle. Given all the versatility, BYU likely will use different formations to utilize the tight ends.

Known as a tight end friendly program, BYU has put several players from that position in the NFL. The pipeline could get bigger in Anae's offense.

"Now that guys see what we're doing with that spot, before long there'll be some national recruits chasing the position," he said.

BYU's depth at tight end

Jonny Harline, 6-4, 226, Sr.

Averaged 71.1 receiving yards last season

Dan Coats, 6-3, 256, Sr.

Had 21 receptions and three TDs in '05

Vic So'oto, 6-3, 240, So.

Played in 11 games as a freshman

Andrew George, 6-4, 226, Fr.

Earned first-team all-state in Colorado