I agree with wes and GH here.
They can coach him up in a reserve role until he learns the position. Only saw the field a handful of times per game as a TE.
We are in desperate need up front and stuffing the run can keep us in some games.
Talent needs to be on the field.
I get the move and I think it's just something done out of necessity. I trust that the coaches see something in him that make them believe he can contribute on that side of the ball. We have a butt load of "traditional" style TE's on roster, so it's not a huge loss for the O.
Now, you know I'm not a Gus fan. Wanted him gone since the 27 QB game against Clemson 10 years ago. Thankfully, that stinking, rotting, dead horse has been dragged off the Planez. But I have to disagree with the "novelty" take on his usage last season. The only novelty was Gus actually calling it a TE position.
Pegues had 7 catches for 57 yards last season. He was a "distant" second to Brandon Deal, who had 9 catches. The bottom line is that CGM had all but quit using a TE as a weapon in his offense. But, JJ working at that position and getting the occasional carry was not some dreamt up concoction from the twisted brains of MalMorris. In his career in Oxford Miss., Pegues had 104 catches for over 1,400 yards and 14 TD's. He also rushed it 187 times for over 1,000 yard and 24 TD's. He was right at home in those capacities and I'm 100% certain the staff told him during his recruitment that he would get every opportunity to get it done on offense. Don't forget, the guy also crushed more than a few hapless defenders that dared cross the line.
As I said above, the guy played a total of 39 games in his HS career and had a whopping grand total of 5 tackles. Only two possibilities. Either he sucked on that side of the ball, or they just didn't use him there. I like to believe the latter. But now that he's experienced play at this level, maybe he's a natural and will wreak havoc. I hope so. I also hope he's not being wasted while trying to "coach him up" and teach him how to play defense in the SEC West.
But I'll trust Coach Byron Harbinsons.