In-Depth Look at SC’s Top 5 Tight Ends

Photo: Tracy Kimball The State

Josh Buchanan

December 2, 2020 @ 12:04 PM

Updated Look at SC’s Top 5 Tight Ends There are some minor changes to this list with some performances tightening the gaps and others actually jumping up a couple slots in the position ratings. <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59296" first="Robbie" last="Ouzts"], Rock Hill, 6’4, 245</li> </ol> The top tight end in the state comes from Rock Hill, [player_tooltip player_id="59296" first="Robbie" last="Ouzts"], and he lines up in the slot a lot and displays the ability to high point a ball and make athletic catches. He is also used as an h-back that can block on the move as well. His ability to finish blocks and make contested catches is a highly coveted trait. [player_tooltip player_id="59296" first="Robbie" last="Ouzts"] is committed to Alabama where he should be a very good player for Nick Saban’s program. <ol start="2"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59307" first="Brandon" last="Williams"], Strom Thurmond, 6’4, 225</li> </ol> Williams almost fell from #2 to #3 after missing all but three games due to injury in 2020 but he is so good as a blocker and on defense that he held on. He has good size, can catch well, and has the ability on defense to rush the passer pretty well. The injury recovery will be important so if he can retain his speed he should be a solid college tight end. He is verbally committed to Wake Forest. <ol start="3"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59313" first="Banks" last="Pope"], AC Flora, 6’4, 235</li> </ol> In 2019 Pope was an All-State tight end for AC Flora and attracted a lot of FBS attention. His 2020 season has gone equally well as he is one of the best players on his team headed to the state championship this week. He has everything you look for with good size, the ability to block on the move or inline, a good pass catcher, and contributes on special teams. There was a gap between him and Williams in 2019 but his senior year helped him close the gap and almost move to #2. Pope is an Appalachian State verbal commit. <ol start="4"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59378" first="Bruzza" last="Pusha"], Thomas Heyward Academy, 6’3, 215</li> </ol> This is the most intriguing prospect on our list because he plays several positions including receiver, tight end, and linebacker. We expect him to bulk up and become a college tight end. Pusha lines up in the slot most of the time and does a good job of tracking the ball, has reliable hands, and moves pretty well. Pusha had 46 catches for 1,140 yards and 14 touchdowns (24.8ypc) in 2020. We have moved him up our big board about 50 spots and flipped him with our new #5 tight end. <ol start="5"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59374" first="Carson" last="King"], Hilton Head Prep, 6’4, 225</li> </ol> Unlike the top 4 on this list King is a bit under the radar but he is a big pass catcher who was very productive as a junior. He is not committed anywhere but a player to keep an eye on for signing day.