2022 Hoosier State Tight Ends: A Talented Pool

Tight end is considered a "premium position" when it comes to college football recruiting. Their versatility and skill set allows Offensive Coordinators to fully open up the playbook. The 2022 group of tight ends in Indiana is deep and talented. Here is a look at some prospects. <em><strong>Jack Tippmann, Bishop Dwenger HS, 6’5, 220</strong></em> Jack comes from a strong football family and plays for a strong football program. He is a big part of what his team does. This prospect has the size and blocking ability to be considered a true "in-line" player. He can be on the line of scrimmage, next to either tackle, and play an important role in a team’s blocking scheme. This prospect has the ability to block defensive linemen and linebackers. "In-line" prospects are not easy to find. This prospect also has fine receiving and movement skills. He can run after the catch, and is an excellent red zone weapon. <em><strong>Parker Spellacy, Cathedral HS, 6’4, 215</strong></em> Head Coach Bill Peebles and Cathedral captured this past season’s 5A state championship. This was accomplished with great coaching and great talent across the board. 2023 TE prospect [player_tooltip player_id="39075" first="Brennan" last="Wooten"] has played since his freshman season and is on the radar. At the high school level, it’s rare to have a pair of talented, legit tight ends. That is exactly what Cathedral has when you throw Parker into the mix. This prospect displays fine movement skills and the ability to catch the ball. He will serve as an "in-line" blocker, and also lines up in the backfield and contributes as a move/motion blocker. Parker had a fine junior season, and he will return to a talented Cathedral roster that has the ability to "balance" out their opponent with dual TE schemes. <em><strong>Max Sullivan, Whiteland HS, 6’6, 235</strong></em> Max picked up his first offer this week from Illinois State University. Prep Redzone is of the opinion that this will not be his final offer. Max is very talented and very gifted. He can run and catch. He can jump. This prospect is an aggressive, tough blocker. He is a naturally big prospect who will only get bigger and stronger. Max possesses many qualities and traits that indicate next level success. He is also a member of the basketball team, and he has recently been stacking up double-doubles. This prospect is naturally gifted, and he possesses great toughness, athleticism and versatility. He has untapped upside and potential. <em><strong>Connor Foley, Jasper HS, 6’5, 220</strong></em> Connor was named to the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s Class 4A "All Junior" team. This prospect is a three sport athlete, also participating in basketball and baseball. Jasper is a town and high school that has a lot of pride, and that is how Connor plays football. He takes pride in his game and skills. He is versatile. He can be detached as a wide receiver, both in the slot or outside of the hashes. He also plays "in-line" and gets after it as a blocker. He is a sudden mover. Prep Redzone is confident that this prospect will continue to add weight/strength gains, and he will need to be checked out by college football programs of every level. <em><strong>Tyler Dostin, Danville HS, 6’4, 220</strong></em> Danville had an outstanding football season, and Tyler was a big part of the success. Tyler is a member of the basketball team. He also plays defense, serving as a LB and DE. This prospect displays toughness, power and a great finishing attitude in everything he does. He can run and also catch the football. He is an aggressive blocker. He takes pride in his blocking. Tyler seems like a perfect candidate to utilize as a move/motion blocker. He can line up in the backfield, almost as a fullback, and instantly contribute in run-game blocking. When watching Tyler’s film, and analyzing and projecting moving forward, you circle back to one word: Toughness. <em><strong>Cael Vanderbush, Plainfield HS, 6’6, 195</strong></em> Cael is a legit basketball prospect. His basketball skills translate very nicely to the football field. As a SOPH, Cael played QB as well as wide receiver. He looked promising as a dual-threat QB prospect. As a junior, Cael firmly settled into his role as an outstanding receiving weapon. There is so much upside, athleticism and potential with this prospect. He plays with great intelligence, awareness and vision. Cael can beat man coverage, he can get off press at the line of scrimmage, and he is comfortable settling into zones. This prospect has a chance to be his QB’s and offensive coordinator’s "best friend". He can extend plays, and he is a sure-handed catcher. Prep Redzone is of the opinion that Cael will be a fine blocker because of the way he approaches and treats the rest of the game. He is a special talent. <em><strong>Gavin Smithson-Burciaga, Monroe Central HS, 6’3, 225</strong></em> Gavin was named to the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s Class 1A "All Junior" team. This prospect is also a member of the basketball team. Gavin is a naturally gifted receiver and fluid mover. He plays with great awareness and understands route-running concepts. He is a very impressive "hands-catcher." He is also impressive on defense. He serves as a stand up defensive end/outside linebacker, and he would make a lot of sense for a team running an odd front. Prep Redzone is very impressed with Gavin’s skill at the TE position. He also displays the knowledge, aggression and attitude to develop his blocking skills.