Class of 2022 Hidden Gem TEs

The tight end position has become a bigger part of offenses over the past decade. Georgia is home to so many great tight ends that can block and catch passes. [player_tooltip player_id="33945" first="Oscar" last="Delp"] headlines the class of 2022 tight ends but he is not the only tight end from that class worth knowing. The class of 2022 has good depth at tight end so let’s look at some hidden gems. <hr /> <strong>Baxley O’Brien, Flowery Branch</strong> O’Brien is a great prospect, he has a good frame with nice broad shoulders. He uses his frame well to box out defenders. O’Brien’s catching radius is a very nice aspect of his game as he can high point the ball, as well as catch low passes. He is a legit threat in the passing game, compiling 472 yards and 5 touchdowns on 25 catches in just 8 games. He is a vertical threat and can impact the game greatly with limited touches, he averaged 18.9 yards per reception last season. O’Brien looks comfortable lining up on the line of scrimmage and split out wide. He’s a hard worker committed to the grind. O’Brien has the traits to succeed at a DI or DII program and is a prospect worth keeping an eye on. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ee4Xn"><em>Highlights</em></a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="96284" first="Cole" last="Spence"], Mount Pisgah Christian</strong> Spence is a well-rounded stud. He has great size at 6’6” 220 lbs. He can pass and run block, keeps his hands in a good position to engage defenders. Furthermore, he is a tremendous athlete and even plays three sports, football, wrestling, and lacrosse. His athleticism shows itself on the field when he goes up to catch high passes. Spence’s hands are solid as rarely drops passes. Spence also does a great job using his hands to play through press coverage. He’s a fluid runner with a good burst. This allows him to separate from defenders on his routes. Spence excelled for Mount Pisgah Christian, ending the season with 42 receptions for 466 yards and 2 touchdowns. Spence has received offers from Troy, UAB, and South Florida just to name a few. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXHBK"><em>Highlights</em></a> <strong>Patrick Hester, Northview</strong> Another promising tight end is Hester, he is a great overall prospect. He has a good release off the line of scrimmage, quickly getting into his routes. He has excellent hands and holds onto the ball when being hit. His big frame allows him to box out smaller defenders. Catching the ball with defenders on him is not a problem for him. He is listed at 6’6” 220 lbs. With his height, he effortlessly catches high passes. He flashed in the 7 games he played this past season, finishing with 298 yards and 3 touchdowns on 24 catches. Being very athletic, he is great after the catch. His length also lends itself to him having long strides. Hester is a playmaker, bailing out his quarterback when had to get rid of the ball quicker than expected. He is not afraid to go across the middle and does well at sitting in the open spots of the zone. A positive aspect of his game that does not show up on film is that he is coachable according to many of his coaches. Hester has already received an offer from Florida Atlantic and I expect more to follow over the course of his senior year. <em><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EtHj4">Highlights</a></em> <strong>Stone Bonner, Brookwood</strong> There is a lot to like about Bonner’s game. He was a force for Brookwood this season. He had 29 receptions for 446 yards and 4 touchdowns in 9 games. He is a speedster at the tight end position and can separate consistently. Averaging 15.4 yards per reception last year, he demonstrated his skills as a deep threat. Bonner’s longest reception of the year was 65 yards. Bonner is comfortable running a variety of routes, including corners, posts, crossings, and wheels. Being able to make defenders miss he is a playmaker. Not only does he make defenders miss but he can run through contact. Aside from being a great receiver, he can also run block. Bonners has the potential to add value to a college program. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EExtC"><em>Highlights</em></a> <strong>Cole Shannon, Eastside</strong> Shannon has not garnered the same level of attention as other tight ends in Georgia but he is a promising prospect in his own right. The first thing that jumps out in his film is his physicality. He is hard to bring down, often breaking the first tackle. He does a good job holding onto the ball through contact. He has strong hands catching multiple 50/50 balls this season. He runs pretty routes that help him create separation and he is fast when running routes. Shannon can stretch the field and demonstrated this, averaging 19.3 yards per reception this past season. He had a nice season for Eastside, in 8 games he had 19 receptions for 367 yards and 4 touchdowns. Shannon is quick off the line of scrimmage. Not only is he a nice receiving option but he can run block and set the edge. He plays with a high motor that colleges should love to see. Overall, Shannon has the potential to be a contributing piece to a DI or DII program. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EadPS"><em>Highlights</em></a>