Top 2022 TE Prospects Are Versatile

When it comes to the tight end position, it has long been a spot where many teams never used. From a blocking standpoint, most tight ends were just an additional lineman, who would provide pass protection – while lay down some block to spring running backs. <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-106666" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/Prep-Redzone-GrabbingtheSpotlight-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" />But over the past few years – thanks to some top-flight athletes at the collegiate and NFL level – the position is popular again, and while many of the current tight end prospects in the Class of 2022 are listed as tight ends, they actually play other positions, and in some cases, have turned the position into a hybrid spot on the field. As high school teams find a use for the position, there are often in different roles – some are just larger receivers who are tough to cover. Today, we bring you five “tight end” prospects to keep an eye on: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50037" first="Decarlo" last="Donaldson"], Miami Gulliver. </strong>The impressive 6-2, 220-pounder has been a receiver at Hialeah and this past season for the Raiders, but is so quick, strong and athletic – so making a move will be NO problem. Reminds many of former University of Miami TE<strong> Brevin Jordan</strong>, who is headed to the NFL draft this spring. Holds down a 3.3 GPA in the classroom. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11574459/DeCarlo-Donaldson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11574459/DeCarlo-Donaldson</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50223" first="Derrick" last="Gillins"], Lakeland Victory Christian.</strong> While this gifted and athletic talent can play the tight end position – catching and blocking as well as running he is also impressive on the defensive side of the ball – as an end, and that is a huge option for a prospect that will be college ready when the 2021 season is over. This outstanding student/.athlete know how to win. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12827786/Derrick-Gillins">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12827786/Derrick-Gillins</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50000" first="Tony" last="Livingston"], Tampa Carrollwood Day.</strong> The 6-6, 230-pounder, who we have featured and spotlighted a number of times, is indeed someone who has successfully made the transition from the basketball court to the football field. He is an easy target, who is very athletic and a solid football prospect. While he needs some work to reach that level that many had predicted for him, this is certainly a quality prospect, who has received plenty of interest so far. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11642656/Tony-Livingston">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11642656/Tony-Livingston</a> <strong>Jack Pedersen, Bradenton IMG Academy.</strong> This former Vista Murrieta (Ca.) standout moves to Florida for his final year at the high school level – and this is someone very special that this program is adding to an already impressive roster. At 6-4, 235 pounds and with two more years to develop physically, Pedersen has the potential to play multiple positions at the next level. He’s unique in that he’s an every down tight end, as opposed to a hybrid receiver/tight end, and can play in all situations. This is a very impressive football player. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11548795/Jack-Pedersen">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11548795/Jack-Pedersen</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50073" first="Anthony" last="Rucker"], Orlando Jones.</strong> When we first profiled this quality talent nearly two years ago, the talk was about how athletic he is. This is a big, physical and agile pass catcher who does it all for a very good Tigers’ squad. Keep an eye on him this year and you will see exactly what everyone has been talking about. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12707569/Anthony-Rucker">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12707569/Anthony-Rucker</a> <strong>Y<em>ou Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on </em></strong><strong><em>Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>