Iowa's C/O 2022 Rankings: Top Position Group

There is something very clear about this year’s Seniors in Iowa and it is as straightforward as possible; the concentration of talent at the Tight End position is abnormally high. Even for a state that is known for producing some of the premier players at the position, this class is unique. The rankings tell just a small part of the story. At the very top you have a handful of household names who have committed, or hold offers, to College Football’s elite. Truth be told, though, there isn’t much of a drop off, if any, as you comb through the next fifteen names. As you make your way through the rankings the position specific ability may not be as refined, but arguments can be made that many ceilings are just as high. Take a look at the “first tier” of Tight Ends and what makes them so special. Then, take a look at some candidates who could easily be as dominant this coming season and at the next level. This is Prep Redzone Iowa’s top position group in the class of 2022. First Tier Here are your household names at Tight End. Recruiting skyrocketed early on and rightfully so. The offers and commitments are as big as they come. After breaking down the film it isn’t hard to figure out why. [player_tooltip player_id="23946" first="Eli" last="Raridon"], Valley, 6’6, 230, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/12929326/5f6fccd80661400198b87939">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EliRaridon">Twitter</a> *Notre Dame Raridon’s body control is truly remarkable. To be able to move the way he does at his age is simply elite. He is explosive out of his stance and into routes. There is no doubt he will be able to thrive heading to Notre Dame where he’ll be expected to block like a Tackle and catch passes like a Wide Receiver. His angles on blocks and adjustments in routes tell a clear story of a very promising future. [player_tooltip player_id="23945" first="Gabe" last="Burkle"], Cedar Rapids Prairie, 6’7, 240, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWqCq">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GabeBurkle">Twitter</a> *Iowa State Burkle is an enormous human being and can leap as well as anyone to boot. He can separate from defenders in routes, but is virtually always open. Watching him move independent of anything else is impressive; taking his surroundings into consideration makes it jaw dropping. He is so smooth and fluid for his size. His strides are just as fast and twice as long. He is tough through and after the catch. [player_tooltip player_id="23951" first="Corey" last="Phillips"], Ames, 6’5, 250, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10655905/5f9857bda6767202248a443a">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cortaavius">Twitter</a> Phillips has figured out a trait that makes Tight Ends weapons pretty early on. That is how to be physical and overpower opponents in routes using size and strength to create mismatches. Phillips does just that. He is an impressive route runner, but it is the nastiness that he plays with that makes him unique. He knocks opponents out of coverage, absorbs any contact, and takes the ball right out of the air. [player_tooltip player_id="99196" first="Brayden" last="Loftin"], Lewis Central, 6’5, 210, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/8741795/5fa84eb13448b208a0c86de5">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BraydenLoftin1">Twitter</a> *Kansas State Loftin is so athletic and nimble as a pass catcher. He has the ability to make any coverage the wrong one because he can stretch the field and get lost underneath. Loftin makes difficult contested catches, but he seems to get wide open more than most at his position. His downfield blocking is outstanding at the moment. The mechanics and technique should translate with ease at the line of scrimmage. Top Candidates Here are Iowa’s Tight Ends that are rapidly climbing the ladder. Recruiting is picking up and that isn’t a surprise. Their play and ability may not be totally validated yet, but it won’t be long. Here is why these guys check all the boxes. [player_tooltip player_id="148085" first="Ty" last="Van Essen"], Western Christian, 6’5, 180, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ed3mm">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tyvanessen">Twitter</a> Van Essen is such a matchup nightmare right now running routes from the slot. He is technical and precise in his movements. He is also an incredible downfield blocker and has a massive frame. His present skill set is that of an elite Tight End. There should be no reservations about what he is capable of if he fills out and moves inside. [player_tooltip player_id="99197" first="Andrew" last="Knipper"], Linn-Mar, 6’4, 225, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11162594/Andrew-Knipper/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewk4415">Twitter</a> Knipper is a mauler of a blocker and a tough pass catcher who fearlessly executes the duties of a Tight End. He carries out his blocking responsibilities like an Offensive Linemen; there is a lot he can do here and it adds a lot of versatility to play calling. He knows how to get open and as he develops his speed will be even more dangerous. [player_tooltip player_id="99198" first="Gannon" last="Williams"], Marshalltown, 6’4, 215, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXG1z">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/williams_gannon">Twitter</a> Williams is already a big threat to an opposing defense over the middle of the field and in the red zone. He doesn’t need a whole lot of space to operate with and is likely to be the one coming down with contested or jump balls. His feet are noticeably impressive; if he can maintain that as he packs on size he will be an absolute force on the field. [player_tooltip player_id="100035" first="Nathan" last="Avery"], Winterset, 6’4, 210, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EqeWq">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NathanAvery84">Twitter</a> Avery looks as explosive as anyone on this list out of his stance whether it is bursting into a route or building force into a block. There is unparalleled intensity in the way he attacks his assignments as a Tight End. It is scary to think about how good he can become as that is all honed and crafted into position specific technique. [player_tooltip player_id="99199" first="Braden" last="Hemann"], Waukon, 6’4, 210, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11376896/5fece1ea23526714845b4afc">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BradenHemann">Twitter</a> Hemann is already technically proficient as a blocker and a pass catcher. That is present in the receiving game at the top of routes in how he keeps defenders away from the ball. It is also clear when he squares defenders up and adjusts his angles on blocks. Hemann’s stock can skyrocket with more explosiveness and functional strength. [player_tooltip player_id="24009" first="Brodie" last="Anderson"], Manson-NW Webster, 6’3, 205, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ETeBs">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrodieAnderso15">Twitter</a> Anderson can do it all in the passing game; it doesn’t matter if it is a seam or a drag, he will threaten a defense and get open. There is no hesitation running through traffic and taking a shot to make a play. Anderson is a mean, aggressive blocker. He can really round out his skill set if he commits to that part of the game as he gets bigger. [player_tooltip player_id="148070" first="Layne" last="Mcdonald"], Waverly Shell-Rock, 6’3, 215, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F1P4r">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LayneMcD40">Twitter</a> McDonald is a pit bull of a Tight End; it is fun to watch him attack a defense blocking or catching passes. His blocking is top notch as he often serves as an extra Offensive Linemen in his run heavy offense. He is tough to cover based on size and athleticism. Route running can be developed and he can be as good as anyone if that happens. [player_tooltip player_id="99203" first="Wiley" last="Sherburne"], Janesville, 6’4, 200, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11274240/Wiley-Sherburne">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/WileySherburne">Twitter</a> There is so much body control in Sherburne’s movement; he can change direction suddenly and explosively to reposition himself or adjust to a ball. He is too fast for Linebackers and too big for Defensive Backs. As he puts on size and builds on his foundation of blocking skills there is no reason not to expect to see him play on a big stage. [player_tooltip player_id="148097" first="Nolan" last="Recker"], Muscatine, 6’4, 230, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EbvkJ">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ReckerNolan">Twitter</a> Recker could be the top candidate on this list to see his stock and recruiting really explode. He lines up all over the field on passing downs and excels. He executes blocks technically like a savage. He moves explosively for his size and frame. Everything seems to be trending towards a lot of his untapped potential coming out this year.