Iowa’s C/O 2022 Rankings: Top Position Group | Tight End
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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…
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Continue ReadingThere 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.
Eli Raridon Eli Raridon 6'6" | 230 lbs | TE Valley | 2022 State IA , Valley, 6’6, 230, hudl, Twitter
*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.
Gabe Burkle Gabe Burkle 6'7" | 240 lbs | TE Cedar Rapids Prairie | 2022 State IA , Cedar Rapids Prairie, 6’7, 240, hudl, Twitter
*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.
Corey Phillips Corey Phillips 6'5" | 250 lbs | TE Ames | 2022 State IA , Ames, 6’5, 250, hudl, Twitter
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.
Brayden Loftin Brayden Loftin 6'5" | 210 lbs | TE Lewis Central | 2022 State IA , Lewis Central, 6’5, 210, hudl, Twitter
*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.
Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'5" | 180 lbs | TE Western Christian | 2022 State IA , Western Christian, 6’5, 180, hudl, Twitter
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.
Andrew Knipper Andrew Knipper 6'4" | 225 lbs | TE Linn-Mar | 2022 State IA , Linn-Mar, 6’4, 225, hudl, Twitter
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.
Gannon Williams Gannon Williams 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE Marshalltown | 2022 State IA , Marshalltown, 6’4, 215, hudl, Twitter
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.
Nathan Avery Nathan Avery 6'4" | 210 lbs | TE Winterset | 2022 State IA , Winterset, 6’4, 210, hudl, Twitter
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.
Braden Hemann Braden Hemann 6'4" | 210 lbs | TE Waukon | 2022 State IA , Waukon, 6’4, 210, hudl, Twitter
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.
Brodie Anderson Brodie Anderson 6'3" | 205 lbs | TE Manson-NW Webster | 2022 State IA , Manson-NW Webster, 6’3, 205, hudl, Twitter
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.
Layne Mcdonald Layne Mcdonald 6'3" | 215 lbs | TE Waverly Shell-Rock | 2022 State IA , Waverly Shell-Rock, 6’3, 215, hudl, Twitter
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.
Wiley Sherburne Wiley Sherburne 6'4" | 200 lbs | TE Janesville | 2022 IA , Janesville, 6’4, 200, hudl, Twitter
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.
Nolan Recker Nolan Recker 6'4" | 230 lbs | TE Muscatine | 2022 State IA , Muscatine, 6’4, 230, hudl, Twitter
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.