2023 Tight Ends to Keep an Eye On

We analyzed a strong group of Texas tight ends in the 2023 class. These prospects are flying relatively under the radar but should see their recruitment take a big step forward if they continue their current success. <hr /> <em><strong>Caden Jensen, 6’6", 250, Flower Mound</strong></em> A massive tight end that is fairly nimble for a big man. Jensen is extremely effective in the quick passing game and can run defenders over after the catch. He will sit in holes in zone coverage and looks to deliver hits once he gets his hands on the football. His mixture of size and ability to catch the football in traffic should make him a very interesting tight-end prospect. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13272200/61433e57664b20050c990618" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="131866" first="Lucas" last="Samsula"], 6’4", 255, Plano West</strong></em> A punishing run blocker that thrives on zone double teams. Lucas is a pure finisher that looks to drive defenders until the whistle is blown. He plays with superb hand placement right on the defender’s breastplate &amp; features a downright nasty mentality. I would not be shocked if he was kicked down inside to guard at the next level, a position I think he could most certainly excel at. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13109429/612a394390ef810a78df4406" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Si Stovall, 6’3", 240, Guyer</strong></em> A dangerous runner after the catch and a YAC king. Stovall can work all three parts of the field and has some hidden speed you wouldn’t expect. Si blocks well in space and can get it done as an inline blocker as well. He’s quick off the snap and will wash c gap defenders down the line opening up big holes for his back. On top of it all, he holds a 4.8 GPA. I’m shocked he doesn’t have an offer yet. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13334446/609a8e58dfd98b01104338e1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong> Braeden Flowers, 6’4", 245, San Antonio Central Catholic</strong></em> A strong intermediate threat with a big catch radius. Flowers can split out in the slot or get it done in line with his hand in the dirt. He lulls defenders to sleep with route tempo before he accelerates out of his cuts. Flowers is a mismatch on linebackers and has enough speed to simply run by them. The kid catches everything and will consistently look the ball into the tuck. He holds one offer from UTSA. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12871584/613f5efed4690a02345f2ff7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Luke Johnston, 6’5", 210, Trinity Christian</strong></em> A willing blocker that plays with good knee bend and looks to put defenders into the turf. He’s quick getting out of his breaks and willing to take a shot to haul in a reception. As a pass rusher, he’s fairly twitchy off the edge and features a quick first step off the snap. He holds one offer from New Mexico, <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10090471/6052b1b15cb3e00b0803b26d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jaden Platt, 6’5", 210, Eaton</strong></em> A terrific pass-catching tight end that always seems to find his way behind coverage. Jaden shows good build-up speed and soft hands. Platt has plenty of vertical leaping ability and can go up &amp; attack the football at its highest point. His burst after the catch was pretty impressive as well. He needs to add weight, but man is he a fun prospect who can make you a ton of plays on the perimeter. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13360831/613d0e9d8cde9e0b20fffda8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Preston Gaut, 6’4", 240, Grand Prairie </strong></em> A dominant blocker that can give five techniques serious issues. Gaut is always looking for work downfield and refuses to give up on a play. He’s a strong pass-catcher off play action and will get north &amp; south immediately following a reception. He’s a safety valve for his quarterback when under duress and can simply make something happen. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14060480/61463a1b664b2d0bc01540f9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>