Sophomore Risers: Tight Ends
Today, we dug in on the 2024 class and looked at what tight ends are seeing their stock rise. They may be a bit under the radar right now from a recruiting standpoint, but they most certainly should be on…
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Continue ReadingToday, we dug in on the 2024 class and looked at what tight ends are seeing their stock rise. They may be a bit under the radar right now from a recruiting standpoint, but they most certainly should be on college coaches’ radars as they continue to develop. Here’s who you need to know!
Aj Pigford, 6’2″, 220, South Gwinnett
A high effort blocker at the point of attack with good striking ability. Pigford is a pure knee bender who can create vertical displacement and put opposing defenders on skates. He’s effective on zone blocking schemes and will work double teams with his tackle up to the second level. This young man plays fearless and consistently keeps his feet moving on contact. AJ has great change of direction after the catch and will fight to get a few extra yards every time he touches the ball.
Ryan Graves, 6’3″, 215, Cherokee Bluff
A good-sized tight-end prospect that understands leverage and body position & plays with a high football IQ. Graves explodes off the football with a low pad level and will fight until the whistle is blown. He’s a strong blocker on outside zone schemes and will give the back a clear decision to cut up or continue outside. As a pass-catcher, He’s extremely effective on boots & shows overall great body control. His potential is through the roof, and he’s most certainly a name people need to know this off-season.
Isaiah Williams, 6’3″, 210, Pickens
A sure-handed prospect that’s shows no hesitations going over the middle. Williams is a talented intermediate pass catcher that can give safeties and linebackers fits in zone coverage. As a blocker, he plays with great hand placement on the breastplate and uses his opponent’s leverage against them. Williams also displayed good build-up speed off the snap and the ability to sneak behind coverage in the redzone. He needs to add some weight this off-season, but he has displayed the traits you look for in a tight-end prospect.
Hunter Teal, 6’1″, 215, Walton
A physical pass-catcher who can leak to the flats and make something happen on two-three-yard routes. He’s got some wiggle & twitch, too, and can make defenders look silly in the open field. Teal is a steady interior blocker that will give you everything he has to help spark a big run. Hunter is outstanding when running right up the seam and will look toward his quarterback, expecting the football early. Teal is a serious mismatch on opposing linebackers and will use his speed & acceleration to win against man coverage.