Under The Radar: Tight Ends – 2023

In previous articles, I highlighted a few of the many skill players in the 2023 class that are flying under the radar on recruiting boards. With this article, I’m going to highlight the three players at a position that doesn’t get quite as much attention as QBs, RBs, and WRs but is equally important - the tight end position. Much like the other positions on the offensive side of the ball, there are many TEs in the class of 2023 who are some of the top playmakers in the state, but here were the three TEs in the class that I felt deserved more attention on the recruiting trail. <strong>Under the Radar Tight Ends</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="246918" first="Trey" last="Fehseke"], Wiggins Tiger (TE/LB)(Jr.)(88) - Fehseke might be one of the most underrated players in the 2023 class. The junior TE finished 2021 as the state’s leading receiver at the TE position, accounting for 578 yards receiving and 5 receiving touchdowns on 38 receptions (15.2 YPR). Fehseke was also a key contributor on the defensive side for the Tigers, as he also registered 41 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions in addition to his offensive production. When you look at the tape of Fehseke, you can see that he is a tall, long-armed receiver that knows how to use his frame to box out defenders and high point the ball in jump-ball scenarios. Displays strong hands when catching the ball in traffic and when completing the process of the catch through contact with the defender. Adequately large frame (6’3, 180 lbs) that presents a challenge for smaller defenders working against him in coverage. Deceptive athleticism that allows him to separate against slower LBs that try to run with him in coverage. Versatile chess piece at TE that can line up on the line, in the slot, or on the boundary. Displays requisite ability as a blocker against smaller defenders. Projects as more of a WR at the collegiate level. Fehseke is currently rated the number 9 TE and number 88 player overall in the state for the class of 2023, but that ranking will certainly rise if he leads the state in receiving yards for a TE a second year in a row. Jesiah Cornwell, Florence Huskies (TE/DE)(Jr.)(3) - Cornwell plays at the 1A level, which is the lowest level of competition for 11-man football in the state, which explains his extremely low recruiting profile for the class of 2023. However, Cornwell is a force on both sides of the ball for the Huskies and has the requisite frame (6’4, 190 lbs), production, and film to support that statement. Looking at the numbers from his 2021 season, Cornwell accounted for 235 yards receiving on 21 catches (11.2 YPR) but paced all TEs in the state in receiving touchdowns, as he accounted for an incredible 7 touchdowns through 9 games; meaning 1 out of every 3 receptions this past season was a touchdown, which is remarkably efficient and shows that he was largely underutilized on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, Cornwell was equally as productive, as he posted 26 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 pass deflections, and an interception. When you watch the offensive film of Cornwell, the first thing that stands out is his size. He’s almost a whole head bigger than most of the defenders he’s playing against, which creates an extremely difficult matchup for DBs - or really any defender at the 1A level -  trying to work against him in pass coverage. Strong, very physical receiver that displays an aggressive running style after the catch where he routinely finishes the play driving through defenders for extra yardage. Smart receiver that knows how to work through traffic on short and intermediate routes on scramble drills when the QB is forced out of the pocket. Versatile player on offense that has experience lining up on the line, in the slot, and on the boundary depending on what matchup presents the most opportunity for success. Shows good ability as a blocker, routinely winning against most defenders with good hand placement and ability to anchor at the point-of-contact. Projects as either a TE or an edge rusher at the collegiate level. While Cornwell is currently unranked, he is an extremely talented player that should absolutely be ranked and is more than capable of playing either offense or defense collegiately. [player_tooltip player_id="150167" first="Zachary" last="Elam"], Summit Tigers (TE/LB)(Jr.)(9) - Elam might not have the numbers to showcase his talent, but don’t let that fool you. He’s easily one of the better TEs in the state of Colorado for the class of 2023. For his 2021 season, Elam contributed on both sides of the ball. For the Tigers offense, Elam recorded 12 receptions for 193 yards (a position leading 16.1 YPR) and 2 receiving touchdowns in 7 games. In addition, on the defensive side of the ball, Elam posted 35 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. When you put on the tape of Elam’s season offensively, you can see he shows great foot speed and explosiveness for the TE position. Outstanding top end foot speed, lateral agility, and acceleration in and out of his breaks allows him to beat most LBs that try to run with him in coverage. A good frame and overall size (6’3, 200 lbs) allow him to beat most DBs that are asked to cover him with physicality and size. Versatile TE that can play on the line and off-the-line, in the slot where he can operate in space. Shows consistently strong hands when high-pointing the ball in the red zone and on short-to-intermediate routes over the middle, in traffic. Displays great ability as a blocker, routinely driving second and third level defenders back several yards through the point-of-contact. Elam isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards but he was criminally underutilized on the offensive side of the ball for the Tigers. If the Tigers can incorporate him in the game plan more going into his senior season, his production will certainly go up and so will his recruiting ranking.