Under The Radar: Tight Ends – 2024

As we continue with the <em>Under The Radar </em>series for the class of 2024, we move onto the next position group on the offensive side of the ball - the tight ends. Much like almost every other position group, it was difficult to narrow down the list to three, but these are the three tight ends from the class of 2024 who I feel are deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail. <strong>Under the Radar Tight Ends</strong> Colton Mils-Younger, Poudre Impalas (TE)(So.)(88) - Mils-Younger easily had the most productive year of any TE in the class of 2024 and it wasn’t really close. For his sophomore season, Mils-Younger accounted for 339 yards receiving and 5 receiving touchdowns on 33 receptions (10.3 YPR), while also adding 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks on the defensive side of the ball. When you watch the film of Mils-Younger, you can see he is an incredibly well-rounded TE in every facet of the position. Prototypical frame for his position (6’2, 220 lbs) that allows him to easily out-muscle defenders for fades/jump-balls on the boundary and make tough catches through traffic over the middle. Long-armed receiver that, combined with his impressive vertical ability, allows him to routinely win with his size/frame against most boundary defenders. Great overall athleticism for his position, as his top-end foot speed and change-of-direction allow him to win against most 2nd and 3rd level defenders with his athleticism alone. Good, smart route runner that shows a good understanding of how to sit in between zone coverage underneath and in the intermediate area of the field, while also displaying a good knowledge of releases and stems when going against a defender in man coverage. Shows requisite ability as a run-blocker when working against 2nd and 3rd level defenders on both zone and gap calls. Versatile chess piece of a TE that can consistently line up and win split-out on the boundary, lined-up in the slot, or in-line with his hand in the dirt. Overall, I think Mils-Younger is by-far-and-away the best TE in the class of 2024 with the frame, production, and tape to match. The fact that the Impalas went 3-7 last year might explain his lower recruiting profile. Regardless, it will be fun to watch him through his prep career and beyond. Lochlan Wade, Coal Ridge Titans (TE)(So.)(19) - Wade might be the most unheralded of all the TEs on this list. Despite that, he was the second most productive sophomore TE in 2021. Looking at Wade’s sophomore year on the stat sheet, he accounted for 317 yards receiving and 3 receiving touchdowns on 17 receptions (18.6 YPR), all within just 6 games. When you watch Wade’s 2021 season on film, you can see he is a tall, long-armed receiver that presents a near impossible matchup for DBs on the boundary and smaller 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Shows outstanding ability to high-point the ball with fade routes on the goal line and while working back through defenders towards under-thrown passes. Displays consistently tough hands when working underneath and through intermediate traffic. Good route runner that knows how to create separation at the top of his route when working against a defender in man coverage. Aggressive runner after the catch that doesn’t shy away from contact at any level of the field. Adequate ability as a run-blocker when working the edge. Versatile player that can line up on the boundary, in the slot, and in-line in a 3-point stance. Projects as more of a receiver at the collegiate level but could play TE if he can add weight. While Wade fits the mold of a TE with his frame (6’3, 180 lbs), production, and film - his low recruiting profile is probably due to the fact he plays at the 2A level of competition and, on top of that, the Titans went 0-9 last season. Regardless, Wade is a very talented player that will be fun to watch develop over the next couple of years. [player_tooltip player_id="296707" first="Grady" last="Forsythe"], Conifer Lobos (TE)(So.)(8) - Much like Wade, Forsythe is one of the more unheralded TE prospects in the class of 2024. Forsythe had an extremely productive 2021 on both sides of the ball, accounting for 230 yards receiving and 3 receiving touchdowns on 19 receptions (12.1 YPR) on offense and 69 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble on the defensive side. When you look at Forsythe’s impressive sophomore season on film, the first thing that jumps out is his incredibly large frame (6’4, 195 lbs), as he stands head and shoulders over almost every other player on the field. Tall, long-armed receiver that routinely wins with his size against most boundary, 2nd level, and 3rd level defenders. Shows good ability after the catch to find space against the defense and break tackles in the open field. Tough runner that doesn’t shy away from contact and isn’t afraid to put his shoulder down and drive his legs through contact to gain extra yards. Good route runner that is at his best as a receiver when he’s working underneath and intermediate areas of the field, where his size and ability after the catch give him an advantage. Shows good ability as a run-blocker with his combination of size, aggressiveness, and balance that allow him to anchor and drive against most defenders. Almost exclusively lined up in-line with his hand in the dirt, but seemed to be the most effective in this position as both a run-blocker and a receiver. Again, much like Wade, Forsythe’s lack of recruiting attention can probably be attributed to playing at the 3A level with the Lobos also finishing 2021, 3-7. However, Forsythe has the requisite frame, production, and tape you’d want from a top-flight, collegiate TE prospect. It will certainly be fun to watch him grow as a player over these next two years.