Junior Tight Ends That Could Breakout in 2022

Tight end is one of the toughest positions to identify at a young age. Finding guys with good size that can block and catch the football is much easier said than done. I scoured through highlight tapes and statistics across the state of Michigan, looking for guys that showed potential in 2021 and could take a big step forward in 2022. Here’s who to watch for! <hr /> <em><strong>Monte Keener, 6’5", 205, Linden</strong></em> A long strider with deceptive burst &amp; acceleration after the catch. Keener has fantastic body control and will use his frame to box out smaller defenders in the red area. He’s a violent blocker out on the perimeter who takes pride in pancaking opposing cornerbacks. He’s a natural hands catcher who looks the ball in and will immediately get vertical following a reception. He played 2021 as a wideout, but I think based on his god-given size, he should be a really intriguing tight end prospect if he adds another 10-15 pounds. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13495335/62143dcfbed80a06505466ca" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253603" first="Callen" last="Campbell"], 6’4", 230, Sault Area</strong></em> A sure-handed kid who can make plays in traffic. Callen shows solid change of direction after the catch and can easily spot the cutback lane. He’s explosive off the ball as a blocker and plays with outstanding pad level. He’s quite physical inline and will dominate five techniques at the point of attack. I think he’s at his best off play-action and has an uncanny ability to sneak behind second &amp; third-level defenders. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13105812/618008a5da511c0b101c8690" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <strong><em>Andrew Stalker, 6’5", 200, University Liggett School</em></strong> A YAC monster who can create something out of almost nothing. Andrew is effective split out wide as an X receiver and can create a major mismatch against smaller corners. He shows steady build-up speed and excellent tracking ability. Stalker’s tape is littered with him running by corners for long touchdown receptions; something not common for a tight end. I was impressed by his ability to separate at the top of his route and how effective he was on quick game concepts. He needs to add some more weight and flash as a blocker, but the potential is certainly there. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13249765/61a4252f6899490bb4f089fb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Kentae Longuemire, 6’3", 200, Carrollton</strong></em> An effective pass catcher with quality footwork and good speed. He’s sudden off the snap and has quick/concise hands. On the defensive side, this young man is an exceptionally talented run-stuffer who knows how to get lockout before ripping off a defender. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Kentae is quite raw, but when you watch the film, you’ll see glimpses of a guy who could develop into a quality tight end prospect at the next level. </span>