Keep on eye on these five SD TEs for 2022

Let’s keep the offseason going with a peak at some tight ends going into the next year. Rankings will take into account stats from last year, playoff performance, build, and intangibles.     Number 5 - James Woodward, 6’2" 200 LBS, Sioux Falls Christian HS   At the start of the rankings we have James Woodward, the main strength with film with Woodward is receiving ability. Woodward has shown a high motor on all plays that he is on, no matter if he was blocking or receiving for that matter. In a limited sample size, I see him as a breakout candidate for him to have a big season with him sharing snaps and receptions with [player_tooltip player_id="56552" first="Carter" last="Van Donge"]. Due to the attention that Donge demands, I believe this will open up a massive opportunity for Woodward to see more receptions and targets as a whole this season. With his physical size as well it is hard for me to believe that he will not have more production next season. Woodward and Sioux Falls Christian as a whole are someone you are going to want to keep in your mind this season, with the offensive talent it is difficult for me to see that they will not be great. Woodward also had a very impressive 5 touchdowns in just 8 games, as well as averaging over 10 yards per catch.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12780015/James-Woodward" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12780015/James-Woodward">Woodward Highlights</a>     Number 4 - Jackson Hoffman, 6’2" 185lbs, Brookings HS   Kicking into the four spot, we have Jackson Hoffman, and what is most impressive about him is his agility as a tight end. His route running is above average for a tight end position and gives him a big advantage. When into the open field, Hoffman is an elite with the ability to break away and get great chunk yards. When getting into the red zone, Hoffman also has some blocking that benefits the run game to score some easy touchdowns. Hoffman had 3 touchdowns on the year and averaged a great 12.5 yards per catch, with the ability to get yards after the catch with him a real possibility. With how great Brookings has been the past few seasons, I only see Hoffman’s production going up this year landing him at number 4.     Number 3 - [player_tooltip player_id="273644" first="Sam" last="Siegfried"], 6’4" 210lbs, Sioux Falls Jefferson HS   Into the three-hole, we have [player_tooltip player_id="273644" first="Sam" last="Siegfried"], an elite pass-catching tight end. Siegfried uses his height and hands to get above defenders and get passes down. He uses his physical frame and size to blow by defenders get into the open field and draws in passes. His agility for his size allows him to be one of the best pass catchers at the position. In single coverage, defenders have little to no chance of guarding him, when double teamed it is still a chore for the defense for his ability to get up and make catches. His ability to become a red zone threat is enough for defenses to make sure he is the number one priority when past the 20. The offense opens up when you see Siegfried on the field, enough of a threat to not focus on the other weapons on the offense.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13329118/Sam-Siegfried" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13329118/Sam-Siegfried">Siegfried Highlights</a>     Number 2 - [player_tooltip player_id="223083" first="Sam" last="Hindbjorgen"] - 6’5" 230lbs, Sioux Falls Lincoln HS   Coming in at runner-up is [player_tooltip player_id="223083" first="Sam" last="Hindbjorgen"]. The question I keep asking myself is what can’t [player_tooltip player_id="223083" first="Sam" last="Hindbjorgen"] do, the simple answer is that there is not much. He excels at blocking into getting into a route into the open field, protecting his quarterback, and getting a great pass in return. If you do not want to line him up on the line, he can line up in the slot and get above defenders. He uses his strong physical build at 6’5", it makes it hard for even two defenders to guard. The other factor in Hindbjoren’s game is his offensive IQ, he can read the defense quite well and make adjustments to his routes to get him. Hindbjorgen has committed to the University of North Dakota and will be an amazing addition to their squad with an all-around great tight end.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12951465/Sam-Hindbjorgen" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12951465/Sam-Hindbjorgen">Hindborjen Highlights</a>     Number 1 - [player_tooltip player_id="56553" first="Aidan" last="Foley"], 6’3" 220lbs, Harrisburg HS   At number one, we have [player_tooltip player_id="56553" first="Aidan" last="Foley"] and he is truly the best all-around tight end. To start, Foley is an elite blocker with him being effective as a 6th offensive line. He can hold up on the line with the best defensive line and pass rushers in the state, making sure his quarterback is safe. He is second to none at the position from pass blocking and runs blocking. While blocking is one part of a tight ends game, his pass-catching is just as great. He has great speed to get around defenders using his quick footwork. He can use his verticality and hands to get passes into him in tight windows and grab them above defenders. His speed and route running are on par with elite wide receivers, yet he has the strength of an offensive line to boast with that. Foley also can line in the backfield to be used as a gadget full back of sorts or a run blocker. There is not another tight end you would rather have on your team than Foley, truly the best package of tight end you can have.   Foley Highlights     Now that we have recapped TEs, soon we will take a peek at top 5 OL in SD, expect to see that in next coming days.

Let’s keep the offseason going with a peak at some tight ends going into the next year. Rankings will take into account stats from last year, playoff performance, build, and intangibles.