Preseason TE’s Set to Stand Out

Prep Redzone provides coverage of a recenet combine in Kansas.

Chris Norcross

July 11, 2022 @ 05:21 PM

In a day and age where the TE position is further developing, and ever-changing, it is becoming even more crucial to find great playmakers at this position, even at a younger age. Solid TE’s at the high school level not only hold the ability to block well, but they run clean, and crisp routes. In addition to this, great TE’s are also a sacrificial kind of player, who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. Below, we have listed a few players who we feel fit that mold, and are set to stand out for their teams next season. [player_tooltip player_id="330504" first="Anthony" last="Miller Jr"]- Duluth Standing at 6’6, 225, Miller is one of the biggest players on this list, and the way that he plays is certainly a huge reflection of that fact as well. While Miller is effective in the running game as a blocker, he is almost better as a receiving TE due to the way he runs clean routes, and is able to catch the ball cleanly, and get up the field. When running routes, Miller not only creates good leverage, but he has quick feet when he is getting in and out of his breaks, and changing direction. Not only is this hard to find out of young players, but it is even harder to do when young players are as big as Miller is. Nevertheless, Miller also does a great job of exploding on his blocks, using power, and lower body strength to create space for the ball carrier to make plays. Levi Linowes- Riverwood One of the things that stands out about Linowes is his ability to create separation, and run good routes, thus putting himself in position to make big time catches for his offense. While he is a good catcher of the football, we would like to see him become more natural at doing so, as well as to be able to secure the ball well, and finish plays more consistently when it is in his hands. Regardless, we do believe that he has quick, and fast enough feet to make big plays when the ball is thrown his way. In addition to this, Linowes also seems to be a great blocker, especially due to the way that he sets his feet, and drives forward with good leverage, and lower body strength. This is not only effective for his team’s running game, but their overall success in offensive balance. [player_tooltip player_id="321425" first="Walter" last="Matthews"]- Hiram Out of all of the players on this list, Matthews happens to be the biggest. Not only does he stand at around 6’7, 245, but he allows for his size and frame to be a beneficial factor in his success. Each game, Matthews plays with a physicality that is hard to stop, especially off of the line as he makes blocks, or shakes press coverage when running routes. In addition to this, he uses his feet, and length to position himself well to outleverage opposing defenders, but to also position himself to gain ground, and separation with his speed. Last season, he did a great job of making catches, and scoring a few TD’s along the way. This is largely due to his stride, and the way that he is able to high point the football, and run through tackles. [player_tooltip player_id="321281" first="Zeke" last="Moore"]- Roswell Not only does Moore stand at an impressive 6’2, 235 pound frame, but he plays above his size, as he does a good job of boxing out defenders, winning contested situations, and finishing plays when the ball is in his hands. Moore moves with a decent bit of speed, and balance, as he does a good job of shaking the first tackler, while also being able to plow through others when keeping his legs moving through contact. We also like the way that Moore creates matchup problems, as he is a decent route runner, but he is also one of the better ball carriers, and blockers on his team. Look for him to continue to develop going into next season, including in the way that he bends, and explodes off of the football.