2024 Rankings Update: Tight End Resurgence, Part One
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Aiden Black PA #29 TE #2 HEIGHT 6'3" WEIGHT 225 POS TE CLASS 2024 View Profile Aiden Black Twitter State: Pennsylvania School: Delaware Valley An elite tight end will contribute to three aspects of the game. The first being a…
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Continue ReadingAn elite tight end will contribute to three aspects of the game. The first being a real pass-catching threat. Second, provide in-line impact blocking to serve both the run and passing game. The third, provide quality DE/LB or S reps on the defensive side of the football. The top tight-end prospect in the class of 2024, Delaware Valley’s Aiden Black Aiden Black 6’3″ | 225 lbs | TE Delaware Valley | 2024 State PA , is advanced in all three areas. He’s what you call a “quick watch”, meaning you don’t have to watch his tape for longer than two minutes to understand why he’s one of the more coveted junior prospects in the state of Pennsylvania. Overt athleticism allows him to rank as a top 50 prospect at either TE or DE, his frame keeps him well-equipped to handle power when blocking, he’s got good enough speed off the edge to win against slower tackles. Black is even nimble enough on his feet to display finesse when running routes downfield. This kid is a no-brainer type of prospect.
Meteoric rise for the highest-ranking Clipper in PRZ Pennsylvania’s short history. We got wind of Dominic Toy Dominic Toy 6’5″ | 225 lbs | TE Chester | 2024 State PA earlier this year, he came to our camp and showed out. Toy proceeded to show out at college camps and have a dominant two-way season this past Fall. All of it amounting to offers out of Boston College, Rutgers, and Temple. Again, much like Aiden Black Aiden Black 6’3″ | 225 lbs | TE Delaware Valley | 2024 State PA , Dominic Toy Dominic Toy 6’5″ | 225 lbs | TE Chester | 2024 State PA would rank inside the top 50 at both TE and DE. Toy has the highest upside of any prospect on this list. I could see a future where he ranks as a top-25 prospect. His 150+ ranking jump is just the beginning. Toy will have another season of production alongside star underclassmen Jalen Harris, the two showed a promising connection through the air on top of Toy’s dominant showing off the edge.
A clone of Joey Schlaffer Joey Schlaffer 6’5″ | 215 lbs | TE Exeter Township | 2023 State PA , I’m sure I’m not the only one to make the comparison. That’s high praise, as there aren’t too many players in the state quite like Schlaffer. Zack Zandier Zack Zandier 6’5″ | 230 lbs | TE Exeter | 2024 State PA is as close as you can get. Those not in the know might confuse the two when turning on the Exeter tapes or watching the program perform live. 6’5, 220, Zandier is looking to win in the slot or in-line next to the tackle, usually used in two-tight end sets. Zandier secures the three spot because of the lack of recruitment as well as the lack of reps on the defensive side of the football. Both are in comparison to the TEs above him, yet you’d have to be blind to not see Zandier’s capabilities at OLB or DE if stationed there. You’d have to be blind to not think this kid is an FBS prospect. Time will prove this notion, for now, Zandier ranks as a top three prospect at his position.
Ennis Udo Ennis Udo 6’2″ | 205 lbs | TE Malvern Prep | 2024 State PA doesn’t have a junior tape out, yet my extensive coverage of Malvern Prep games has helped me get a better feel for Ennis Udo Ennis Udo 6’2″ | 205 lbs | TE Malvern Prep | 2024 State PA the TE/DE. Udo’s primary production comes from his efforts on the defensive side of the football. Some may argue a “DL” designation should be in order for Udo as opposed to TE, something I agree with. Yet my first live impression of Udo came against Imhotep Charter, a vaunted defense that Udo managed to produce in the passing game. I saw enough from his hands in that game alone to justify his TE designation on the site. Udo doesn’t overwhelm with size like Zandier and Toy do, yet he’s far from an undersized prospect. He could be a better impact blocker, yet not sure if Malvern Prep asks him to do so. Udo is a special pass-rusher that has a great pair of mitts to his name.
Huge fan of Ryan Campbell Ryan Campbell 6’3″ | 230 lbs | TE Downingtown West | 2024 State PA the pass catcher. The junior TE carries his 225-pound frame well enough to serve as the primary receiver for Downingtown West if need be. Good stride in the open field, can eat up cushion against DBs quicker than you’d expect. Like his hands, often catching the ball away from his body. Might be the best after-the-catch athlete on this list after Aiden Black Aiden Black 6’3″ | 225 lbs | TE Delaware Valley | 2024 State PA , looks natural with the ball in his hands. His blocking ability is what wowed me. Ridiculous power if he’s given a free release off the LOS. His prowess as a blocker led to me projecting him to the D1 level. You can see the same ferocious attitude in minimal linebacking reps on tape as well. His efforts in-line might be overshadowed by the two behemoth tackles Downingtown West deploys beside him. Get on this young man sooner rather than later.