Spotlight Series: 2024 Tight Ends
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New Jersey has a lot to offer in this upcoming football season. Thus far, we’ve Spotlighted the athletes most likely to be popping off on the highlight tapes; but now it’s time to turn our attention to the true hybrids…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey has a lot to offer in this upcoming football season. Thus far, we’ve Spotlighted the athletes most likely to be popping off on the highlight tapes; but now it’s time to turn our attention to the true hybrids of the sport. The tight ends in the 2024 class are not only great pass catchers, but deliver when the ball is in their hands, and when they are the ones carving out the path for the running back to follow. Below are 5 tight ends from New Jersey that everyone should become familiar with in the 2023 season.
There is no better way to start off this Spotlight Series than highlighting Jahide LeSaine Jahide LeSaine 6’5″ | 235 lbs | DL Irvington | 2024 State NJ . The top tight end coming out of New Jersey, Jahide has the size and skills necessary to play at any of the big time programs. Standing at 6’5″, 235lb, he already has the dimensions needed. Look for him to make a statement for Immaculate Conception in 2023.
A dominate downfield threat, Joseph Melo Joseph Melo 6’3″ | 200 lbs | TE Manalapan | 2024 State NJ ‘s tape screams talent at the tight end position. With numerous over the shoulder catches on the season, Melo has an elite ability to locate the ball in air. Complemented with great run blocking skills, Joseph Melo Joseph Melo 6’3″ | 200 lbs | TE Manalapan | 2024 State NJ is a well balanced tight end that will only gain more interest this upcoming season.
Another tight end coming out of New Jersey with exceptional size for the position, Declan Flaherty Declan Flaherty 6’4″ | 230 lbs | TE Howell | 2024 State NJ ‘s sophomore tape showed a player with huge upside and potential for the next level. Declan’s junior season was limited to 4 games, so we never got to see his full capabilities. 2023 should deliver an explosion on the field that we have only seen glimpses of thus far.
Shaun Hubbard Jr Shaun Hubbard Jr 6’0″ | 185 lbs | TE Jackson | 2024 State NJ . was a force on both sides of the ball this past season for Jackson Memorial (his defensive highlights may be even more impressive.) What stood out the most in Shaun’s highlights was his ability to catch the ball away from his body. He has some great range, and he put himself in position to never let the ball bounce off his pads. 2023 will deliver great things for Shaun and the Jackson Memorial Jaguars.
Here we have a player that would be hard to define in his offense. Jayden Trace Jayden Trace 6’1″ | 225 lbs | TE Haddon Heights | 2024 State NJ lined up in multiple positions this past season, giving defenses headaches when trying to locate him on the field. Catching and running for 5 touchdowns each, Jayden not only has amazing route running skills, but he has also developed the running style of a running back. Making men miss in open field, running them over when necessary, and occasionally leaping over his opponents, Jayden will look to continue his success in the 2023 season.