2025: Talented Tight Ends

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing tight end at a high level is a difficult task for any player in the state, regardless of classification. However, these sophomores managed to stand out for their blocking and ability to haul in passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705533' first='Tyler' last='Payne'] || TE || 6'2 || 200 || Weber High School || 2025</strong><br>Payne provided big plays for the Warriors with some huge catches and blocks. He moves well in the open field, where he can juke defenders. Payne is also incredibly tough to take down and can shake off would-be tacklers. He fights for every yard and can drag defenders to move the chains. Payne is a skilled route runner who finds the soft spots against zone coverage well. He does an excellent job faking like he's climbing up the second level, like he's going out to black before he breaks free downfield. In addition to his pass-catching skills, Payne is also a tenacosiuse blocker. He possesses good strength and uses it to open rushing lanes. He also plays both ways, dominating opposing offenses at linebacker, making him truly an elite two-way player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705850' first='Beckam' last='Featherstone'] || TE || 6'5 || 235 || Westlake High School || 2025</strong><br>Featherstone can play inside or out. His versatility was a huge asset for the Thunders offense last season. Featherstone is able to play all over the field, thanks to his exceptional route running. He does a great job tricking defenders into thinking he's going one way before he changes direction and creates separation. Featherstone gets in and out of his breaks quickly and is a quarterback's best friend with his large catch radius. The Thunder tight end can run over defenders, and smaller defensive backs have a hard time taking him down. Featherstone also plays both ways for the Thunder, making play after play on the defensive line. He should be in for a monster 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705855' first='Thomas' last='Mauga'] || TE || 6'1 || 190 || Olympus High School || 2025</strong><br>Mauga excels at getting open. He's an elite athlete who makes play after play over the middle of the field. Mauga does a great job adjusting to passes and is sure-handed a tight end, as you will find in the class of 2025. He's explosive after the catch, where his long strides help him break free from defenders. Mauga is also a strong blocker who can move defenders in the run game or keep the pocket clean in pass protection. His athleticism helps him contain tight ends at the second level, and he does a good job keeping his hands inside to avoid holding penalties. Mauga should play a huge role in the Titans offense for the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->