National Tight Ends Day: Top Uncommitted Nebraska TEs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a national holiday unlike any other! A day in which we get to appreciate some of the more under-appreciated players on the field. The guys that will bail their QBs out with a reliable safety valve target over the middle. The guys with the real muscle who get called in to help block in the run game. Of course I'm talking about the tight ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This offseason we saw an explosion of tight end talent with 7 senior tight ends committing to Division 1 programs. Here I highlight some of the top tight end prospects in the state including elite uncommitted seniors, sky-rocketing juniors, and sophomores to watch closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that I leave you to check out these heros yourself. Have a great National Tight End's Day!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["250697"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top unsigned senior TEs is Westside's [player_tooltip player_id='250697' first='Trevor' last='Spady'] who has had a solid season so far. Trevor has surpassed his totals from last season with 11 receptions for 241 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns with the opportunity to build on those numbers during the Warrior's playoff run. Trevor is a complete tight end who can catch like a receiver and is a physical blocker. He's a great route runner, displaying solid footwork and the ability to create separation. Solid burst after the catch, and can usually pick up some extra yardage. Trevor holds offers from Pittsburgh State, Southwest Minnesota State, Sioux Falls, and Wayne State with other teams keeping tabs on the Warrior's tight end. Great pick up for any team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de316"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13370752/651e41ff90ef01071c803431' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de36a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["407643"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Columbus' [player_tooltip player_id='407643' first='Caden' last='Kapels'] is a player who is surprisingly flying under the radar so far. Kapels could play either tight end or linebacker at the next level, but in the spirit of the holiday, we'll highlight his tight end skills. Caden didn't get to show off his receiving skills very much in a run-dominant offense, but he did demonstrate his elite blocking ability. Kapels was a huge asset in the run game with his ability to set the edge and seal off defenders on outside runs. He has great size already at 6'5u0022 210 but also looks like he has room to pack onto his frame. Great overall athlete with a ton of potential! Currently awaiting his first offer, but I wouldn't be surprised if the dominos started falling after the first.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de3cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14839141/653490bb041e090738521647' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de3ec"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Elkhorn North's [player_tooltip player_id='319200' first='Chase' last='Loftin'] has not just emerged as one of the top prospects in the state but also as one of the top junior tight ends in the nation. Loftin continued dominating in year 3 with 21 receptions for 321 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. Loftin is a versatile player who can do everything you need from a tight end while possessing the pass-catching abilities of a receiver. He has proven to be one of the top route-runners in his class with elite footwork and explosiveness in his breaks. He can create separation but also has no issue bodying up a defender to make a tough catch. Loftin is also a great blocker, showing great physicality when he's asked to help out in the run game. I think people tend to overlook Chase's ability to get behind defenses and hit the long ball, possessing great speed and burst. Chase holds offers from Oklahoma, Iowa State, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Duke, Purdue, Kansas State, and Missouri, and I wouldn't be surprised if that list doubles over by the spring","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de4af"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16809851/6519b6bdb534d311a0ccf977' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535eb444a976"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Not to be lost among the big names at Bellevue West, junior [player_tooltip player_id='545272' first='TJ' last='Whaley'] is a budding star in his own right. In his first season seeing major time, TJ filled in nicely while the T-Bird's pass-catching group dealt with injuries. TJ's chemistry with QB Kaelin helped him haul in 20 receptions for 235 yards and a receiving touchdown in 8 games. Whaley is silky smooth like a receiver with all the size of a tight end. He can outmuscle small DBs and outrun slower LBs. TJ does a great job attacking the different levels of the defense and had some really impressive receptions over the middle of the field. He also has the athleticism and playmaking ability to be used in screens and other plays that get the ball to him in open space. Very exciting player to watch this upcoming offseason!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de4ec"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16040556/65236e1232dc700a20e4f373' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535eb444aa30"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["736119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1056535,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Talk about a breakout season. Platteview's [player_tooltip player_id='736119' first='Reiman' last='Zebert'] made a huge impression after hauling in 18 receptions for 458 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging a game-breaking 25.4 yards per reception. Reiman projects best as a tight end, however, he is versatile enough to line up on the outside to take advantage of favorable matchups. He has deceptive 4.66 speed that can stretch defenses vertically or he can use his speed to explode upfield after a reception to rack up a ton of YAC. Reiman's eye-opening season has caught the attention of several programs and has visited schools like Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa State, NDSU, and SDSU. Could be seeing some offers coming soon!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de544"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":" u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16241512/6522dbfc1762281320e05853' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535eb444ab26"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402162"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Yutan sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='402162' first='Owen' last='Sutter'] continued to make his presence known this year with a solid season. So far, Owen has hauled in 16 receptions for 202 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns and still has the playoffs to pad those numbers a little. The Chieftains like to run the ball, so we didn't get to see a ton of Owen in the passing game, but he still had several flashes of the player he can be. Whether he's running a great route or using his physicality to create separation, Owen proved that he can get open and make a big play when needed. One thing we saw a lot of was Owen's exceptional blocking ability, basically becoming an extension of the OL when asked to block. He does a great job cleaning up defenders in the second level and creating lanes for his back. High upside as a DE/EDGE defender as well. Great prospect to get on your radar ASAP!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de596"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16661122/64ea57efd45eaa039c5a971c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de5b2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["487573"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Patriots still have a projected deep playoff run to go, but so far it has been a huge coming-out party for an elite 2026 class. Among the many breakout players is tight end [player_tooltip player_id='487573' first='Isaac' last='Jensen'] who has proven to be a reliable target for classmate, Thomalla. In 8 games, Isaac recorded 21 receptions for 272 receiving yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Jensen passes the eye test immediately at 6'6u0022 and a bulked-up 200-pound frame. He is a mismatch nightmare that can line up anywhere to exploit the best matchup. Great jump ball receiver who can elevate over defenders and has the hand strength to hold on through contact. Isaac is looking like one of the elite red zone targets already as a sophomore.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de5fe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17024109/6516c96be984d30d681acb4a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6535ca24de61a"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->