2025 Rankings Update: Tight Ends

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Missouri 2025 class will feature a deep and talented group of tight end prospects. I already discussed Hickman's [player_tooltip player_id='1117659' first='Brock' last='Camp'] and Holt's [player_tooltip player_id='1117647' first='Gabriel' last='Cunningham'] in risers and additions pieces. Here are a few more high level college caliber tight ends to know about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='374501' first='Liam' last='Russo']<br>De Smet<br>- On a team that featured multiple D1 TE prospects, Russo (6'6" 215), made the most of his opportunities catching 13 passes for 263 yards and 1 touchdown - for a 20+ yard per reception average. Liam is a big target with good length who runs like a receiver and has the hands to match. His height, speed and overall athleticism can make him tough for linebackers and defensive backs to cover as he can get downfield or present an ideal red zone target. He holds three early offers from Northern Illinois, Miami University and Eastern Michigan after an outstanding performance at Lindenwood Mega camp last June, with schools such as West Virginia and others starting to show interest as of late. Look for his recruiting profile to continue to rise this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='233162' first='Landon' last='Pace']<br>SLUH<br>- A three year varsity player for the Jr. Bills, Pace (6'3" 230) had his best season so far at tight end catching 29 passes for 425 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior. Not only did he have his best year receiving but also with his blocking ability in helping the run game. The talented Pace has had college attention since he was a freshman, and has had early offers from Iowa State, Memphis, Missouri, Louisville and Ohio State, where his Dad Orlando played college ball, among others. Landon does a good job finding space and getting open for his quarterback, and has reliable hands to make the catch. He also has good strength he uses well with his blocking or to fight for yards after the grab. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1118515' first='Aiden' last='Grote'] <br>Bowling Green<br>- The (6'5" 250) Grote is a exceptional blocker and had a big role in some record setting rushing games for the Bobcats in 2023. He has good strength, uses his size and leverage well to his advantage, and has the speed to block downfield, as well as get behind a defense and get open. He displays good hands and is a good short yardage or red zone target. As a junior he had 7 catches for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns. With his blocking ability and frame he could possibly grow into an OL on the next level.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->