2025 Next Generation Tight Ends

The evolution of the tight end position has ramped up quickly as offenses and schemes get more sophisticated and creative. Gone are the days when the tight end was a glorified extra tackle who was called on to go lumbering over the middle to catch a rare dump pass. Today, offensive coordinators look for tall, strong, athletic playmakers who can help a high-powered offense operate at full throttle.   Where as the traditional tight ends lined up shoulder to shoulder with the strong-side offensive tackle, in today's scheme they are all over the formation. Tight ends these days can be lined up as an H-back, in the backfield, as a wing, in the slot, split wide horizontally - you name it they are athletic enough to make it successful.   The great tight ends in high school come in many different shapes and sizes, but the division I schools are looking for guys who are tall and have good arm length and reach. They are looking for big bodies, solid, powerful, and carry enough weight to block defensive tackles and middle linebackers. They have to be fast, with a great burst and able to run the seams and create separation like a wide receiver. They also should be tough, aggressive and ideally have the mentality that they are going to jack the defender in the jaw at every opportunity.   More than that, they are differentiators. Big, fast, and incredibly athletic, the TE's of today are bona fide playmakers. A new breed of game changers becoming a much larger part of the offensive game plan.   In today's report we will take a closer look at five of the best 2025 tight ends in the Sunflower state. These are five on the rise that you don't want to miss.   [player_tooltip player_id='570288' first='DaSaahn' last='Brame'] 6'6, 235, TE, Derby is ranked #1. As one of the most highly recruited players in the nation, he is coming off a standout junior year where he gave fans an idea what a unique talent he is. Physically, he checks all the boxes. He is tall, has great reach and has breakaway speed. He is very fluid and athletic and creates mismatches all over the field as a wideout or in tight. He makes a difficult position look easy, catching tough passes in traffic, going to the apex point of the ball when it is in the air, creating separation with ease, terrorizing the red zone - the question isn't what all can he do, it's what can't he do? Make the effort to go see him while you can.   [player_tooltip player_id='733209' first='Linkon' last='Cure'] 6'6, 225, TE, Goodland is ranked #2. Another gifted tight end who is versatile and athletic and can play anywhere on the field. Coming off a season of just under a thousand yards receiving on only 42 receptions in nine games and 14 touchdowns; he is positioned to be one of the top players in the state in 2024. A big bodied receiver who is split out to create d-back mismatches, he is a power runner after the catch and is deceptively fast for his size. He is particularly adept at catching difficult passes in awkward positions and in heavy traffic. Definitely a western Kansas playmaker to keep an eye on in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='868978' first='Quentin' last='Wallace'] 6'3, 240, TE, Blue Valley North is ranked #98. He is a large-target receiver who lines up in the traditional tight position, but also is inserted as an H-back, in the slot, coming out of backfield and where he is particularly effective creating mismatches, split out wide as a flanker. An excellent all-around tight end, he is a punishing blocker whether it is sealing off the edge or locking and unloading in space on defensive backs and linebackers. He also has great hands, catches the ball well in heavy traffic and is able to absorb a beating taking hits over the middle. He is poised and ready for a breakout senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='716663' first='Brody' last='Brigham'] 6'3, 215, TE, Mill Valley is ranked #123. Another big, strong athletic tight end who plays an old-school physical game. Largely lining up tight as traditional strongside support, he is a bulldozer of a blocker; effectively hammering down and blowing up edge defenders. He is an anchor in the running game, equally effective as a mauler of a down blocker or reaching linebackers in space. When the ball is thrown his way he has excellent hands and is a powerful runner picking up significant yards after the catch. He is positioned to not only help Mill Valley continue their success, but have a breakout season himself.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115096' first='Jackson' last='Rumford'] 6'6, 230, TE, Scott City is ranked #276. He is coming off a standout junior season where he started making a name for himself as a tight end to keep an eye on. Tall, athletic and versatile, he lines up tight but also splits out to dominate defensive backs. An excellent route runner who instinctively knows how to float into zone soft spots, he has soft hands and catches well over the middle even when he knows he's getting ready to get hit. He is a bruising blocker at the point of attack and delivered a number of pancake blocks throughout the season. Definitely one to get out and appreciate in the 2024 season.   In conclusion, the tight end position has become a fun position to watch, particularly the large and in charge guys like we just covered in this report. The 2024 season is going to see these guys take the tight end position to the next level. As always, if you have feedback, suggestions or want to get someone's name out there who is an up and coming player feel free to DM me on X.

The evolution of the tight end position has ramped up quickly as offenses and schemes get more sophisticated and creative. Gone are the days when the tight end was a glorified extra tackle who was called on to go lumbering over the middle to catch a rare dump pass. Today, offensive coordinators look for tall, strong, athletic playmakers who can help a high-powered offense operate at full throttle.