2025s: The Year of the Hybrid Tight End

The evolution of the tight end position has ramped up quickly the last few years 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, fast, athletic playmakers who can line up in tight as expected, but can also operate as an H-back, on the wing, in the slot, split out wide, in the backfield...wherever a high-powered offense needs them to operate at full throttle.   The great tight ends in high school come in many different shapes and sizes, but the division I schools are looking for playmakers with wide receiver speed, the ability to block like offensive tackles and who can tote the mail like a running back after the catch. They also need to be tough, aggressive and ideally have the mentality that they are going to jack the defender in the jaw at every opportunity.   And, in Kansas, the class of 2025 is unfolding as one of the top states in the country for game-changer tight ends.   Earlier in the year I reported on a few of these stellar tight ends and commented at the time how loaded the Sunflower state is with exceptional 2025 tight ends. In fact, the two top-ranked players in 2025 overall this year are listed as tight ends: [player_tooltip player_id='570288' first='DaSaahn' last='Brame'], 6'6, 230, Derby is ranked #1; while [player_tooltip player_id='733209' first='Linkon' last='Cure'], 6'6, 225, Goodland, is ranked #2. Both are being heavily recruited by the big-baller programs in the nation, and rightfully so. They meet all the criteria of a top-level, elite TE.   Also mentioned at the time were [player_tooltip player_id='868978' first='Quentin' last='Wallace'], 6'3, 245, Blue Valley North, a versatile, athletic tight end who is getting ready to dominate; [player_tooltip player_id='716663' first='Brody' last='Brigham'], 6'3, 225, Mill Valley, who is coming into his own as a mauler of a blocker with good hands; and [player_tooltip player_id='1115096' first='Jackson' last='Rumford'], 6'6, 235, Scott City, a versatile, athletic receiver with an outstanding catch radius who is getting ready to make some noise this fall.   There are also quite a few others who are ranked and many others who are probably flying under the radar that we hope to eventually flush out. In today's report we will take a closer look at some of the other game-changer tight ends from the class of 2025 who need to be on everyone's watchlist:   [player_tooltip player_id='1115498' first='Scott' last='Moore'], 6'5, 235, TE, Girard. He is coming off a stellar junior season when he hauled in 44 passes for 589 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. A versatile receiver who lines up all over, from in tight to in the slot and split wide to force mismatches in the secondary. He also lines up in the wildcat, taking the direct snap in the red zone as a bulldozing ball carrier. A long, athletic playmaker with good hands, excellent reach and the ability to go the apex-point and make the contested catch, he is a nightmare on routes in the endzone. He is also a brawler of a blocker and a punishing runner after the catch. Get out and see a rising star this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='570213' first='Brody' last='Weir'], 6'4, 245. TE, Wellington. Another large-and-in-charge receiver who is getting ready to own the gridiron this fall. Coming off a breakout year showcasing his versatility, he caught 16 passes for 267 yards and a pair of TD's through the air, and carried the ball 18 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns, averaging just under 8 yards a carry. Lining up in tight, as an H-back or on the wing he is a devastating blocker in the run game. As a receiver he has an excellent catch radius with soft hands and is an athletic, agile, powerful runner after the catch. He is gonna light things up in Wellington this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114828' first='Jayden' last='Houghton'], 6'4, 225, TE, Frontenac. He is coming off a strong junior season when he caught 13 passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns and gave the state a head's up of big things to come. A versatile, athletic receiver with great reach and size, he lines up everywhere along the line of scrimmage, whether in tight, as an H-back or split out. He runs good possession routes, and is adept at sinking into soft spots in zone and in the seams. He is fearless going over the middle and makes tough, contested catches look easy. He is also a pounding blocker in the Frontenac run game. Get out and see a diamond in the rough coming into his own in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='866495' first='Tyrus' last='Young'], 6'2, 220, TE, Salina Central. A big, physical three-sport athlete, he is also a versatile player on the gridiron. On offense he is a force getting ready to happen. With his excellent blend of size and speed, he can line up as an H-back, tight end or even in the backfield, and is an old-school kind of player who will do whatever is needed. He has excellent hands and is a strong runner after the catch. He is also a piledriving blocker who locks up well in space and blows up defenders. He is definitely one of those stars getting ready to bust out this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115462' first='Guy' last='Tubbs']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/guy-tubbs/"></a> , 6'3, 220, TE, Colby. He is coming off a standout junior season when he gave everyone an idea of how good he is. A weapon for the Colby offense, he lines up as a wideout, in the slot, in tight, as an H-back and even runs the ball out of the backfield. An athletic two-way star getting ready to shine, he is an agile, dangerous runner after catching the ball. He has a strong frame, excellent wing span and catch radius for his size and great hands. He is aggressive going over the middle on crossing routes and deceptively fast burning up the seams on the long ball. This kid is a stud in the making.   Eli Eitutis, 6'6, 225, TE, Derby. He is a big, athletic tight end with prototype size and reach who is coming off a solid junior season getting established in the Derby offensive scheme. He has not been getting the attention he deserves playing on the same team as the number-one-ranked player in the state, but he played well enough a year ago to start getting attention from scouts and recruiters. As a receiver he lines up tight or in the slot and with his outstanding reach and ability to go up for the pass is a difficult coverage assignment. He is also a standout blocker, caving in down blocks and locking up defenders blocking in space. This kid won't be flying under the radar for much longer.   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 the last few years 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, fast, athletic playmakers who can line up in tight as expected, but can also operate as an H-back, on the wing, in the slot, split out wide, in the backfield...wherever a high-powered offense needs them to operate at full throttle.