#TN2025 Rankings Breakdown: Tight Ends

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is one of the better collection of tight ends that we have had here in Tennessee in some time with multiple guys destined for the Power Four ranks and others sporting the talent to reach the college game. </h2>   The Top Ten    A top ten ranked prospect by #PRZTN, Sparks is a multi talented pass catcher that is listed as a tight end but could easily line up out wide as a bigger receiver. The Red Raiders senior playmaker has a unique skill set that allows him to work against speedy defensive backs as well as the linebackers. Sparks understands how to get open, using his body to shield off defenders while using his speed to create separation. He does have the body and frame to pack on more weight and play on the line but his potential could be suited best to line up in the slot. Having an SEC receiver leave, Sparks could now become the #1 target and go-to guy for Baylor's quarterback and see his game take-off as one of the more versatile pass receivers not just in the state but the entire country.    - - - - -    I am a big fan of this 6 '6 pass catcher and his upside on the next level and possibly beyond. Mattingly is an ultra talented tight end prospect that has the unique skill set to stretch out wide. This Mid-Tennessee area prospect can be placed at receiver out wide and work his man deep down the field due to his athleticism, speed and ball skills. He can also run routes like a receiver, so Mattingly is a bit of a unicorn style prospect that can be utilized in several ways. Blocking is something the Hawks tight end embraces as well as he is willing to get physical and drive his man back. This guy is legit and someone that I think can be a gamechanger on the college level and play his way into pro status one day.    - - - - -    Owens has been a name on the recruiting radar for the better part of two years now and it's for good reason as this East Tennessee product provides some of the best catching hands in the state. The Tornadoes senior tight end can catch just about anything thrown his way due to his big, strong hands as well as his outstanding concentration, especially through physical play. Owens is as dependable as you find as an offensive weapon in this state and someone that could see the field early in his time at Michigan. He will need continued work with his overall speed and agility but the ball skills are definitely to become a multi year starter within the Big Ten Conference.    - - - - -    The top returning tight end in the state based on receiving yards, Laisure heads into his senior year as a Top 50 ranked prospect that looks to be the go-to target yet again for his Patriots football team and someone that can boost his stock even further with increased agility and speed. If you want a sure handed pass catcher that can run routes like receivers with the willingness to block, Laisure is your guy! Colorado will get first dibs at developing his skill set on the next level as he recently committed to the Buffaloes and the Pats tight end could have a shot to see the field early due to his high football intelligence. If Laisure shows improved athleticism this Fall, other Power Four programs could come calling.    - - - - -    The other half of the Red Raiders two headed monster at tight end is this 6'4 245 pound physical specimen that provides a variety of skills to his position and the playing field. Darnell immediately looks the part of a D1 guy that moment he steps onto the field due to his physical but he is more than just power, he's a good athlete too that runs well after the catch. Where I think his money will be made in college will be as your intermediate, big target tight end that is also a strong in-line blocker. The Red Raiders pass catcher has the upside to develop into an excellent run blocker while also becoming the quarterback's short yardage dependable receiver. Coaches are starting to notice as Darnell has landed several offers of late with multiple schools showing interest, so keep your ears open on this guy moving forward as expect his recruitment to blow up.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/?position=TE">#TN2025 Tight End Rankings</a>   - - - - -    Tall and long with a nice physical build and flashes on film to stretch the field, Briggs, Jr is one of the more intriguing tight end prospects from the #TN2025 class that has excellent upside but has yet to take that next step. He has a big opportunity this Summer and Fall to push his recruitment much further with enhanced work with his burst off the line and his overall agility and speed. The Mustangs tight end can run and stretch the middle of the field but if he can increase that speed while enhancing his sudden movements, Power Four programs could start getting involved. He may also become a top target this Fall as the Mustangs will be looking for new standouts to lean on and Briggs, Jr may be one of those guys.    - - - - -    If anybody remembers Cameron Hite out of Greeneville, this Mid-Tennessee pass catcher reminds me of him as Harper may not have the exact tight end size but the guy knows how to play the game! The Bears senior tight end has a unique feel for the game with the ability to line up in offensive schemes a variety of ways. He is a willing blocker, a potential H-Back and slot receiver that can stretch the field. Harper provides a versatile skill set to the playing along with being very coachable. He loves the game and will do whatever is needed to help his team succeed. His performances both this Summer in camps and this Fall throughout his senior season will go a long way towards his landing spot on the collegiate level.    - - - - -    If you want a long term project that could pay off big in the long run, Jackson is your guy! Standing 6 '5 200 pounds with a wide radius, Jackson is a “unicorn” style tight end that has the athleticism and speed to play out wide or be placed in a variety of places to utilize his skill set. The Admirals senior tight end is just now starting to come into his own as Jackson is still growing into his body while understanding how good  he can actually be. He is a mismatch problem for defenders due to his height, length and ability to work through physicality and run past his man. Jackson can run the deep routes on the outside or work the middle of the field. The offers haven't arrived yet but they will in time as more and more coaches work with Jackson in camps as well as watch his progression during the coming Fall season.    - - - - -    Ross has been a productive pass catcher for multiple years on his Red Devils team but he might be in-store for his best season yet as he looks to be the #1 offensive target for the Fall season. A dependable receiver that works perfect in the intermediate routes, Ross sports strong hands along with the ability to run after the catch while having the upside as an in-line blocker. This Knoxville area tight end has a versatile skill set that I feel plays well on the next level. He isn't the biggest of guy's at 6 '3 but Ross makes up for it with a high competitive nature as well as his natural athletic abilities. This is the kind of tight end that can become the quarterback's “best friend” as Ross does just about everything right without many flaws. He may continue to sit under the radar at the moment but I feel Ross could be a steal for whoever brings him into the fold.    - - - - -    Rounding out the Top Ten is this hidden gem that is still developing but shows excellent upside for the college game. Hutchinson brings good size to the field (6'4 220) as well as some nice athletic traits that I feel can be developed further into a possible starting college tight end. The first thing I like about the Big Red big man is his technique and willingness to block. Hutchinson has no problem sticking his nose into the mesh and getting physical with defenders. He can also line up the slot if called upon and stretch the middle of the field due to his athleticism and developing speed. Hutchinson has put in a lot of work this off-season to develop his skill set and I think it will pay off this Summer in camps and this Fall where this Big Red tight end could see college offers finally come his way.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/">Tennessee Top 250 Senior Rankings</a>   - - - - -   Other Ranked TE's   [player_tooltip player_id='1102358' first='Tamarian' last='Tipton'] - South Doyle (185th overall prospect/11th ranked TE)   - Tipton is a highly intriguing prospect as he has mainly played receiver during his HS career but is beginning to transition at tight end. If he continues that path, the Cherokees big man could turn into an eventual college starter.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/tamtipton.jpg?w=503" alt="" class="wp-image-1216939" style="width:357px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -   [player_tooltip player_id='1148636' first='Isaiah' last='Thomas'] - Pearl Cohn (190th overall prospect/12th ranked TE)   - The Firebirds tight end has a chance to move up in our next updated rankings with a big senior year. He sports good athleticism and the ability to run after the catch. If Thomas can increase his agility and strength, we may have a sleeper D1 guy on our hands.    - - - - -   [player_tooltip player_id='1266862' first='Fletcher' last='Shirley'] - MBA (229th overall prospect/13th ranked TE)   - Joining Hutchinson in the Big Red tight end room is this under the radar prospect that has his best football days ahead of him. Shirley is the team's blocking tight end that has sneaky good athleticism to become a formidable pass catcher in time with continued development.    - - - - -   [player_tooltip player_id='1238986' first='Patrick' last='Sullivan'] - Ravenwood (234th overall prospect/14th ranked TE)   - Holding a few offers already, Sullivan is a talented receiver that has a chance to boost his stock further this Summer with strong camp performances. More of your H-Back style prospect, Sullivan brings a versatile, team 1st skill set to the field that collegiate coaches should enjoy working with.    - - - - -   [player_tooltip player_id='466270' first='Pryor' last='Browning'] - Nash. Christian (249th overall prospect/15th ranked TE)   - Browning is an interesting prospect due to his size (6'6 240) and potential on the next level. His move to Nash. Christian this spring could help the cause as he will have a top tier quarterback throwing him the ball. It will be interesting to see how he develops as Browning could become a tight end or offensive lineman in college.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/wilsjackson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1118227" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure>