Evaluating Tight Ends in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Maryland's Ed O'Brien evaluates the newcomers to the Class of 2026 prospect rankings. Today's article features tight ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: These rankings include players from Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Delaware</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/january-rankings-update-who-was-added-to-our-maryland-2026-list/"><em>CHECK OUT THE CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS HERE</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598798"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ade5201ae21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Erdolino is a well-rounded tight end with excellent size (6-4 240), strong blocking ability, and reliable hands. He's effective mostly in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Erdolino is a physical player who uses his frame effectively to box out defenders and make contested catches. His blocking ability stands out as he consistently engages defenders with good leverage. In the run game, Erdolino usually wins blocks and pancakes defenders. If there's one thing he has to work on, it would be his speed. If Erdolino can become a little more explosive, he'd be an actual field-stretching threat. He does run effective short and intermediate routes. Erdolino is a strong competitor and has a good work ethic. If he continues to develop and have a solid camp season, things will look up for him from a recruiting standpoint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314203"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ade5201ae89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marko is an impressive tight-end prospect with a potent combination of size (6-6 235), blocking ability, and playmaking ability after the catch. He showcases the ability to control defenders at the line of scrimmage, often driving them backwards and sustaining blocks. Marko creates running lanes for his teammates as an effective multi-level blocker. His highlights showcase him sealing the edge several times, making him a great asset in the running game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a receiver, Marko runs smooth routes. He shows good acceleration and the ability to change direction with ease. Marko's yards-after-catch stands out, as he makes defenders miss and space and runs through contact. He's not just a possession tight end. When given the chance, Marko can make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607591"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ade5201aed5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Juppe pancakes defenders and engages well at the second level. He plays with toughness, finishes blocks, and competes. A few plays show he has reliable hands in red-zone and short-yardage situations. Juppe engages defenders at the second level, finishes blocks, and opens holes for his running backs. He's a very effective blocker who lined up as an H-back. Finishes play with strength and leverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He's undersized (from a weight standpoint) but has the frame to put on more weight. I'd like to see more production from him as a threat in the intermediate or deep passing game. Right now, he's more of a possession target. Juppe's best fit may be in a run-heavy system, and he's presented with occasional pass-catching responsibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611588"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ade5201af17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yates is a versatile, power-driven tight end who excels as both a pass-catcher and a situational running back, especially in the red zone. At 6-2 235, he has a compact but powerful frame. That, and his strength, allows him to break tackles and fight through contact. Yates can be lined up in the slot, in-line, or as a running back. He's a unique offensive weapon. Yates has strong hands and can catch passes at all three levels. Yates is also a physical runner with a nose for the end zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yates's route running is solid, and he can break tackles after the catch. He doesn't have elite speed, but he doesn't need it either. There's not a lot to complain about. He'll fit perfectly in a system that uses an H-back as an additional offensive weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611700"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ade5201af56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howe is an athletic, undersized tight end who excels as a pass-catching mismatch for defenders. At his size, he lacks the prototypical size for the position. His speed, route-running ability, and playmaking skills allow him to create separation and exploit slower linebackers and safeties. Howe is a dynamic weapon in Eastern's passing game. His highlights showcase a few extended touchdown plays of 40-plus yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howe is playing out of position and will likely switch to wide receiver at the next level. Going to a few camps this offseason to show what he can do as a wide receiver will help his cause regarding recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other articles to read</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland&nbsp; 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-2/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-3/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-1/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-2/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-3/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-1/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-2/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouting-the-ranked-2026-maryland-prospects-running-backs/">Scouting the ranked 2026 Maryland prospects: Running Backs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-evaluating-wrs-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: Evaluating WR's in the MD 2026 Rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-new-edge-defenders-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: New edge defenders in the MD 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-new-linebackers-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: New linebackers in the MD 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->