In The Film Room: Scouting Available '26 Iowa TEs

Tight end stands out as one of the positions Iowa high schools are best at developing for the next level. A collection of talented student-athletes from the state fortify college rosters every recruiting cycle.   Check out these reports on still uncommitted tight ends in the 2026 Class:    Lashbrook is a versatile athlete some schools may see filling a tight-end role, while others might favor bringing him in as a defensive lineman. He caught five balls for a crazy 154 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. Lashbrook added 44.0 tackles (21 solo, 14.5 for loss) and 5.0 sacks. He also delivered three two-point conversions. Lashbrook's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17812956/67292067bf323254c1880f9b">junior highlight video</a> impresses. He overwhelms opponents at the eight-player level with his size, speed and athleticism. He's a complete tight end, standing out as a receiver and a blocker. His abilities also work well when coming off the edge as a speed rusher that can run down the quarterback or running backs.     Sanchez-Evans shined as one of the more productive pass catchers at tight end in 2024. He hauled in 28 balls for 244 yards and six touchdowns. Sanchez-Evans also delivered on defense with 28.0 tackles (24 solo, 4.0 TFL), a sack and an interception. He did all of that in only six games. Sanchez-Evans shows on his<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18001469/671ff4323d5600e41bd35abb"> junior highlight video</a> how he gets the job done. At tight end, he uses quickness off of the snap in getting into his route. Sanchez-Evans displays ability to high-point the ball, make people miss in space and run over defenders. He's a willing and able blocker, too. On defense, he's fluid at middle linebacker, capable of dropping a running back or into coverage.     Like other top tight ends in this class from Iowa, Nattress could be a tight end in the eyes of some college staffs and a defensive prospect by others. He caught 20 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. Nattress contributed 36.0 tackles (24 solo, 8.5 TFL), 3.0 sacks and an interception. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18148178/67219d7a8c583051b4ad3eba">junior highlight video</a> reveals a dynamic receiver capable of pulling down 50-50 balls or racing by the opponent. Nattress includes clips of him coming up with big special teams plays, which colleges always welcome. He's a versatile linebacker capable of succeeding lining up on the second level or off the edge.     Wilton reached the Class 1A state semifinals last season with Rogers contributing on both sides of the ball. On offense, he caught 18 passes for 149 yards and four touchdowns. Rogers racked up 39.5 tackles (27 solo, 10.5 TFL) and 5.0 sacks. He also handled kick-off duties. We can see while watching Rogers' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18256770/67537ffadf1471399e571227">junior highlight video</a> a versatile athlete capable of playing on either side of the ball at the next level. The first clip shows him catching a touchdown pass, and the second one features him pressuring the quarterback. Rogers has a frame that can add good weight and strength without the loss of his speed and agility.     Diaz chipped in on both sides of the ball in 2024. He caught four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, while contributing 16.5 tackles (12 solo). The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18305875/673ab1a62f77541d74b680da">junior highlight video</a> reveals a well-rounded tight end that looks comfortable running routes and catching the ball along with laying somebody out with a block. Diaz is fast off the line and runs well. The latter helps him as a linebacker that can play traditionally on the second level or line up off the edge. He's a technically sound tackler.     Ellsworth posted a modest four receptions for 50 yards last season. He also contributed 12.5 tackles (9 solo, 2.5 TFL) and half of a sack. Ellsworth reports a 33-inch vertical leap, 225 pounds on the bench press, a 375 squat and 210 clean. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18155771/66e1e097da4c9b76b3550807">Clips from his first two games</a> of 2024 reveal the potential. Ellsworth can run routes and catch passes or blow somebody up as a blocker. The latter might be his best skill right now. That physicality also works on defense, where he utilizes his speed and athleticism to wreak havoc.

Tight end stands out as one of the positions Iowa high schools are best at developing for the next level. A collection of talented student-athletes from the state fortify college rosters every recruiting cycle.