Stock Risers: Tight End Big10

Stock Risers – Tight Ends Big is the name of the game here. These 10 tight ends have made major jumps in our rankings, and it's easy to see why. They bring a rare mix of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability. Each of them has a huge frame and an even bigger impact on the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='1608324' first='Troy' last='Alderfer'] | Christ The King | 6'5” 235 Alderfer is a handful to deal with at tight end. At 6'5, 235, blocking comes naturally to him, and he delivers it with consistency. The biggest question mark is the level of competition he faces, but his talent is undeniable. He has soft, reliable hands, and while his offense hasn't given him many pass-catching opportunities in the past, preseason film suggests that could change this year. Expect his role in the passing game to expand.     [player_tooltip player_id='1252939' first='Hayes' last='Brawner'] | Millbrook | 6'6 235 Brawner is an under-the-radar talent primed for a breakout season. At 6'6, he's been a major factor in the run game, serving primarily as a blocker last year while seeing only one or two targets per game. That's set to change this season, as his size and athleticism should make him a much bigger weapon in the passing attack.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607810' first='Qualteau' last='Hawkins'] | Stuart Cramer | 6'3” 240 Hawkins is one of the biggest mismatch problems in the 704. At 6'3, 240, he combines size with surprising athleticism, routinely making plays in the passing game that most players his size simply can't. He already holds a couple of Power Four offers, and with an expected uptick in production this season, his stock could rise even higher.     [player_tooltip player_id='1572063' first='Kenneth' last='Best IV'] | Atkins | 6'2” 220 Atkins will be leaning on Best to play a major role in the offense this season. At 6'2, 220, he's a strong blocker with the footwork of a running back, giving him the versatility to impact both the run and passing game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1125763' first='Alex' last='Haywood'] | Providence | 6'5” 225 Haywood burst onto the scene as a freshman, scoring double-digit touchdowns and establishing himself as a go-to weapon. His sophomore campaign was cut short by a lower leg injury, but after a strong rehab process and a productive 7v7 season, he's back at full strength. At 6'5, 225, Haywood is a massive target with receiver-like speed and hands. Expect him to return to his freshman form and once again push for double-digit touchdowns.     [player_tooltip player_id='1665263' first='Braeden' last='Vetter'] | Williams | 6'3” 215 Vetter is a phenomenal prospect with all the tools to be special. While his production hasn't matched some of the other tight ends on this list, the talent is unquestionably there. Used primarily as a run-game asset up to this point, he's expected to see a significant increase in targets this season, which should showcase his full potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='718315' first='Hudson' last='Nolden'] | Palisades | 6'3” 210 Nolden is a big target for a Palisades program that continues to rise. The new school on the south side of Charlotte has already produced several elite prospects, and Nolden looks to be the next in line. He's equally effective in the run game and the passing attack, and on a loaded roster this season, he's primed to be a true difference-maker.       [player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter'] | Southeast Alamance | 6'4” 223 Easter is a true mismatch in the secondary. With elite ball skills, he can catch anything thrown his way, and at 6'4, 223, he's stronger than most linemen—more than capable of moving defenders out of his path. Earlier this offseason at a 7v7 event, he stood out as the top tight end on the field. Easter is a diamond in the rough whose stock should continue to climb.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607846' first='Noah' last='Congleton'] | Martin County | 6'5” 210 Congleton is a red-zone threat with the ability to stretch the field as well. At 6'5, 210, he makes spectacular catches look routine. Last season he hauled in 13 passes, five of them for touchdowns. With more opportunities in the passing game, he has the talent to push for double-digit scores.     [player_tooltip player_id='1718784' first='Phoenix' last='Barnes'] | 6'5” 210 Barnes is the prototype tight end prospect. At 6'5, 210, he brings the full package—route-running ability, blocking strength, and a big frame that creates natural mismatches. Still an up-and-coming talent, he has the tools to rise quickly, and with the right opportunities, he could develop into one of the top tight ends not just in the area, but across the state.

Stock Risers – Tight Ends
Big is the name of the game here. These 10 tight ends have made major jumps in our rankings, and it's easy to see why. They bring a rare mix of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability. Each of them has a huge frame and an even bigger impact on the field.