Scouting 2027 Tight End Class: Stars, Sleepers, and Secrets

The junior season is perhaps the most important year for recruits to put a strong resume on tape for college coaches to see and evaluate their games and the level of prospect they project them to turn into at the next level. In this edition of the series, we take a look at some of the intriguing names to monitor in the state of Tennessee for the 2027 recruiting cycle at the tight end position.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOUTING THE STARS</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] is a tight end with good size, physicality, and athleticism, making one of the top recruits in the nation at the position.   He holds a strong frame with the potential to add a lot of mass to it at the next level, allowing for him to continue to play both in-line or as a receiver. He has improved his explosiveness and flexibility this season which has resulted in more big plays in the passing game from him as a junior.   He has experience as a basketball player which is evident when he needs to high point the ball in a contested catch situation, especially in the red zone. This is a blue-chip prospect on the national level.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> SCOUTING THE SLEEPERS</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] is an athletic tight end with very good length and athleticism that allows for him to cover ground quickly and create after the catch.   He needs to add a lot of bulk to his frame to survive at the next level, but the natural athleticism that complements his length will make him a weapon in the passing game, with a source saying he has hit at least 21 miles per hour in practice.   Kirkwood had a lean, athletic offensive standout blow up in the 2026 cycle as he added to his frame and they should have another in the 2027 class with this tight end prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'] is a tight end with good size that should grow into a player that can do everything needed from a traditional tight end at the next level.   In a run-heavy scheme, he is a willing and physical blocker and is something he will continue to improve upon with college coaching. He has shown the athleticism to be utilized in the short and intermediate parts of the field as a receiver as well as the size to be a red zone weapon.   He has been a name to monitor for a while and every season he looks improved and continues to develop into an all-around tight end prospect.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> SCOUTING THE SECRETS </h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] is a tight end with good size that is a dominant blocker and an emerging weapon as a receiver as his team figures out ways to get the ball in his hands more this season.   He has a wide frame and is a physical blocker, looking to put someone in the dirt with his strength and technique, which should get him looks from most programs just on this aspect alone.   He has shown impressive athleticism as a receiver this season, adding another vertical threat to the offense as well as being a reliable underneath option for his quarterback when needed.   He first came on to my scene when I saw him on the sideline at a spring scrimmage, and although he did not play, it was obvious that he looked the part of a football player. He has added intriguing athleticism and receiving ability to his dominant blocking skillset, which could lead to a breakout in his recruitment over the offseason as college programs turn their attention to the next cycle.     [player_tooltip player_id='1260422' first='Brady' last='Lewis'] is an athletic tight end with solid size that thrives as a receiving option in a H-back type role.   He is a natural mover that is effective at creating yards after the catch whether he gets targeted on a quick-hitter, in the intermediate, or up the seams.   He will need to continue to add to his frame and improve upon his strength levels, but the best aspect of his game is the versatility and athleticism that a creative offensive play caller will be able to take advantage of in college.   His team has done a nice job of using him in a variety of ways (tight end, slot, running back, fullback, etc) that gets him in space, whether to make a play as a receiver/runner or as a blocker.

The junior season is perhaps the most important year for recruits to put a strong resume on tape for college coaches to see and evaluate their games and the level of prospect they project them to turn into at the next level.

In this edition of the series, we take a look at some of the intriguing names to monitor in the state of Tennessee for the 2027 recruiting cycle at the tight end position.