Under the Radar: Senior Tight Ends to Know in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tight end position often flies under the radar at the high school level, especially for players who are asked to block, move the chains, and do the dirty work within their offenses. This group of Illinois seniors may not always fill the stat sheet, but each brings traits that translate to the next level and deserve a closer look as the recruiting cycle continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lucas Andresen – Lincoln-Way Central (6'3, 200)</strong><br>Andresen is a well-rounded tight end who does a little bit of everything for Lincoln-Way Central. He shows reliable hands in traffic and understands how to work into open space against zone coverage. As a blocker, he plays with good effort and technique, showing a willingness to engage and finish. With added strength, Andresen projects as a dependable possession tight end at the DII or DIII level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Easton Orwig – Canton (6'4, 210)</strong><br>Orwig brings a long, athletic frame and flashes as a receiving threat in the middle of the field. He does a nice job tracking the football and winning contested catches, using his length to create separation at the catch point. There is upside here as a pass-catching tight end, especially as he continues to develop physically and refine his blocking technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vincent Armato – St. Charles East (6'5, 210)</strong><br>Armato is one of the more intriguing upside prospects in this group based on his physical profile alone. Standing 6-foot-5, he presents matchup issues for linebackers and safeties and shows the ability to extend and finish plays downfield. With continued development in route detail and functional strength, Armato has the tools to emerge as a legitimate next-level tight end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eli Larson – Stockton (6'3, 185)</strong><br>Larson is a lean, athletic tight end who profiles more as a move tight end or H-back at this stage. He shows quickness off the line and the ability to create separation on short and intermediate routes. Adding weight and strength will be key, but his competitiveness and receiving skill set make him an intriguing option for programs looking to utilize tight ends in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Sanders – Williamsville (6'5, 205)</strong><br>Sanders owns a long, prototypical frame with room to continue filling out. He shows flashes of pass-catching ability and uses his length well when the ball is in the air. As his route discipline and blocking consistency improve, Sanders could develop into a reliable boundary tight end with red-zone value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->