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<p>We're in the middle of our January Rankings content for the class of 2028, and we're going position by position to analyze the players who tell the story of this update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/3-things-to-know-about-the-2028-class/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-update-january/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. Now, I'm breaking down every ranked tight end.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 Tight Ends To Watch</h2>
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<p>The tight end position isn't usually the deepest position group in the state, and the 2028 class is hurt by the fact that the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-tight-ends/">2027 class is absolutely loaded</a> at the position. Still, we really like the five tight ends we currently have ranked, as three were stock-risers, and a fourth debuted well inside the top 200. We'll likely find more tight ends this spring, as the sophomore-to-junior offseason is typically a busier part of the calendar when it comes to adding new players. Here are the five ranked tight ends.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Evans' play strength doesn't just show up as an in-line blocker and lead blocker at H-Back, it really shows at the catch point, too. He's quick off the line and reads zone coverage to find pockets of space and make things easy for his quarterback. I wouldn't be surprised to see him continue to get bigger, but his ability to track the ball in the air and his stick hands have him as our early TE1 in the 2028 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Despite his size, Crain can really move, and his top-end speed is much better than you'd expect from a guy with his build. He was fantastic as a safety blanket for state-title-winning Brevard, but his athletic profile and short-area quickness suggest he could have some untapped route-running upside. In a thinner tight end class that is even thinner when it comes to elite size, Crain is an outlier.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Lucas-Walker was initially ranked as an edge defender in our system, but his sophomore year proved that his biggest upside is on the offensive side of the ball. He lined up all over the field, from in-line to H-Back, to out wide as a true receiver, and he won in a bunch of different ways, both before and after the catch. He's gotten going on the recruiting trail, as well, with early offers from Liberty and Charlotte.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Lascallette was one of the most productive receiving tight ends in the state, despite missing a couple of games. He's a smooth mover at 6'3", and he has great ball skills. Riverside used him primarily as a "big slot" receiver to create mismatches with linebackers and smaller corners, and he's a nightmare to cover in man-to-man.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">While Byrd is ranked as a tight end—and enjoyed great success there in 2025—he may end up finding a college home based on his punting abilities instead. He's an excellent, explosive athlete with solid straight-line speed, and he's able to line up in-line or flex out wide for Christ School. He earned All-Conference honors as a tight end in 2025, a testament to his on-field ability.</p>
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<p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.</em></p>
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We're in the middle of our January Rankings content for the class of 2028, and we're going position by position to analyze the players who tell the story of this update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. Now, I'm breaking down every ranked tight end.
2028 Tight Ends To Watch
The tight end position isn't usually the deepest position group in the state, and the 2028 class is hurt by the fact that the 2027 class is absolutely loaded at the position. Still, we really like the five tight ends we currently have ranked, as three were stock-risers, and a fourth debuted well inside the top 200. We'll likely find more tight ends this spring, as the sophomore-to-junior offseason is typically a busier part of the calendar when it comes to adding new players. Here are the five ranked tight ends.
Evans' play strength doesn't just show up as an in-line blocker and lead blocker at H-Back, it really shows at the catch point, too. He's quick off the line and reads zone coverage to find pockets of space and make things easy for his quarterback. I wouldn't be surprised to see him continue to get bigger, but his ability to track the ball in the air and his stick hands have him as our early TE1 in the 2028 class.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Despite his size, Crain can really move, and his top-end speed is much better than you'd expect from a guy with his build. He was fantastic as a safety blanket for state-title-winning Brevard, but his athletic profile and short-area quickness suggest he could have some untapped route-running upside. In a thinner tight end class that is even thinner when it comes to elite size, Crain is an outlier.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Lucas-Walker was initially ranked as an edge defender in our system, but his sophomore year proved that his biggest upside is on the offensive side of the ball. He lined up all over the field, from in-line to H-Back, to…
Lascallette was one of the most productive receiving tight ends in the state, despite missing a couple of games. He's a smooth mover at 6'3", and he has great ball skills. Riverside used him primarily as a "big slot" receiver to create mismatches with linebackers and smaller corners, and he's a nightmare to cover in man-to-man.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
While Byrd is ranked as a tight end—and enjoyed great success there in 2025—he may end up finding a college home based on his punting abilities instead. He's an excellent, explosive athlete with solid straight-line speed, and he's able to line up in-line or flex out wide for Christ School. He earned All-Conference honors as a tight end in 2025, a testament to his on-field ability.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Highlights
There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.
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