McNamara Headlines 2028 Tight End Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Illinois has released the latest edition of the 2028 Rankings.  Here is the best of the best at the Tight End position in the Illinois 2028 class!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a33f5bab051"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNamara is a 6'5" 240 pound tight end that is clearly the top tight end in the class.  Big and athletic pass catcher that can play in line or splitting out.  Boxes out in the redzone for catches in the endzone.  Makes short catches and moves the chains over the middle.  Really like the versatility lining up all over the field as a flex, in-line, or H-back.  Soft hands and is a complete tight end! Excellent blocker for a top tier pass catcher that takes a lot of pride in it with sound mechanics.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a33f5bab0c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is one of the top 20 hoops prospects in the class, but is showing promise as a wide receiver/projected tight end as well.  He had 34 catches for 340 yards and 4 touchdowns as a sophomore.  Great frame, size, and is a plus athlete.  High points the ball in the air winning in the redzone and contested situations.  Like the route running setting up what he is going to do very well. Also can run deep down the field making plays on the ball in the air.  With his size he can drive defenders off the ball turning around boxing out the corner. Fluid route tree being able to run a variety of routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2139870"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a33f5bab113"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a traits guy at 6'3" and around 190 pounds the lines up a lot at H-Back.  Could be a jumbo wide receiver or tight end. Long strides and brings physicality to the position. Catches the ball away from body.  Pure upside!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a33f5bab15e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pratt is a 6'3" 205 pound tight end that as a sophomore reeled in 28 catches for 360 yards.  The athleticism really jumps off the cape with his ability to fluidity get down the field.  Drives defenders off the ball and creates space.  Very good route runner.  Effective run after the catch.  Contested catches in the redzone.  Potential as a blocker.  Like the frame and projectability long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2056029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a33f5bab1a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cassel goes 6'4" and 235 pounds.  Can split the defense up the seam.  Pushes vertical as a pass catcher with a smooth get off the line.  Strong frame and is a physical runner with the ball in his hands.  Safety blanket for his QB who will come back when the play breaks down. Tracks it well and high points the ball in the air downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->