Northwest Showcase: Oregon, Washington tight ends to watch

The Northwest Showcase kicks off June 6 at Western Oregon University, and features most of the top players in the region - and beyond.   In the Northwest, the tight end position is particularly deep, and has been for several years.   That isn't slowing down any time soon.   While all of the position groups are loaded, this tight end crop has several players who could walk away with offers.   It's a group boiling over with potential, and I'd be shocked if a few of these guys didn't put themselves firmly on the map at The Northwest Showcase.   Here's a look at the key names to know:   [player_tooltip player_id='1916941' first='Aidan' last='Muilenburg'] (Peninsula, WA); 2027 — The 6-foot-6, 220-pound jumbo pass-catcher is one of the best tight ends in the region.   Muilenburg already boasts an offer from Cornell, and Big Sky schools have been looking at him for some time.   This camp could be a tryout of sorts for Muilenburg for those teams.   If he has a great day, it wouldn't be surprising to see him leave with a couple of offers.    [player_tooltip player_id='2213895' first='Alexander' last='Goeckner'] (Jesuit, OR); 2029 — A young, up-and-coming talent for the Crusaders, Goeckner was recognized as a major contributor as a youngster.   Soon it will be his turn to make a big impact at the collegiate level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1609596' first='Brady' last='Knips'] (Tualatin, OR); 2028 — Few prospects have a higher ceiling than Knips in the entire Northwest Showcase.   The 6-foot-5, 215-pound pass-catcher is quietly sneaking into the discussion as the best prospect in Oregon for the class of 2028.   He's got that much helium.    Knips could end up being a double-digit offer guy, and his breakout could being at Western Oregon University.   He's ready to blow up!    Brody Fullerton (Henley, OR); 2029 — An intriguing young player from a small, Fullerton was an all-league selection on both sides of the ball as a freshman.   He hasn't been tested much in big camp settings, so this will be an interesting challenge for him.   But make no mistake, Fullerton is a player to watch going forward.    Brody Renners (Seattle Prep, WA); 2027 — An intriguing 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end, Renners has traveled to some massive camps in the past several months, including Ivy League schools and Power 4 programs.   A big day could lead to an offer from a player who seems to be right on the edge of getting that opportunity.    Chase Johnson (Kentridge, WA); 2027 — A first-team all-league selection who is hearing from Central Washington and others, Johnson is another player who could walk away with an offer if he has a big camp.   The 6-foot-3, 230-pound playmaker already has plenty of production under his belt.   The next test is showing it against quality competition at Western Oregon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1339339' first='Gavin' last='Danielson'] (Auburn-Riverside, WA); 2028 — Danielson's busy camp schedule begins at BYU and Utah, which should be excellent warm-ups (and potential opportunities) before The Northwest Showcase.   The 6-foot-5, 195-pound quarterback/tight end is also a standout track athlete, having helped his team to a fourth-place finish in the 4x400.   He has an early offer from UNLV, and should be one of the true standouts at WOU.   Danielson has double-digit offer upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1242768' first='George' last='VanSandt'] (Central Catholic, OR); 2027 — Is there a hotter prospect in Oregon than VanSandt?   A back-up entering last season, VanSandt emerged as Central Catholic's best tight end, then quickly earned offers from Arkansas, Oregon and Oregon State.   He could be a future Duck, which means he'll be a player everyone is watching.   VanSandt is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound athlete who has clocked a 21.1 MPH sprint speed.   That's insane athleticism.    He's a real one!    Hayden Mardegian (North Kitsap, WA); 2027 — A bit of an unknown, he'll have a chance to pop at the camp.    [player_tooltip player_id='2196384' first='Henry' last='Stevens'] (Tahoma, WA); 2028 — A 6-foot-4, 200-pound playmaker, Stevens competes for talented FSP and could be a player to watch going forward.    Jackson Christiansen (Ferris, WA); 2027 — The three-sport athlete is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound playmaker who earned all-league honors.    Christiansen is hearing from some Division 2 school and could impress with a strong showing.   [player_tooltip player_id='1715759' first='Jackson' last='Ingram'] (South Eugene, OR); 2027 — A 6-foot-6, 215-pound pass-catcher, Ingram's junior tape was stalled when his team was forced to forfeit 2 games due to a lack of players.   But what is on tape looks the part.   Ingram is big and moves well - with Division I traits as he continues to put it all together.    While he's been dealt some tough circumstances, he's a ballplayer.    [player_tooltip player_id='2088972' first='Luke' last='Brainard'] (Wilsonville, OR); 2027 — One of the top tight ends in the region, Brainard already holds offers from Colorado State, New Mexico and San Diego State.   This camp could lead to a few more offers if he has a big day.   Brainard was a first-team all-league defensive standout and an 8-touchdown contributor at tight end as a 6-foot-7 matchup nightmare.    Malachi Benson (Lake Oswego, OR); 2030) — A 6-foot-4, 200-pound class of 2030 prospect, not much is yet known about Benson.   But he's got a good (growing) frame and hails from a program that has churned out top-end talent for decades under Steve Coury.    [player_tooltip player_id='1855541' first='Malakai' last='Belz'] (Lakeridge, OR); 2029 — Lakeridge's 2029 group is an intriguing bunch, and Belz is among the leaders.   The 6-foot, 195-pound two-way athlete had 12 sacks at the lower levels to go along with his strong potential at tight end.   He's a 2029 worth keeping a close eye on.   [player_tooltip player_id='2213880' first='Mason' last='Emil'] (Mount Rainier, WA); 2027 — A two-way standout, Emil finished his junior campaign with impressive numbers on the defensive side of the ball - 40 tackles, 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.5 sacks in nine games.   Matthew Hackenmiller (Bothell, WA); 2028 — The 6-foot-3 1/2, 215-pound three-sport athlete has made some strides as a tight end during the 7-on-7 season and will have a chance to show his improved skill at the megacamp.    [player_tooltip player_id='2054681' first='Oliver' last='Holverson'] (Jesuit, OR); 2027 — The 6-foot-5, 235-pound first-team all-conference tight end and defensive end moves fairly well for his frame and showed some athleticism at the Prep Redzone Exposure camp.   He needs to continue to work on his hands, but the size/athleticism combo is intriguing.    [player_tooltip player_id='1568792' first='Parker' last='Heeter'] (Kennedy Catholic, WA); 2027 — A 6-foot-4, 233-pound two-sport athlete (baseball) who was a first-team all-league selection at tight end, Heeter is a player to watch.   Here's what Jordan Johnson had to say about him recently: “The baseball standout also projects on the football field, recently drawing significant interest from multiple D1 universities. Heeter was once again a 1st team all-conference selection at TE after making the move from Liberty HS. The showcases could be huge for him. “    Riley Sandefur (Naches Valley, WA); 2027 — The 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete has primarily played offensive/defensive line, but also projects as a potential tight end.   He has visited Central Washington and Washington in recent weeks and is looking to break out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1609764' first='Sam' last='Robbins'] (Valley Catholic, OR); 2028 — One of the most intriguing 2028 prospects in Oregon at any position, Robbins is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound multi-sport athlete with significant upside.   Robbins needs to continue to add weight, but has the potential to be a multi-offer guy as his athleticism continues to play at a high level.    [player_tooltip player_id='2215712' first='Samuel' last='Doman'] (Canby, OR); 2027 — A three-sport athlete at 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, Doman comes from a long line of Division I athletes.   Listed as a tight end/safety/defensive end/quarterback at various points, Doman can do it all.   He's got some projection at the tight end position and it will be fascinating to see how he performs on the big stage.    [player_tooltip player_id='2215717' first='Slater' last='Sarieddine'] (Mount Si, WA); 2027 — Sarieddine has hit the camp circuit looking for an opportunity, and given his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame the tight end/linebacker is sure to draw some eyes.    [player_tooltip player_id='1530876' first='Toren' last='Baker'] (Skyview, WA); 2027 — The 6-foot-3, 225-pound athlete plays tight end, outside linebacker and kicker - talk about a do-everything guy! That's a rare combo.   Baker also helped his team to a soccer league championship as a first-team all-league forward.    Tyler Olafson (Central, OR); 2028 — A 6-foot-2, 230-pound athlete woh flashed some serious upside during his sophomore campaign. Olafson competes against the big boys with a chance to prove himself against big-time competition.    [player_tooltip player_id='1593619' first='Aaron' last='Wallace'] (Mohawk, OR); 2028 — A football/basketball player, Wallace is set to make an introduction to the state-wide scene with his performance.

The Northwest Showcase kicks off June 6 at Western Oregon University, and features most of the top players in the region - and beyond.