TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Tight Ends)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This position may provide the most bang for your buck as we have twenty tight end prospects inside our Tennessee Top 300 that have next level abilities. Our senior tight end class could be special and I think it can grow even further after the 2026 football season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When the scouting process began with the TN2027 class, I automatically knew this year's tight end class was going to be good but I didn't know it was going to be the best ever. Yes, that's correct. I think this is the best tight end group we have ever had in the Volunteer State and it's not just the talent at the top but the depth that makes this position so strong. We already have some established names in this tight end group but others down the list are legit as well and I believe will boost their stocks after strong senior campaigns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier (Top 100) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2027 tight ends here in Tennessee have been fun to scout but nobody has been able to surpass <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] </strong>for the top overall spot. Over the past two years, Howard (9th ranked prospect) has been a household name with just about every school in the country offering him or in pursuit. He has yet to commit but when he does, whoever lands him will be getting a potential elite level talent that can play his way into the pro ranks one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hottest offensive prospects throughout this process has been Sevier Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman']</strong>. The Smoky Bears two-way talent presents a lot of upside as a flex tight end and someone that can be a mismatch problem. Newman (27th overall/2nd TE) brings good size to the field (6'5 210) along with length and the ability to separate from defenders due to his speed before and after the catch. More time is needed for Newman to get bigger and stronger but the long term upside is legit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2090362,"width":"240px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/pnewman.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2090362" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 3rd among the tight ends and 41st overall, Upperman senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] </strong>is another two-way prospect that looks to fully transition to offense on the college level. Standing 6 '4 230 pounds, Johnson fits right now as a flex tight end but has the physicality to one day work on the line as well. The Bees senior is an athletic young man that runs well after the catch while sporting strong hands that shows up among physical contact. He needs further development but Johnson is talented with a lot of room for growth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently committed to South Carolina, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] </strong>(42nd overall/4th TE) sits as our top in-line tight end prospect with good upside at eventually flexing out and catching passes down the seams. This Brentwood Academy big man has the potential to become a multi-talented offensive weapon that can excel with his run blocking but also catch passes in the intermediate and down the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep track of Kirkwood tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] </strong>(57th overall/5th TE) over the next few weeks and months as a potential breakout guy that could move up the charts after a strong senior year. Recently landing offers from Arkansas and Colorado, the Cobras senior pass catcher has all the tools and traits you want in a Power Four tight end and the upside to improve even further with continued coaching and development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to Riverdale for the 2026 season, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting'] </strong>(60th overall/6th TE) has been one of the fastest offensive risers this cycle that I think turned a corner somewhere last Fall and into these off-season months to become a SEC caliber prospect. He is currently committed to Mississippi State but I could see Gutting adding other Power Four offers after the Fall campaign due to his athletic makeup and potential to become a dual threat tight end with his blocking and pass catching.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2198080,"width":"304px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-30-2026-5-16-57-PM-1-crop-1036x681-1777588345.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2198080" style="width:304px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale TE [player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting'] during an interview. Taken by Conner Smith, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier (Inside Top 200) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is where the tight end depth starts to shine! We have some uber talented pass catchers inside our “Top 100” but the guys ranked below are legit and show upside to improve further this Fall and fight their way upwards into a better ranking. A few guys in particular that will be talked about in this section I think have starting caliber potential in college with room to grow and possibly become NFL level players somewhere down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top tight end ranked just outside the “Top 100” is new Alcoa senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292338' first='Aaron' last='Heatherly']</strong>. Transferring to the play with the Tornadoes for his senior season, Heatherly (101st overall/7th TE) is a talented young man that I think is starting to come into his own with possibly his best year yet coming this Fall. Blocking is a strong trait for Heatherly and I think he can excel there but I also see upside with his pass catching that should flourish under college teaching.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting just behind Heatherly, ranked at 102nd overall is new Baylor tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260422' first='Brady' last='Lewis']</strong>. Transferring from Bradley Central this off-season, Lewis is more of an H-Back, Flex style of pass catcher that can do a little bit of everything on the field. The Red Raiders senior could be used in a variety of ways this season and become a mismatch problem for linebackers trying to cover him in space. Lewis is also a willing blocker that can help in the Baylor run game as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offer list hasn't exploded yet for McCallie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857395' first='Axel' last='Yobo'] </strong>(112th overall/9th TE) but I think after his senior campaign, the college interest will expand. This dude is a beautiful looking specimen due to his physically well built body and frame that shows up in his blocking. Yobo is a good athlete too that I think can work the intermediate routes as well as stretch the field. This guy is someone I am high on and think can increase his ranking with a standout senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2218163,"width":"237px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/ayobo.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2218163" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another fast riser that is picking up steam on the recruiting trail, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1952678' first='Teddy' last='Graff'] </strong>(153rd overall/10th TE) has the college look and overall size desired on the next level along with untapped athletic upside that I believe the Tigers tight end is starting to form into. Graff has nice length and a wide radius that could develop into a nice safety blanket for his quarterback. He can run as well while also sporting a nice frame to pack on more size. There is a lot of potential with Graff and I could see him being a “Top 100” guy by the end of the 2027 recruiting cycle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sequatchie Co. tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'] </strong>(175th overall/11th TE) is a true in-line blocker that brings a nice mix of athleticism and physicality to the playing field. The Indians senior offensive talent holds several good offers in-hand but could increase his interest with enhanced agility and speed as well as continuing to form his body. Evitts has the look and size you want as well as the upside to become an excellent pass and run blocking tight end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=TE" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=TE">#TN2027 Tight End Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top flex tight end prospects we have in this class is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582353' first='Brayden' last='Atwood'] </strong>(176th overall/12th TE) from Montgomery Bell Academy. It's all about long term potential with Atwood as he needs a lot of time to get bigger and stronger while filling out his frame but the raw athletic tools are most certainly in place. The Big Red senior runs very well, showing quick feet and the ability to run routes out wide. Atwood is a mismatch style pass catcher that can line up almost everywhere and overwhelm slower defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the same above can be said about Walker Valley senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1893028' first='Luke' last='Hayden']</strong>. This East Tennessee product is an interesting case as Hayden (189th overall/14th TE) has spent most of his career playing wide receiver but I personally think his upside fits best in college as a flex tight end. The Mustangs pass catcher has played a secondary role on offense so far in his career but I expect leading man contributions this coming Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1896661,"width":"243px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/lhayden.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1896661" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1776850' first='Charles' last='Vlach'] </strong>(188th overall/13th TE) looks to be stepping into a starting, lead role this coming season and if he does well, look for stock to rise. The Raptors tight end is a good athlete that has room for growth in that area along with the ability to stretch the field down the middle. He is a willing blocker as well but must get bigger to excel there in college. I like the raw tools with Vlach, so it will be interesting to see how does as the top Raptors tight end this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two flex tight ends in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2165226' first='Mack' last='Lee'] </strong>(190th overall/15th TE) from Page and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141935' first='Lake' last='Helton'] </strong>(191st overall/16th TE) out of Trinity Christian Academy are two long term, big potential prospects that need further development but could become impact players down the road. Lee and Helton have mainly spent their high school lives at receiver but both have the hands, length and speed to become dangerous offensive, flex weapons in college and maybe even the D1 level one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Beyond the “Top 200” ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We only have four more guys to talk about but all four show next level abilities but are lacking in one area or another. They either don't have the ideal size, could be lacking the athleticism and speed or may simply need further enhancements in several areas throughout their games. Talent is there however, so watching how these four develop this Fall will be interesting to follow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pope Prep senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687170' first='Pierce' last='Thigpen'] </strong>(218th overall/17th TE) isn't far from being a “Top 200” guy but to get there he will need to work on his lower half explosion and speed while becoming more physical in the run game. The Knights senior has the physical build and frame to pack on size and become more formidable at the line of scrimmage. Increasing his mass, becoming more physical while getting faster would do a lot for his overall stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It may take a few years for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2005494' first='Julian' last='Douglas'] </strong>to develop and form into his body but I like the long term potential. Most of his life has been spent out wide but if you look at his junior film, you see a physical runner with a broad frame that could be tough to handle in the open field. This Maryville pass catcher (219th overall/18th TE) is a project that will need time but whoever signs Douglas could be getting a long term steal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hidden gem from Springfield that could develop into a swiss army knife is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047637' first='Bryce' last='Baldwin']</strong>. The Yellow Jackets (279th overall/19th TE) senior is one of the better blockers we have with our TN2027 tight end along with being a high end competitor that does all the small things to win. He shows upside in the passing game as a flex guy that can catch passes from a variety of places on the field. Baldwin needs a lot of time to build his body but he has athletic upside to find a role in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BGA senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon'] </strong>(280th overall/20th TE) <strong>&nbsp;</strong>is an interesting prospect to scout. We have him&nbsp; listed with the tight ends right now as more of an H-Back type of guy but I could easily see him growing into an edge rusher or defensive end down the road. The Wildcats big man brings a versatile skill set to the field where you can use him in short yard passes or ask him to block in the run game. Cannon needs more development but I see value with him as a versatile offensive weapon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we mentioned above and as you can see in this article, the TN2027 tight end class is very good from a potential point of view with several guys sporting the high caliber qualities desired on the D1 and Power Four levels. I could see just about everybody in this article signing with D1 programs either in December or somewhere down the road. I also scout a few possible future NFL players here as well. That all depends on their development moving forward but there is a lot of upside in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2109607,"width":"320px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-20-2026-3-48-35-PM-crop-1048x689-1768945836.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2109607" style="width:320px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Pope John Paul II TE [player_tooltip player_id='1687170' first='Pierce' last='Thigpen'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->