Inside Look at Potential Breakouts at Tight End

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we don't want to wish summer away too fast, it's easy to peak around the corner and see the Iowa high school football season quickly approaching. Friday night lights will be shining brightly before we know it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I thought it would be fun identifying five breakout candidates at each position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the group at the tight end position:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1529600' first='Riggins' last='Hanson'], 2029, Creston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanson saw time on the Creston varsity as a freshman in 2025, catching nine balls. He also developed his game on program's lower levels in preparation of taking on a larger role this coming campaign. Highlights on his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20577657/Riggins-Hanson/highlights">Hudl page</a> provide strong evidence that a breakout could be loading with it. Hanson was mature from a physical standpoint as a ninth-grader. He also is advanced at picking up yards after the catch, and is a willing able blocker, embracing contact. Hanson has a chance to mature into a tight end or fit at wide receiver in certain college schemes. He's also athletic and quick, which could lead to a future on the defensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2120855' first='Jack' last='Miller'], 2029, Central DeWitt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central DeWitt reached the postseason in 2025 with Miller being the only freshman position player to record statistics. He caught an 11-yard pass and recorded 3.5 tackles. While the contributions were modest, context is important. Making a mark as a ninth-grader for a veteran team in a program that's under-rated in developing talent for the next level is an achievement. It also could very well be a foreshadowing for a breakout this fall. While there's limited video evidence on Miller's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26654179/Jack-Miller/highlights">Hudl page</a>, we do witness explosiveness, speed and physicality that's advanced for his age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2120871' first='JR' last='Samuels'], 2029, MOC-Floyd Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When all is said and done, Samuels might end up developing into a menacing defender. The MOC-Floyd Valley sophomore is fast, athletic and agile with a projectable frame capable of adding plenty of strength. Samuels was one of just two freshmen to record statistics for the Dutchman in 2025. When a ninth-grader shows up on the scene of a program that typically leans heavily on veterans, it's a good sign. He should be bigger with more power and speed this fall after a winter where he played on the basketball team and a spring that saw him provide respectable times in the sprints.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2082598' first='Dane' last='Clark'], 2028, Humboldt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The son of former Iowa and NFL tight end Dallas Clark, [player_tooltip player_id='2082598' first='Dane' last='Clark'] is steadily climbing the development ladder. He contributed a modest five receptions for 80 yards as a sophomore on a Humboldt team with a lot of upperclassmen catching passes. The potential for a breakout is certainly on the table considering the blood lines and a few of the clips hosted on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20451046/Dane-Clark/highlights" id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20451046/Dane-Clark/highlights">Hudl page</a>. It's a projectable frame at 6-4, 215 pounds. As he fills out and adds strength, he'll continue becoming a well-round tight end. Of course, with the size and athleticism, a future on defense shouldn't be ruled out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588706' first='Leyton' last='Oldfield'], 2028, Dowling Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I scouted Dowling Catholic when it played Cedar Rapids Kennedy last season at Kingston Stadium. During the contest, Oldfield popped out of nowhere to haul in a pass and pick up yards after the catch. Elements for success were readily present in that viewing. He looked fluid running the route, represented a big target for the quarterback, and secured the ball with his hands. Oldfield showed a willingness and ability as a blocker. At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, plenty of projection remains. He'll develop physically in one of the state's top programs for doing so. The Maroons lost several key pieces to their passing game through graduation, and Oldfield is a good pick to pick up some of the slack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->