Ranking the Future: New Jersey’s Top 2030 Tight Ends

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Jersey has produced some elite Tight Ends throughout the years. Names like multi-year Pro Bowler Greg Olsen (Wayne Hills) and 11-year NFL vet Anthony Fasano (Verona), immediately come to mind. Below are the 2030 Tight Ends about to start their HS careers in New Jersey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1,"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"}}} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left"><strong>Ranked</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2059211"],"_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-6a7ce9554afbf"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>The No.1 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026</strong>.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The two-sport standout checks all the boxes as a Tight End and after evaluating the state, Don Bosco Prep incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2059211' first='Ryan' last='Ruiter'] has solidified himself as one of the top Tight Ends in New Jersey for this 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Ironmen are set at the TE position this season with Texas-commit and PRZ Next Middle School Camp alumni, [player_tooltip player_id='415091' first='JT' last='Geraci'] suiting up for his Senior year. However, Ruiter, a Sayreville native, seems to be the future. He doubles as a talent on the basketball court, using his 6'3" length, well-put together 211-pound frame, clean feet and hand-eye coordination to separate himself from the rest of this 2030 class. As is the case with many of the TE/DE prospects at this stage of development, he very well could end up on the defensive side of the ball depending on how he grows and develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He concluded his youth football career with a selection to the Jersey Shore AYF Conference All-Stars in 2025 alongside another incoming Don Bosco freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='1476876' first='Malachi' last='Bredy'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2075631"],"_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-6a7d1001db4b3"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>The No.2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a heavy, week-long debate with myself on whether or not to list [player_tooltip player_id='2075631' first='Luke' last='Goodell'] as a Tight End as my gut was telling me, or to list him as a Wide Receiver as the roster says. Ultimately I went with my gut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having watched all available film of his 2025 season, Goodell has the potential be a transformative Tight End on the high school level and beyond, based on a couple of <strong>IF's.</strong> Perhaps the biggest <strong>IF</strong> is whether or not he actually plays the position at some point. He played some TE a year ago as an 8th grader, essentially out of necessity because he could block. Looking ahead to high school, he is currently listed as a Wide Receiver/Cornerback and should play early. The other big <strong>IF</strong>, is if he can pack on pounds to a frame that continues to stretch out. He has grown a reported two inches since the season concluded in November and is now up to 6'3". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During his 8th grade season Goodell played everywhere on the field from Running Back to Cornerback and every skill position in between. For his efforts he was selected to the BCJFL All-Star Game and was named a Team Captain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1,"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"}}} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 1</span></strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tier 1 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings, but they stand as the top players at their positions as of August 2026. They have been added to the 2030 New Jersey Watchlist for future evaluations on their development. <strong>Athletes are listed alphabetically by last name -- NOT ranked.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2143708"],"_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-6a7d1001db569"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 1 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He enters Bergen Catholic after playing his 8th grade season with Fair Lawn. For his standout 2025 season, he was selected to the NBJFL All-Star Game. Comes with promising height and a good frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2088532"],"_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-6a7d1001db608"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 1 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lane was a big piece of a Medford Renegades Junior High Varsity team that finished 11-0 in 2025, while winning the SJIYFA championship. A very tough, strong kid who also finished 3rd in the state wrestling at 175 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327128"],"_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-6a7d1001db6a2"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 1 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Niskach is another prospect with promising size, estimated at around 6'2", and a basketball background, as he heads into his freshman year at Pope John. He played his 8th grade season with West Milford and originally caught my eye as a Linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2146038"],"_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-6a7d1001db73a"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 1 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing a reported 6'3" and 175 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='2146038' first='James' last='Sutherland'] is quickly becoming one of an athlete to know in South Jersey. He was a standout on both sides of the football for the Minutemen last season. Also plays lacrosse at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1,"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"}}} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 2</span></strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tier 2 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings, but are considered prospects that could become one of the best in the state with further development, as of August 2026. They have been added to the 2030 New Jersey Watchlist for future evaluations. <strong>Athletes are listed alphabetically by last name -- NOT ranked.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2129369"],"_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-6a7d1de78b43a"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, long kid seemingly growing into his body and learning to play the position. Has the size to become a player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["644561"],"_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-6a7d1de78b4b9"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Tight End that some of the necessary tools needed to play at the next level. Must continue to work on speed and coordination to maximize his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2074477"],"_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-6a7d1de78b54a"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently somewhere between a Tight End and Wide Receiver in terms of best fit. Very good blocker for his current size (lighter weight).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1558199"],"_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-6a7d1de78b5dd"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Put together extremely well and looks exactly how a Tight End prospect should look as they enter high school. He's getting closer to putting it all together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055865"],"_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-6a7d1de78b668"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Vernon native may ultimately end up on the defensive side of the ball. Tough, physical prospect who loves contact, just doesn't have the height at this point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327167"],"_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-6a7d1de78b6de"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger, three-sport athlete with promising size and off the field intangibles to play into the future. Can play clunky at times and needs to improve athleticism/movement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2004127"],"_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-6a7d23f283c30"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A prospect has flashed ability during his pre-high school career. Appears to have playmaking ability as a pass catcher. I'm waiting to see his whole game come together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2148959"],"_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-6a7d23f283d3c"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As of now, is one of the thicker, shorter Tight Ends and is transitioning from a youth career as an OL. Also a basketball player and surprisingly quick/athletic for his frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327201"],"_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-6a7d23f283dfa"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A solidly-built and strong prospect with pretty good size and a nice frame. Depending on how he develops, could potentially be TE, DL, DE, LB, IOL, FB. Time will tell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2331888"],"_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-6a7f00879c2b5"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>A Tier 2 Tight End in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A bigger young prospect who should start to develop physically as he hits high school. His older brother plays D-Line at Pace University (D2). There is potential to follow the same path.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1,"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"}}} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Tier </strong>3</span></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tier 3 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings. These athletes have some ability, but there is room for substantial improvement, as of August 2026. <strong>Athletes are listed alphabetically by last name -- NOT ranked.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344139' first='Pete' last='Domin']</strong> | Roxbury </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><em><strong>Danny Gleeson</strong> | Immaculata</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344141' first='Cade' last='Harper']</strong> | Delbarton</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344145' first='Cameron' last='Hetzel'] </strong>| Manchester</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Colton Schmidt </strong>| Waldwick</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2344148' first='Spencer' last='Zalkind']</em></strong> | <em>Haddon Heights</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->