Under-the-Radar 2028 Illinois Tight Ends

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class in Illinois already features some tight ends generating significant recruiting attention, but there is another group beginning to emerge behind them. These prospects have yet to generate the same level of reported recruiting attention but possess intriguing physical tools and developmental upside. Here are several under-the-radar tight ends in the Illinois 2028 class worth monitoring entering the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2177008' first='Karmy' last='Kays'] — University High</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kays is one of the more intriguing developmental tight ends in the class. At 6-foot-5 and around 220 pounds, he already possesses excellent length with plenty of room to continue adding mass to his frame. Kays is a two-way prospect who can contribute at tight end and on the defensive edge. He has also started putting himself in front of evaluators on the camp circuit, making him a player whose recruitment could begin picking up with a strong junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2176902' first='Jaxson' last='Backes'] — Metamora</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Backes is another Central Illinois tight end with a frame that immediately catches your attention. At 6-foot-4 and around 220 pounds, he has good developmental size for the position and has begun gaining exposure through camps and showcases. Backes has the physical profile to continue developing into an attached tight end while possessing enough athleticism to contribute in the passing game. He is a prospect worth following closely as more junior film becomes available.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2202913' first='Levi' last='Solomon'] — New Trier</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solomon brings a different physical profile than many tight ends his age. At approximately 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he already has significant mass and strength. Solomon is primarily being developed as a defensive end but also has experience at tight end, where his physicality could make him particularly intriguing as an in-line player. With his size and multi-sport background, Solomon is an interesting developmental prospect whose eventual college position may still be determined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chace Sterling — Hall</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sterling is a multi-sport athlete who brings an intriguing combination of size and athleticism to the tight end position. At approximately 6-foot-4 and 225-230 pounds, he already has a strong frame and contributes on both sides of the football at tight end and defensive end. Sterling also plays basketball, giving him additional experience using his size, body control and coordination in space. Coming from a smaller-school environment, he is exactly the type of prospect who could see his recruiting profile grow considerably with additional exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2325232' first='Desmond' last='Gill'] — Lincoln-Way Central</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gill is an interesting athlete because of his combination of length and multi-sport ability. At approximately 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he currently has a leaner frame than some traditional in-line tight ends but possesses considerable room for physical development. Gill is also a baseball player, adding another athletic component to his profile. His size gives him the potential to develop into a flex tight end or big receiving target as he continues adding strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Justin Harris — Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris may be one of the deepest sleepers in this group. At approximately 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he has experience at tight end, wide receiver and defensive end. His versatility allows him to contribute in multiple roles while his recruiting profile remains relatively quiet. Harris is actively working to get his film in front of college programs, and his junior season should provide an opportunity to establish himself as a prospect deserving additional attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->