Class of 2022: Tight End Breakdown

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are looking for a position group to watch next fall, this is the one.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">No state boasts more tight ends ranked in the Top 20 of multiple consensus rankings. The state has several players who have been long-time commits to national programs and still more who have been moving up quickly in our overall class rankings. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">While many feel Oconee County’s [player_tooltip player_id="95145" first="Jake" last="Johnson"] is the best tight end prospect in the country, I’d make the case for West Forsyth’s [player_tooltip player_id="33945" first="Oscar" last="Delp"]. Several players in these tight end rankings possess the physicality to step in immediately at the college level, but no other prospect in my estimation possesses Delp’s level of playmaking ability and speed (40-yard dash time measured at 4.63).</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">In terms of fluidity of movement, Delp's athleticism looks elite. Whether split out wide or attached to the line, his strides seem effortless in comparison to players his size (6’5”, 220). He finished his junior season as his team’s leading receiver with 43 receptions for 730 yards and nine touchdowns. Currently uncommitted, Delp holds offers from nearly every major program in the country and is ranked as the No. 12 overall player in our rankings.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnson certainly has a case to make for the top spot, however. Ranked as the No. 21 overall player in our state rankings, Johnson is the prototype tight end in terms of frame and skills. He has shown an excellent ability to high-point the ball in jump-ball situations and routinely requires several defenders to bring him to the ground. Johnson is also currently uncommitted with offers from nearly every major program.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="33875" first="Holden" last="Staes"] could end up being the best player on this list when all is said and done. A very fluid athlete who has shown excellent footwork in and out of breaks. A Penn State commit, Staes has also played defense in high school where he’s been an effective pass rusher. Staes is ranked No. 29 in our overall state rankings and has the potential to be an impact player in college.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The group of [player_tooltip player_id="33906" first="Bennett" last="Christian"], [player_tooltip player_id="33880" first="Jack" last="Nickel"] and [player_tooltip player_id="33937" first="Marlin" last="Klein"] show the depth of this position within the state. Each is committed to a nationally-renowned program and each should have no trouble fighting for playing time as an underclassman at the next level. Christian may be the best run-blocker of any tight end prospect in the state and should continue to develop his strength at Ohio State. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the biggest sleepers in the state at any position could be Lee County tight end [player_tooltip player_id="33958" first="Tyrus" last="Washington"] who is beginning to draw significant attention on the recruiting trail with offers from Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and South Carolina among others. An impressive athlete, Washington’s receiving numbers haven’t been eye-popping in Lee County’s run-first offense. Nevertheless, Washington has the strength and speed to play the position at a high level and should be considered among the other players in this list. </span>