Part II: 7 Tight Ends in Iowa That Do it All

Everyone notices the tight end position when the athlete in that spot makes the big play: an awe-inspiring touchdown grab or a big catch and run, trampling and dragging defenders in the process. It isn’t as often that a tight end is noticed for the dirty work done in the trenches blocking and sacrificing their bodies. These young men do it all. [player_tooltip player_id="99197" first="Andrew" last="Knipper"], Linn-Mar, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11162594/Andrew-Knipper/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewk4415">Twitter</a> TE, 6’4, 225 Knipper is a big time receiving threat in high traffic areas like the middle of the field or in the flat. He has strong hands and can make athletic catches in close quarters. Knipper knows how to find space in his routes against zones to give his Quarterback a clear window to throw the ball. Most impressive, though, is how versatile and efficient of a blocker he is. Knipper is superb in the trenches against Defensive Ends and Linebackers; he can scoop and steer them away from the ball. He is also very skilled at downfield blocks on outside runs or screens, reach and arc release blocks on outside runs, and kicking out from the H-back position on plays like split zone. [player_tooltip player_id="23951" first="Corey" last="Phillips"], Ames, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10655905/5f9857bda6767202248a443a">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cortaavius">Twitter</a> TE, 6’5, 250 Phillips is a matchup nightmare at the high school level from the Slot and off the line. He is physical in his routes and uses his body to keep defenders from being able to make plays on the ball. He can also go up and get to balls that very few others can. This makes Phillips a second to none red zone threat and a very reliable option at the sticks when a first down is needed. He runs excellent seams, curls, and crossing patterns. Phillips shows great instinct and can attack space or break off a route to get open and bail out his Quarterback. Phillips blocks with physical superiority; he simply outmatches and overpowers his opponents. Layne McDonald, Waverly Shell-Rock, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F1P4r">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LayneMcD40">Twitter</a> TE, 6’3, 215 McDonald is an ideal Wing T Tight End; he is a dominant, physical blocker and can make difficult, contested catches in high traffic areas. McDonald is a beast at down and base blocks; he crushes his opponents and washes them away from the play. He is a big asset on veer and combo blocks as he can use his elite athleticism to climb to the second level. McDonald is just as big of an asset in the pass game; he sells blocks really well out of his stance before releasing into his routes. He makes lots of highly athletic, contested catches and shakes off contact for big gains. McDonald runs top-notch seams, posts, and drags; he does it all for his offense. [player_tooltip player_id="99196" first="Brayden" last="Loftin"], Lewis Central, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/8741795/5fa84eb13448b208a0c86de5">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BraydenLoftin1">Twitter</a> TE, 6’5, 210 Loftin is a hybrid player who possesses the elite athleticism of a top-tier Wide Receiver and the capacity for blocking like a true Tight End. As he fills out he has the potential to be dominant in a conventional role as a modern Tight End. Loftin excels in routes when he can stretch the field, especially on the sideline. He has the coordination and balance to make difficult catches, but also has the speed to run by defenders. Loftin is an asset in the screen and bubble game; he makes the first man miss and is off to the races. The mechanics of Loftin’s downfield blocking are exceptional; he squares up, has great posture, active feet, and inside hands. Ty Van Essen, Western Christian, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ed3mm">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tyvanessen">Twitter</a> TE, 6’5, 180 Van Essen is versatile at the line or from the slot and runs a big route tree; his slants, seams, corners, drags, and posts are technical. He bursts out of his stance and rapidly accelerates into routes, which makes it hard for outmatched linebackers and safeties to defend. Van Essen makes highlight catches look routine and can hang in the air to snag the ball on well-timed jumps. He is impressive after the catch; he is shifty and elusive and makes a lot of defenders miss. Van Essen, with his athletic skill set is a big red zone threat; if a defender is isolated in man coverage they are not going to win. He can be nasty downfield and finishes his blocks. [player_tooltip player_id="104749" first="Jalyn" last="Thompson"], Dowling Catholic, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12898679/Jalyn-Thompson/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JalynThompson88">Twitter</a> TE, 6’5, 220 Thompson is one heck of a receiving threat in the middle of the field and is just as good at blocking. Thompson runs excellent variations of seam routes; one down field and the other, a pop pass, just behind the depth of inside linebackers. He can stretch the field with great speed and uses his big frame to haul in the catch through contact. Thompson also knows how to position himself right behind the backer when they bite on a run fake to catch shorter passes and then pick up tough yards. Thompson’s blocking abilities are outstanding; he works his mechanics like an offensive tackle and regularly wins one on one battles with defensive ends. [player_tooltip player_id="104763" first="Carson" last="Rhodes"], Nevada, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWytA">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/carsonrhodes21">Twitter</a> TE, 6’7, 230 Rhodes excels when blocking at the line of scrimmage; he attacks with excellent leverage and posture, especially for his size. It is impressive to see him work such good technique and fundamentals on down blocks, pins, and scoops. Rhodes takes precise angles to the point of attack and opens up a lot of space for ball carriers to work off-tackle. He can apply direct pressure to influence his opponent and take advantage of undisciplined edge defenders. He has a huge frame and catch radius, which makes him a top option and security blanket in the red zone, at the sticks, or when the Quarterback is under pressure and has to get the ball out.