Northern California Emerging Tight Ends

Photo: Anna Marie Silveira Turlock Journal

Paul Gregorian September 3, 2021 @ 11:52 AM

All across Northern California, the tight end position has seen many make it to the highest level, and even more make it to the Power Five ranks and have successful careers. Through the Spring and now Fall, there have been some new tight ends that have emerged as top targets for their respective teams and who either have a shot or will end up playing at the next level. Below, we will list and break down some of those players that are currently flying under the radar. <hr />   [player_tooltip player_id="187317" first="Joseph" last="Finley"], Palma HS Finley is a very physical and balanced tight end that can play detached or on the line, and is also a physical blocker that plays with a extremely high motor. Having a strong build, he has good initial acceleration off the ball and can sink his hips at the top of his routes while seemingly comfortable going vertical or running across the field. Also showing very good speed and lateral movement abilities for his size, he is a mismatch nightmare and no doubt worth taking a chance on at the FCS+ level.   [player_tooltip player_id="147755" first="Wyatt" last="Hook"], Homestead HS Hook has a long frame with some good weight but is still a emerging sophomore that will only continue to get better. He is a terrific overall athlete that plays on both sides of the ball and can also flex out when needed. More of a vertical threat downfield, he is explosive off the ball and attacks it in the air while boxing out defenders and showing good high point ability. He will continue to emerge as one of the top 2024 tight ends across the region.   [player_tooltip player_id="187316" first="Bronson" last="Burrow"], Ripon HS Still raw and developing at the position, Burrow offers good upside at the next level and is only scraping the surface of his potential. He is a long strider that is a one on one mismatch and continuously wins the high point battle and knows how to use his length and range to his advantage. Also possessing strong hands, he tracks the ball well in the air and is physical off the line while able to separate from press coverage and turn defenders around through out his route.   [player_tooltip player_id="190354" first="Derek" last="Taylor"], Hilmar HS Taylor is having a great start to the 2021 season and will only continue to dominate his competition. Playing mostly outside receiver, he has the frame and build to pack on more weight and be used more as a tight end at the next level. He shows strong hands in traffic and wins 50/50 balls due to length, vertical leap and body position while also showing good body control. Off the line, he is explosive and a longer strider that can break tackles in the open field and gain positive yards after the catch due to good contact balance and physicality.   Other Names To Know.... [player_tooltip player_id="115466" first="Drew" last="Cunningham"], De La Salle HS Ta’Jon Bloomer, Live Oak HS Jimmy Brear, Del Oro HS [player_tooltip player_id="25381" first="Riley" last="Gann"], San Ramon Valley HS [player_tooltip player_id="187267" first="Tyler" last="Hoffman"], San Ramon Valley HS [player_tooltip player_id="145209" first="Mason" last="Norberg"], Folsom HS [player_tooltip player_id="2119" first="Cody" last="Smith"], Liberty Ranch HS