Sophomore Tight Ends Leaping Into The Spotlight

<p>Several tight end prospects in the Class of 2028 in Texas quietly produced a rugged, versatile crop of sophomores in 2025,  athletes who aren't just pass catchers, but multi-phase football players. On tape and in games against quality competition, these young tight ends already show the traits college coaches covet: length, physicality, balance in the run game, and positional flexibility. More than just H-back types, this group can block, win at the catch point, and impact defenses on both sides of the ball.</p>   <p>Here's a deeper look at the rising sophomores who will stake their claim on the national recruiting trail this offseason.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Blackwell possesses the physical attributes that immediately jump off on his film. At 6-foot-5 with playable weight and athletic movement, he projects as a versatile weapon in multiple roles. Strengths:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Extended catch radius — leverages length to create mismatches over the middle or along the boundary.<br></li>   <li>Blocking presence — strong, engaged at the point of attack; he consistently drives defenders off the line with leverage and hand placement.<br></li>   <li>Two-way physicality — his impact as a defensive line force shouldn't be overlooked, showing violent hands and disruptive intent.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">What stands out most is his willingness to finish blocks and snap defenders' leverage through contact. Early offers include University of Arizona and University of Texas at San Antonio, and it wouldn't be surprising to see his stock rise sharply this off-season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SloanBlackwell/status/1989359404034990324?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas brings a long, lean frame with explosive traits that show up both as a receiver and on defense. On offense he's a big-bodied target who attacks the ball at its highest point, and he wins in contested catch situations. Film notes:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hands and Body Control — secures targets with soft yet strong hands, rarely letting concentration drops define his performance.<br></li>   <li>Athletic flexibility — shows bend and natural closing speed that allow him to make plays after the catch.<br></li>   <li>Defensive acumen — able to generate quick penetration and has a knack for closing with speed.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">His blend of size, length, and explosiveness puts him on the radar of power-4 evaluators looking for a tight end who can play inline, in the slot, or on the edge.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DerrickThom11/status/1974587184423604639?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hepp's length and basketball background are evident every time he releases into space or tracks a ball over the shoulder of a defender. With one of the larger catch radiuses in the class, he uses size and body awareness to win 50/50 opportunities consistently. What defines his game:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Spatial awareness — plays like a receiver despite his prototypical TE size; understands leverage and body positioning.<br></li>   <li>Adaptability — comfortable inline or split wide; makes adjustments smoothly in contested traffic.<br></li>   <li>Red zone intrigue — his height and timing make him a natural end zone threat.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">A University of Texas at San Antonio offer already in hand, Hepp has the physical tools to generate more interest and he should see more offers come his way heading into the fall</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WestonHepp/status/2013291433856217395?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Fort is a smooth mover with tight routes and reliable hands, traits that often distinguish difference-making tight ends from ‘just nice' ones. He consistently finds soft spots in coverage and demonstrates the type of body control that's rare for his age. Offensive instincts:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Route nuance — knows how to create separation at different levels of the field.<br></li>   <li>Versatility — can align inline, in the slot, or outside without a drop in efficiency.<br></li>   <li>Physical build — a strong, imposing target with big hands that secure traffic catches.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">Fort's recruiting picture is rounding into form, with offers from University of Texas at San Antonio, University of North Texas, Texas State University, East Carolina University, and Sacramento State University already on the board.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/sgdeuce__/status/2009685600421695508?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore Stats (2025): 31 receptions • 395 yards • 3 TDs</p>   <p>Peace's sophomore campaign was marked by production and physical maturity beyond his years. A key contributor to Smithson Valley's 2025 state championship run, he combines size, strength, and football savvy. Evaluation highlights:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quick off the line — uses athleticism to gain clean releases and separation.<br></li>   <li>Hands and aggression — plays with a physical edge in contested catch situations.<br></li>   <li>Blocking ability — a bruising presence in the run game with solid leverage and technique.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">Still early in his recruiting ascent, Peace has drawn interest that should continue to grow as he refines his craft.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LukePeace_84/status/2004703194275086652?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Palmquest's sophomore film stands out because of his fierceness at the point of attack, his ability to make plays and he shows that he is a playmaker with the football in his hands. A natural physical player who plays with a nasty streak, he's just as impactful in the trenches defensively as he is catching balls downfield. Dual contributions:</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Run game force — consistently finishes blocks, plays with violent hands, and affects the pocket.<br></li>   <li>Route and ball skills — smooth mover with sudden lateral movements and YAC potential.<br></li>   <li>Defensive impact — stout run defender who pushes the pocket effectively.<br></li> </ul>   <p class="text-gray-700">Recognized as 1st Team All Region at both TE and DE at Valley Christian HS in Arizona, his transfer to Aledo positions him perfectly in a program known for producing elite, physical football talents.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CadenPalmquest/status/2001069671500669030?s=20 </div></figure>

Several tight end prospects in the Class of 2028 in Texas quietly produced a rugged, versatile crop of sophomores in 2025, athletes who aren't just pass catchers, but multi-phase football players. On tape and in games against quality competition, these young tight ends already show the traits college coaches covet: length, physicality, balance in the run game, and positional flexibility. More than just H-back types, this group can block, win at the catch point, and impact defenses on both sides of the ball.