2023 Overlooked Tight Ends

The tight end position is becoming increasingly valuable. With that being the case, finding quality tight ends is crucial in recruiting. Today, we take a look at some of the underrated tight ends who are bringing their own version of Tight End University to the Hoosier state. [player_tooltip player_id="185211" first="Jayden" last="Hill"], 6’0, 210 pounds, Bishop Luers https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jayden-hill/WChKio8kEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm [player_tooltip player_id="185211" first="Jayden" last="Hill"] has the athletic ability to be effective when standing up while split-out away from the line-of-scrimmage. Hill is a trustworthy tight end. He has the strength to climb the ladder and win a 50-50 ball, often fighting through contact to do so. That tenacity, coupled with his bigger frame, shows why defensive backs have a tough time covering him one-on-one. But his athletic ability makes him a difficult coverage assignment for linebackers. Hill works the middle of the field well. He can also help his teammates even further by being a solid blocker. Hill shows good instinct and understanding by finding soft spots in the coverage and sitting down to give the quarterback a nice window to throw through. [player_tooltip player_id="300628" first="Rhett" last="Martin"], 6’2, 200 pounds, South Decatur https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/rhett-martin/71TcN92oEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm [player_tooltip player_id="300628" first="Rhett" last="Martin"] sets the tone both as a tight end and as a linebacker for South Decatur. Martin is a dependable receiver and a solid blocker while on offense. In 2021, Martin caught a dozen passes for 138 yards. He showed that he can be effective anytime that gets the ball in his hands by tallying 152 rushing yards. Both as a runner and receiver, Martin had a pair of touchdowns, last season. Defensively, he is a stalwart in the middle. As a junior, Martin posted 73 tackles with one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="185172" first="Eli" last="Hinshaw"], 6’1, Owen Valley https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/eli-hinshaw/swF_mqjBEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm Like Martin, [player_tooltip player_id="185172" first="Eli" last="Hinshaw"] is an all-around playmaker for Owen Valley. Last season, Hinshaw recorded 86 yards through the air on 10 receptions. Hinshaw is someone that can find ways to contribute. He carried the ball a trio of times, a year ago. In doing so, Hinshaw gained 23 yards. Defensively, Hinshaw has shown himself to be a big difference-maker. Last campaign, Hinshaw recorded 62 tackles with half-a-dozen tackles-for-loss. He posted an impressive tally of five-and-a-half sacks. [player_tooltip player_id="39075" first="Brennan" last="Wooten"], 6’4, 275 pounds, Indianapolis Cathedral https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/brennan-wooten/A5MUVqNmEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm [player_tooltip player_id="39075" first="Brennan" last="Wooten"] is an athletic tight end with a lot of big game experience. Wooten is coming off a state championship winning season with Indianapolis Cathedral in Class 5A. Wooten has a big catch radius, allowing him to come up with any ball that is thrown in his vicinity. Wooten is a solid blocker, both in the running-game as well as on screen passes. Last season, Wooten totaled 359 receiving yards on 26 receptions with a quartet of touchdown catches.