Top Tight Ends
Class of 2027 -- ranked by measurables, physical ceiling, and recruiting validation
Michigan State commit at 6'6" 235 with an 82-inch wingspan — a rare physical specimen whose 84 tackles, 28 TFL, and 3 sacks on defense showcase an elite motor and violent hands. Limited receiving stats are a product of Montrose's run-heavy scheme; the three-sport athleticism and frame scream P4 TE upside.
Pankey is a rare physical specimen at 6'6" 235 lbs with an 82-inch wingspan who projects as a Power Four tight end with significant upside. His junior defensive production (84 tackles, 28 TFL, 3 sacks, 15 QBH) demonstrates an elite motor, natural leverage, and the kind of violent hands that translate to the next level — whether he's used as an in-line blocker or as a pass-rush specialist in sub-packages. As a three-sport athlete still growing into his frame, the physical ceiling is substantial; his film shows legitimate burst, pursuit speed, and football instincts that belie his limited receiving usage in a run-heavy scheme.
55 catches for 594 yards and 5 TDs as a junior TE in 5A is outstanding volume production, and the 6'4" 225 frame with track athleticism is college-ready. Air Force commit with Ivy offers — the 4.22 GPA and two-way DE production (6 TFL) make him a high-floor prospect who could outperform his current offer list with verified speed testing.
55 catches for 594 yards and 5 scores as a junior tight end in 5A ball is the kind of production that makes you double-check the stats page because surely some of those are rushing yards or kick returns or something, but no, that's all receiving, all from the tight end position, against programs like Eaglecrest, Mullen, and Fairview. The frame is already there at 6'4" 220 (possibly 6'5" if the Daily Camera is to be believed, and we choose to believe), the track background in the 100m, 200m, and long jump tells you the athleticism is real even without verified times, and the fact that he posted a blocking-specific highlight reel on Hudl in addition to his receiving and DE reels tells you this kid understands what college coaches actually want to see, which is more self-awareness than most juniors demonstrate about anything, including basic hygiene. The 10.8 yards per catch average is a touch below where you'd love it, but context matters: he's catching everything from six-yard possession grabs to 30-yard chunk plays, and the volume (9 catches against Broomfield, 8 against Vista PEAK) says the coaching staff views him as the entire passing game. Factor in the 4.22 GPA, the two-way motor at DE (6 TFL, 3 sacks), and the fact that zero offers currently exist for a 5A tight end with this size-production-athleticism combination, and you've got one of the more obvious "camp circuit is about to change everything" situations in the 2027 class.
6'4" 215 with reported 4.58/4.18 shuttle testing and 8 sacks as a junior in 5A — the two-way production (15 TFL, 2 INTs) and athletic profile scream underrecruited edge/TE hybrid. If those testing numbers verify at camps this summer, he's going to generate significant FBS interest very quickly.
Camden Neumann is a fascinating two-way prospect with an elite physical frame (6'4"/215) and impressive junior defensive production (8 sacks, 15 TFL, 2 INT). His best college projection is as a stand-up OLB/EDGE rusher who could grow into the 230-240 lb range with the athleticism (4.58 forty, 4.18 shuttle) to threaten off the edge at the FCS/low Group of 5 level, with P4 upside if verified testing matches his Hudl numbers. He is severely under-recruited right now and should be a priority camp invite this summer to get verified measurables in front of FBS staffs.
34 catches for 732 yards and 7 TDs with a 21.5 YPR as a junior is elite production, and the 6'3" 205 frame projects naturally to a move TE/big slot role. The 5.07 forty is the concern — if he can get that under 4.8 at a verified camp, he's a legit Group of 5/FCS starter as a WR-TE tweener.
Gavin Montoya has an intriguing physical profile at 6'3" 205 lbs with legitimate strength numbers and a breakout junior season (34 rec, 732 yds, 7 TD). His size, contested-catch ability, route-running fluidity, and willingness to block project well for a WR/TE hybrid role at the FCS or lower-FBS level. However, his 5.07 laser-timed 40 at the PRZ Combine is a significant red flag for D1 WR aspirations -- he'll need to run sub-4.7 at a verified camp to generate serious FBS interest. His ceiling may be as a big slot/move TE at a Group of 5 or FCS program.
Committed to Arizona State with 20+ offers — 6'5" 235 with a 6'8" wingspan is the prototypical Power 4 TE frame. Hands and route-running are still developing, but the physical ceiling, basketball background, and recruiting validation make him the clear #1 in the class.
Caleb is the prototypical size for a college TE. We have seem him in act quite a bit and his measurables make a lot of sense. He still has a lot of room to improve on hands and ball skills but showed dramatic improvement even just over the course of one season. Some of his offers no doubt come from his family connection to the Under Armour founder but there is no doubt his physical traits stand on their own.
Father attended Peoria Centennial High School in Arizona. Grandparents still reside in the Phoenix metro area.
6'5" 220 with a 78-inch wingspan, 37" vertical, and 60" box jump is an absurd athletic profile for a kid who's only been playing football since freshman year. The 1-catch stat line is meaningless in Montrose's run scheme — this is a blocking TE and multi-sport athlete whose physical ceiling is enormous; whoever lands him early is getting a steal.
Liam Deater is the kind of prospect that makes you ignore the stat sheet and just watch the film, because 1 catch for 29 yards as a junior tight end is the sort of production line that would normally have us clicking to the next profile before the page even loads, except then you see 6'5" 210 with a 60-inch box jump and you sit back down real fast. This is a blocking monster first and foremost (we were told this, we watched it, we are confirming it, the kid moves people), and when you factor in that he's only been playing football since freshman year, added 35 pounds to his frame already, runs varsity basketball and volleyball, and is doing all of this out in Montrose where the passing game opportunities are, shall we say, not exactly Lincoln Riley's air raid, the lack of receiving stats starts making a lot more sense. The 4.8 forty is honest and not elite, but that box jump and the multi-sport explosion tell you the speed has room to develop as he fills out toward 235. The 3.9 GPA and Academic All-State selection make him an admissions dream for programs that care about APR (read: all of them, whether they admit it or not). What we're looking at is a classic developmental tight end projection where the physical tools, the blocking temperament, and the athletic ceiling are all screaming "this kid is going to be a completely different player at 22 than he is at 17," and the programs that figure that out before his senior film drops are going to feel very smart about themselves in three years.
Both parents are retired U.S. Air Force officers. Father is Tim Deater, EdD — actively involved in Liam's recruiting. Father's Twitter references a family member (likely sibling) who is a 6'4" 300-lb RG/DT/DE at Potosi High School in Wisconsin with 9 offers including a PWO. Grandparents include law enforcement and military backgrounds.
6'4" 225 two-way monster with 22 rec/383 yds/4 TD on offense and 65 tackles/19 TFL/6 sacks on defense — NDSU offer validates the talent. The 3A competition level and lack of verified speed testing are the only things keeping him from a higher tier; he's a productive college TE or EDGE who will earn more offers.
Jackson Post is a physically gifted two-way player with an elite frame (6'4" 225) and impressive production on both sides of the ball at the 3A level. His junior stat line of 22 rec/383 yds/4 TD plus 65 tackles/19 TFL/6 sacks is eye-popping, but the 4.89 forty and 3A competition raise questions about how his game translates against higher-level athletes. With one more year to add verified speed/agility testing at camps and potentially land FBS offers, his ceiling is a productive FCS starter or low-level FBS contributor at TE or EDGE, with upside if he can improve his timed speed.
6'3.5" 220 at Valor Christian with D1 lacrosse commitment (nationally ranked #97) and Polynesia Bowl invite — the multi-sport athleticism is verified at the highest level. Limited sophomore football stats (9 rec, 72 yds) reflect depth chart, not ability; junior film will tell the story, but the physical tools and athletic pedigree are clearly college-level.
Noah Pacheco is a 6'4", 230-pound two-way player (TE/DE) at Valor Christian with a projectable frame and legitimate multi-sport athleticism -- he's nationally ranked (#97) in lacrosse and committed to Denver for D1 lacrosse, which speaks to his movement skills, toughness, and competitiveness. His sophomore football production (9 rec, 72 yds, 5 tkl) reflects a role player on a deep roster, but the physical tools are intriguing for a kid who is still growing into his body. Junior season film just went up and should be the primary evaluation tool; if his route-running, blocking at the point of attack, and edge-rushing technique have developed, the athletic profile is clearly college-level.
6'5" 220 is a prototypical TE frame with basketball and baseball athleticism backing it up — the 51-yard long reception flashes big-play ability. Only 6 career catches means he's barely been used as a pass catcher; a breakout senior season could catapult him onto FBS radars quickly given that size.
Garrett Olson is a projectable tight end with a prototypical frame (6'5", 220 lbs) and significant multi-sport athleticism as a varsity basketball and baseball player. His receiving production has been limited through two varsity seasons (6 receptions, 84 yards, 1 TD), but his size, 51-yard long reception, and basketball background suggest untapped potential as a pass-catching threat. He is a high-ceiling developmental prospect whose best football is likely ahead of him heading into his senior year.
6'4" 225 on a 13-1 5A state runner-up with 10 TFL and three-sport athleticism (basketball SF/PF, track) — the frame can carry 240+ in college. Two D2 offers already, but the production jump and physical tools suggest he could generate FCS/low Group of 5 interest with a strong senior camp circuit.
Trebilcock is a long, projectable edge defender at 6'4" 225 who made a significant production jump as a junior -- going from 6 tackles as a sophomore to 34 tackles and 10 TFL on a 13-1 Colorado 5A state runner-up. His three-sport background (basketball SF/PF, track & field) suggests natural athleticism that hasn't been fully tapped yet on the football field. With a senior season ahead and a frame that can carry 240+, he profiles as an ascending DE/OLB prospect with legitimate upside and the academic profile (3.7 GPA) to be an immediate qualifier.
6'2" 210 state champion safety/LB with 83 tackles, 9 TFL, and 2 INTs — verified strength numbers (415 squat, 285 bench, 245 clean) and three years of varsity production. Projects more as a college LB/S than a TE, but the physicality, football IQ, and championship pedigree give him a high floor at the FCS level.
Greiman is a 6'2" 210 lb three-year varsity starter who led a state championship defense with 83 tackles, 9 TFL, and 2 INTs as a junior. He plays a box safety/OLB hybrid role with excellent instincts in zone coverage, disciplined edge-setting technique, and the physicality to stack and shed blockers. With verified strength numbers (415 squat, 285 bench, 245 clean), a projectable frame that can carry 225+ at the next level, and a track record of performing in championship moments, Greiman profiles as a high-floor linebacker or strong safety who diagnoses quickly and finishes tackles.
6'4" 220 with 8 sacks as a junior and elite verified strength (455 squat, 455 deadlift) — the sophomore-to-junior production explosion (1 sack to 8) shows a player who is rapidly ascending. Wrestling state qualifier at 215 adds to the physicality profile; needs to add 20-30 lbs and get to camps to generate offers.
Brooks Ragan is a 6'4" 220 lb rising senior DE/TE out of Basalt (CO 2A) who exploded as a junior with 8 sacks, 9 TFL, and 49 total tackles -- a massive leap from 1 sack as a sophomore. His verified weight room numbers (455 squat, 455 deadlift, 245 bench, 245 clean) demonstrate an elite power base for his age, and his long frame has significant room to add mass. He's a high-motor, two-way lineman who impacts games as both a pass rusher and on special teams, and his best football is clearly ahead of him.
6'3" 210 with a multi-sport background (basketball PF) and two-way usage at Legacy (5A) — the physical frame is college-ready. The 29-catch, 249-yard junior stat line is underwhelming for his tools; needs a bigger senior season and verified speed testing to generate D1 interest.
Geissinger is a physically impressive multi-sport athlete with a college TE frame at 6'3" 210 who is still growing into his body. His strength numbers are well above average for a junior, and his two-way versatility shows football IQ, but his junior year receiving production (29 catches, 249 yards, 1 TD) was underwhelming for a prospect of his physical caliber. He projects best as a move TE at the FCS/D2 level with potential to earn a low-level FBS look if he has a big senior season and can verify his speed at camps.
6'1" 205 with a 405 squat, 34" vertical, and a breakout junior season of 65 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, and 17 hurries in only 8 games at 5A Rangeview. Projects more as a college DE/OLB than TE, but the explosive testing and rapid development trajectory make him a legit next-level defender.
Avoryon Brown is a 6'1" 205-lb junior DE/TE with legitimate two-way potential and explosive testing numbers (405 squat, 34" vertical). His junior season breakout -- 65 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 17 hurries in 8 games -- shows a physically mature edge rusher who consistently disrupts at the point of attack. With a full senior season ahead and room to add functional weight to his frame, Brown projects as a developmental defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level whose motor, strength base, and athletic traits give him significant upside.
6'3" 215 with a 315-lb bench press on a 10-2 Fairview (5A) squad — the upper-body strength and frame are intriguing for a rising senior. Only 1 catch on record, but DE is clearly the primary position; needs verified speed testing and expanded offensive role to project as a TE.
Sage Box is a 6'3" 215-lb two-way player at Fairview (CO 5A) who primarily lines up at DE but has shown receiving ability as a tight end. His 315-lb bench press is an eye-catching number for his age and weight, and he contributed defensively (8 tackles, 2 TFL) on a 10-2 squad that went undefeated in league play. He is an early-stage evaluation with significant physical upside who needs verified athletic testing to complete the picture.
6'3" 195 with Prep Redzone ranking (#116), multi-sport athleticism, and a strong freshman season (400 receiving yards at Timnath). Sophomore production dipped significantly, and he needs to add weight and produce a bounce-back senior year, but the frame, hands, and athletic profile give him legitimate developmental upside.
Jackson Barker is a projectable 6'3" TE/WR with a good frame and multi-sport athleticism who flashed as a freshman with nearly 400 receiving yards at Timnath. His sophomore production dipped significantly and he lacks verified athletic testing data or any D1 offers. He has intriguing physical upside if he can add weight to his frame and produce a strong junior season, but currently profiles as an FCS/D2 prospect who needs a breakout senior year and camp performances to generate D1 interest.
Elite wrestler (3A state champ, 179-64 career record) with 11 career sacks whose hand-fighting technique is years ahead of his peers — Prep Redzone featured him as a prospect with D1 tools. At 6'1" 165, he's severely undersized and projects more as an EDGE/OLB than TE, but if he can add 30+ lbs, the wrestling base and pass-rush technique are special.
Pettinger is a high-motor, technically advanced edge rusher who combines elite wrestling credentials (3A state champion, 179-64 career record, USA Wrestling national-level competitor) with productive pass rush numbers (11 sacks over his sophomore and junior seasons). His hand fighting, bend, and spin move are well beyond his years, and his competitive toughness is evident on every snap. The clear developmental priority is adding significant mass to his 6'1" 165-lb frame — his wrestling background suggests he has the discipline and body control to carry additional weight effectively. If he can get to 195-205 lbs without losing his edge speed, he projects as a disruptive OLB at the FCS or Group of Five level.
6'2" 190 with 40 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 sacks as a junior at Fossil Ridge (5A) — lean, projectable frame with room to add significant mass. The sophomore-to-junior production jump and two-way usage (OLB/TE) show an ascending player who needs weight and verified testing to be taken seriously.
Cohen Saunders is a 6'2" 190 lb junior OLB/TE at Fossil Ridge (CO 5A) who showed a significant production jump in 2025 with 40 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 PDs, and 4 QB hurries across 9 games. He has a lean, projectable frame with room to add considerable mass and plays with an evident motor — multiple film clips and a published photo show him finishing plays on quarterbacks and in the backfield. His two-way usage (OLB/TE) speaks to his football IQ and versatility, and his development curve from sophomore to junior year suggests he is still ascending as a player heading into his senior season.
6'4" 175 with basketball center experience — the frame is extremely projectable if he can add 40+ lbs through college S&C. Limited 1A/2A production (17 rec, 239 yds) and competition level are concerns, but you can't teach 6'4" with basketball coordination at the TE position.
6'2" 180 who has added 25 lbs and an inch of height since freshman year — the growth trajectory suggests his frame is still filling out with significant room to reach 215-220. Forced multiple fumbles in a 3A playoff game showing effort and ball disruption, but needs verified athletic testing and a big senior year.
139 tackles and 28 TFL on defense with 31 rec/608 yds/11 TD on offense is absurd two-way production, and the track background (37-7.5 triple jump) verifies explosive athleticism. The critical unknown is his height and weight — if he measures 6'1"+ and 200+, he instantly becomes one of the more interesting prospects in the state; without measurables, it's impossible to project a position.
Gavin Ruhs is a high-motor, two-way playmaker out of Stratton's dominant 6-man program who posted 31 catches for 608 yards and 11 TDs offensively while racking up 139 tackles and 28 TFL defensively as a junior — production that ranked 43rd nationally in total tackles per MaxPreps. His track & field background (37-7.5 triple jump, 15-11 long jump) provides verified explosive athleticism, and his three-year statistical trajectory shows a player who has improved dramatically each season. Measurables are the critical missing piece — verified height, weight, and timed speed would clarify his projection and positional fit at the next level.
6'3" 200 with wrestling background and a 47-tackle, 6 TFL, 2 sack junior season at Silver Creek (4A) — the frame is projectable and the multi-sport toughness translates. Minimal offensive production (4 rec, 34 yds) means he's a DE-first prospect right now who would need significant development to play TE at the next level.
Carter Blair is a 6'3" 200-lb junior defensive end at Silver Creek (CO 4A) who took a major step forward in 2025 with 47 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 sacks after posting 24 tackles as a sophomore. His frame, wrestling background, and positional versatility (has played DE, OL, TE, and LB) give him a projectable physical profile with room to add functional weight. Film shows an active, disruptive presence off the edge with the motor and leverage to continue improving as a pass rusher heading into his senior season.
6'0" 227 with state-level wrestling credentials shows physicality and leverage, and the 21.3 YPR on 12 catches demonstrates big-play receiving ability. The 6'0" height ceiling is a limitation for traditional TE — projects better as an H-back or move TE, but the wrestling toughness and ball skills give him a role.
6'2" 180 two-way TE/DE with All-San Luis Valley recognition — the frame has room to add 30+ lbs, but the small-school competition and lack of any verified measurables or recruiting profile make it hard to evaluate. Needs camps and a strong senior year to generate any college attention.
6'1" 205 three-year varsity contributor at Mullen (5A) with 3 career INTs and a 3.96 GPA — the coverage instincts and academic profile are valuable. Projects as a LB rather than TE at the next level; needs verified athletic testing to determine his speed ceiling.
Charlie Krza is a 6'1" 205-pound OLB with three years of varsity experience at Colorado 5A Mullen, showing consistent year-over-year production growth and legitimate coverage instincts with 3 career interceptions and 5 pass deflections as a junior. Prep Redzone scouts praise his lateral quickness, acceleration, read-and-react speed, and block shedding -- tools that project well to a coverage-oriented linebacker role at the next level. A two-sport standout with a 3.96 GPA and First Team Academic All-State honors, he brings zero off-field risk and elite competitiveness.
6'1" 195 with 85 tackles, 10 TFL, and 4 sacks as a junior — dominant defensive production at the 2A level with a multi-sport background and athletic family bloodlines. Undersized for TE and limited receiving production (7 rec, 73 yds); projects more as a college OLB/S who needs to add weight.
Chris Hays is a high-motor, two-way player from Basalt (CO 2A) whose primary value right now is on the defensive side of the ball, where he posted 85 tackles, 10 TFL, and 3 sacks as a junior. At 6'1" 195, he projects more as an OLB/DE hybrid than a traditional tight end at the next level, and his ability to consistently get into the backfield is his calling card. He still has his senior season to grow into his frame and expand his offensive role -- the athletic bloodlines are there (brother Taylor was a dynamic playmaker for Basalt's 11-1 semifinal team) and his multi-sport background suggests upside.
Older brother Taylor Hays was a standout two-way player at Basalt High School (Class of 2025). Listed at 6'2", Taylor caught 31 passes for 552 yards and 12 touchdowns, rushed 31 times for 360 yards and 5 TDs, and led the team with 8 interceptions on defense during the 2024-25 season (11-1, 2A state semifinalists). Taylor signed with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NCAA Division III) for football.
6'1" 190 who transitioned from FB/MLB to TE/DE as a junior at Palisade (3A) — coaches see positional upside, and the baseball background adds athleticism. Needs 20-30 lbs and verified speed testing to project at the college level; currently a developmental prospect with a late-bloomer profile.
6'2" 165 is an extremely lean frame with significant room to add 50+ lbs — the lacrosse background (Team 91 Western Elite) provides athleticism and hand-eye coordination. Very limited football production (4 rec, 74 yds) and needs considerable physical development, but the length and athletic base are worth monitoring.
5'10" 180 MLB/TE at Rampart (4A) with 39 tackles and 11 TFL as a junior — the TFL production is impressive, but the frame is undersized for TE and the 2-8 team context limits evaluation. Prep Redzone watchlist recognition (#224) provides some validation, but he projects as an LB at a lower level.
5'10" 190 multi-position player at Wheat Ridge (3A) who posted 20 rec/305 yds and 3 INTs as a sophomore — the ball skills and versatility are notable. Undersized for TE and lacks verified testing; projects as a small-college LB or H-back if he continues adding weight.
Isaiah Gawrychowski is a tough, versatile two-way player who contributes as a receiver/TE on offense and a productive LB on defense at the 3A level. His 190-lb frame at 5'10" gives him a solid foundation, but without verified speed/athletic testing numbers and playing at a smaller Colorado program, he's a long way from D1 attention. He projects as a potential small-college or D2/D3 LB prospect who needs a strong junior season, camp circuit exposure, and verified measurables to move the needle.
5'10" 205 three-year varsity contributor at Kennedy (3A) with multi-position versatility (TE, ILB, DE, OL) — the early playing time suggests football IQ and toughness. Undersized for TE with modest production; projects as a small-college utility player who needs verified testing.
6'1"-6'3" (discrepancy between profiles) All-State C/DT in 8-man with basketball and track multi-sport background — the frame is intriguing if he actually measures closer to 6'3". Not a TE by usage (plays center and DT), and 8-man competition limits projection, but the athleticism warrants monitoring.
5'11" 202 OLB/TE at Aurora Central who missed his 2024 varsity season due to concussion — significant evaluation gap with below-average strength numbers. Needs a healthy, productive senior year to generate any recruiting interest; physical tools are limited for D1 TE projection.
5'9" 170 All-State 8-man player who rushed for 1,673 yards and posted 82 tackles as a junior — elite production and motor, but severely undersized for TE or any traditional college position. The 100+ wrestling wins add toughness, but the frame limits his projection to a small-college athlete designation.
6'0" 175 WR/SS at Resurrection Christian (2A) with minimal receiving production (2 rec, 56 yds) — the frame needs 30-40 lbs to even begin discussing TE projection. Basketball athlete with some ball skills on defense, but a long way from college-level TE consideration.
No measurables available on any profile for a TE at Niwot — plays on a historically struggling program with minimal statistical production (21 tackles on defense). Without height, weight, or any verified testing data, there's simply not enough to evaluate.
5'11" 191 with a 5.52 forty and 22.8" vertical — the athletic testing numbers are well below D1 thresholds, and the frame is undersized for TE. Team captain with leadership intangibles, but the physical profile doesn't project to college football at a competitive level.
5'9" 155 is not a TE by any college definition — functionally a safety/slot player with 2 catches and 70 yards on offense. The defensive production (55 tackles, 10 TFL) is notable for his size, but the frame eliminates any TE projection entirely.
5'11" 155 as a junior TE at Wray (1A) with only 6 catches — severely undersized with a slow weight-gain trajectory. Multi-sport athlete with some defensive production (32 tackles, 5 TFL), but the frame and competition level make college TE projection unrealistic at this stage.
5'7" 145 (possibly 5'6" 130 per NCSA) is functionally a slot receiver/corner — the 22.2 YPR and ball-hawking ability are fun, but there is zero TE projection at this size. Would need to grow 6+ inches and add 70+ lbs to even be considered at the position.