Inside the Huddle: 2016 Florida Tight Ends
The state of Florida is known for producing top rated skill players every year. One position that has not had a ton of great players is tight end. Nick O’Leary was a top rated tight end from the Sun-shine state that had a great career at Florida State. Gerald Christian, O’Leary former high school teammate was solid in college but never lived up to his potential. There have been players like Orson Charles who was a solid player in college but also never lived up to his potential. This year may be different as the state of Florida has 3-4 BCS level prospects at tight end. Isaac Nauta who came from Buford High School in Georgia may be one of the most gifted tight ends ever to come out of Florida. Nick Eubanks, Jacob Mathis and Chris Ellington are some other guys who should get some looks this spring. ESS will once again break down the tight end position in Florida.
1-Isaac Nauta-IMG Academy-6’4-250-(Committed to Florida State)-Nauta is probably one of the most gifted tight ends to ever come out of the Sun-Shine state. He is big, long and athletic. What makes Nauta so special is he runs like a wide receiver but has the size you want in a tight end. Good luck trying to match up a linebacker or defensive back on Nauta. He is too big for a defensive back and his speed and quickness will be a nightmare to opposing linebackers. Nauta is the type of player that can cause defensive coordinators to stay up at night. We had the opportunity to see Rob Gronkowski live and in person while in high school and Nauta has that same type of ability. (Comparison: Rob Gronkowski)
2-Nick Eubanks-American Heritage Plantation-6’5-215-Nick is not your typical tight end prospect. You can do so much more with him than most tight ends. Nick can line up near the tackle or split him out wide as a receiver. He runs like a receiver but can play the tight end position. He has good hands and runs solid routes. If you put him against a smaller defensive back, Nick is going to win that battle every time. He does need to put on some weight to play tight end in college. His blocking is also something that Nick needs to work on. (Comparison: David Njoku)
3-Chris Barrett-Countryside-6’3-230-One thing is for certain, Barrett looks the part. He is one of the better looking tight ends in Florida. Barrett is not as good of an athlete as Nauta or Eubanks. He is a guy that you can put on a linebacker and Barrett is going to win that battle every time. (Comparison-Sean Price)
4-Jacob Mathis-Berkeley Prep-6’4-220-Mathis is another versatile tight end. He weighs around 215-220 pounds. Mathis still needs to add weight to play tight end. He is a solid receiver. We would like to see him be a little more consistent with his hands. He also needs to show the ability to block at the next level. (Comparison: Brandon Pettigrew)
Chris Ellington-Fletcher-6’4-220-We recently saw Ellington at a 7 on 7 tournament. We really liked what we saw out of Ellington. He is a physically impressive looking prospect. He is a little on the light side (220) so adding weight is a must. He is a competitive player that does not back down from a challenge. We expect him to blow up this spring. (Comparison: Brandon Myers)
6-Jordan Giberti-Gainesville-6’3-225-Giberti is a guy that will be used more as an h-back. He is not your typical tight end. He can also be used all over the field. Giberti is also a prospect that could see time on defense. He is one of the better athletes you will see at the tight end position. (Comparison: John Clay)
7-John Raine-Westminster Christian-6’2-235-John is without question one of the most underrated prospects in Florida this year. Watch him at a camp, 7 on 7 or live in a game and Raine is a play maker. His speed and quickness causes problems for opposing defenses. He is not a guy you are going to match up a linebacker on. Where Raine is most effective is picking up tough yards after catching the ball. Raine is so versatile that his coach lines him up at running back, receiver, tight end and even defensive end. He can be used on special teams as well. (Comparison: Dallas Clark)
Keep an eye on: Matt Heuerman-Barron Collier-6’6-210, Zach Crosby-Bolles-6’4-205, Zach Armour-Cocoa-6’2-200, Michael Iamunno-Saint Thomas-6’3-215, Devante Porter-Trinity Christian-6’5-220,