Tight ends

[Recruiting Guru]

Michael Brown is gone. John Hampton will be a senior this year, and Trent Hrncir will be a junior. So unless the coaching staff really lives up to the threat of playing Darrin Johnson at TE (I don't think they will, but imagine that big guy coming across the field at a poor DB), it's time to start identifying some tight ends for the future. Here are the top TE prospects in the state.

Joey Bierly, 6-4, 220, 4.7, West Orange Stark: Not very big, by TE standards, but very fluid runner with soft hands. Get the ball near him and he'll catch it. Very similar to Hampton.

Joe Finley, 6-6, 225, 4.8, Arlington High: A "tweener" prospect. Not quite fast enough to be a serious downfield threat, and too slender to be a bruising blocker. That will change as he grows into his frame. Potentially could even bulk up to play an interior offensive line spot.

Jason Goech, 6-6, 250, 4.8, Vidor: Perfect, at least on paper. Very strong blocker, decent receiver. Needs to run better routes. Has the tools to be a star.

Tony Hill, 6-6, 235, 4.8, Alief Elsik: Maybe the best TE in Texas. Looks like a taller Tony Gonzalez -- very athletic and smooth, great hands, uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball.

Jamison Newby, 6-2, 230, 4.8, Cleburne: Runs clean routes and fights on every block. A little shorter than coaches would like.

Terrance Parks, 6-4, 220, 4.6, Lufkin: Very fast TE, and built like Billy Ford (and a little quicker.) Good burst of separation from defenders. Plays faster than he times in the 40.

Tremayne Standberry, 6-3, 235, 4.8, Lewisville: Extremely athletic, Standberry could play a number of positions in college, including linebacker and on special teams. Wherever he ends up, the coach will find a way to get this kid on the field.

Timothy Stump, 6-3, 225, 4.8, Cypress Springs: How can you not like a player named Stump? Very intense player who needs to get stronger.

Joey Thomas, 6-4, 220, 4.7, Austin Westlake: Frequent target in Westlake's passing game. Hands are soft (on receptions) but strong (rarely fumbles).

David Weems, 6-4, 210, 4.7, Oak Ridge: A little thin at this point, and plays minimal competition. But he's shown flashes of great talent. Rarely tested in private school league.