It's one of the most unappreciated positions on the football field. But it's also one of the most important. Playing tight end means you've got to block, break out fast to make catches, sometimes get downfield for big plays.
While the wide receiver gets much of the glory, the tight end is extremely important for any team to achieve their goals and win a state championship.
In a continuing series, leading up to the 2024 Arizona high school football season, The Republic examines each position with a top-10 rankings. We've looked at quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, dynamic duos, offensive linemen. Now let's look at the tight ends.
The Republic's Top 10 tight ends
1. Aveon Williams, Casa Grande, 6-6, 235, Jr.
His size and athleticism separates him from most. He also stars in basketball. He's got all the attributes to become a big-time major-college tight end, although he's good enough on defense to become an impact edge rusher. He has offers from Arizona State and Oregon. Last season, he caught 34 passes for 452 yards and eight TDs.
2. Dylan Sims, Queen Creek, 6-6, 225, Sr.
He has committed to UCLA and will be playing in the Big Ten. A long, athletic tight end who can get out wide and make catches downfield. A matchup problem in the red zone for defenses. Excellent blocker. He’s got huge upside with his size, hands and ability to break tackles and make plays after catches.
3. Jax Markovich, Scottsdale Horizon, 6-5, 235, Sr.
His recruiting stock rose after last season with 14 Division I offers. He's added size, gotten faster and stronger. Runs great routes and finds a way to separate himself from defenders in the red zone to score touchdowns. He'll be targeted as a main receiver.
4. Mekhi Hodge, Laveen Cesar Chavez, 6-2, 215, So.
He's going to be a main target in the offense this year. Arizona State has offered him. He plays on the edge on defense, but he projects to be a major college tight end with his hands and speed. He's still growing and will only get better. Watch for big things this season.
5. Hayden Daugherty, Gilbert Highland, 6-4, 240, Sr.
His offers include ASU and Boston College. Outstanding blocker who has the athleticism to get down the field fast and make big catches over the middle or down the sideline. He had 22 catches for 262 yards last season for the Hawks.
6. Judah Lancaster, Tolleson, 6-4, 205, So.
Only scratching the surface of his potential, his offers include Arizona, Alabama, Utah and Texas A&M. He should break out big his sophomore season after playing varsity as a freshman when he had 17 catches for 194 yards and two TDs.
7. Kamden Segall, Peoria Liberty, 6-3, 210, Jr.
He's a transfer from Saguaro so there's a chance he'll have to sit out the first five games. He had a strong sophomore season, catching 32 passes for 478 yards and six TDs. He has added size and strength since the end of last season. A hybrid tight end who can play the slot and outside wide receiver.
8. Gavin Smith, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-4, 215, Sr.
He's a good baseball player who has made a varsity impact in football since his sophomore year when he had 46 catches for 706 yards and six TDs. He had 38 catches for 499 yards and three TDs last season. He's got all of the abilities to have a monster senior season.
9. Porter Wilhelm, Mesa Mountain View, 6-4, 210, Sr.
He's under the radar now but has a chance to emerge in an Andy Litten offense that likes to utilize the tight end. Last year, after sitting out the first five games due to transferring from Highland in the middle of his sophomore year, Wilhelm started at defensive end, a position he had never played. He'll get a shot to create mismatches in Litten's offense. A good all-around athlete who plays basketball and volleyball.
10. Caden Palmquest, Chandler Valley Christian, 6-3, 210, Fr.
He's just starting high school but watch for him to make a big splash on varsity in the small-school ranks this season. Boise State and Iowa both have had him on his radar before his freshman year of high school.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @azc_obert
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