Nobody will be paying closer attention to the college football season than NFL scouts, which are constantly evaluating the top prospects with an eye on improving their own teams in the near future. Tight ends are being asked to do more at the NFL level now than ever before with a focus on both pass catching and run blocking, and that has tricked down to the college game when it comes to evaluating the top prospects. Here is a look at the top right end prospects in college football right now.
O.J. Howard
Alabama Crimson Tide
Howard’s numbers at Alabama didn’t overwhelm last season but he shined in the College Football National Championship Game when his big play ability was on full display. Howard scored touchdowns on 53 and 51-yard pass plays while finishing with a total of 208 receiving yards against Clemson. At 6’5’’ and 248 pounds, Howard has the raw size to compliment his top-end speed and pass-catching ability will make him a dangerous threat that should see more touches in the Crimson Tide offense. The main question this season is who will be throwing him the ball. The Tide are breaking in a new starting quarterback and we’ll have to see just what type of chemistry he has with his new signal caller.
There is no doubt that Howard has the natural ability and work ethic to be the top tight end prospect in the country this season.
Jake Butt
Michigan Wolverines
The 6’6’’, 250-pound tight end out of Michigan has the size, speed, athleticism and pass-catching ability to put himself in the conversation when it comes to the top tight ends that will be available in the 2017 NBA Draft. Butt will need to improve his strength as a blocker in the run game, but he is a big target with reliable hands that should excel in the passing game as a receiving threat in the Wolverines’ offense. Howard might be the top tight end prospect on the board but Michigan’s star tight end is right behind him in that conversation right now.
Jordan Leggett
Clemson Tigers
Leggett is coming off a breakout junior season in which he finished with 40 catches for 525 yards and a team-high eight touchdown receptions. He has the potential to put up even better numbers with a chance to win a national championship in 2016 – especially when you consider that he’s playing with a quarterback who is expected to be one of the Heisman Trophy finalists. The 6’5’’, 260-pound tight end has the natural receiving ability to be a top tight end prospect, but he needs to work on his run blocking ability while proving he can stay healthy. Leggett has a history of knee injuries so staying healthy will be one of the most important factors in him improving his NFL stock this season.
Jeremy Sprinkle
Arkansas Razorbacks
Hunter Henry’s graduation to the NFL opens the door for Sprinkle to be the featured tight end in the Arkansas offense this season and that will give him every opportunity to build up his draft stock. The 6’6’’, 256-pound tight end has an extremely high ceiling thanks to his athleticism and pass-catching ability, and he has the raw strength and size to thrive as a blocker in the run game. The Razorbacks have some intriguing options at the wide receiver position but Sprinkle could very well be their best all-around weapon on offense. He’ll also get plenty of opportunity to shine as a blocker as Arkansas loves to run the ball. He might be one of the best two-way tight ends in the country.
Bucky Hodges
Virginia Tech Hokies
Hodges is listed at a ridiculous 6’7’’ and 245 pounds, with his size and strength giving him the versatility to thrive as both a run blocker and a pass catcher in the Virginia Tech offense. Hodges will have every opportunity to showcase his all-around ability in the Hokies’ offense this season and while his technique could be improved he has the raw skill to once again be one of the top tight end prospects in the country this season.
