2018 Top Impact Freshman Tight Ends

The days of the the tight end being used as another tackle are over -- replaced by sleek, smooth, fluid athletes who can line up all over the field and make plays in space.

As more and more teams look for ways to create mismatches in the passing game, tight ends are being utilized in every fashion imaginable -- in the backfield, in the slot, out wide, even as a hybrid motion man. Linebackers aren't fast enough to keep up and safeties aren't always big enough to handle tight ends one on one. So the chances are there for these players to shine, and there are a number of them coming into the game in 2018.

The following are not the top tight ends recruited, but the tight ends with the biggest opportunity to make an impact in 2018. Positional ranking is included.

Miami's Brevin Jordan (Palm Beach Post)

2018 TOP 5 IMPACT TIGHT ENDS
1. Brevin Jordan/Miami Fla (TE1) -- A four-star talent and Miami's top rated recruit, Jordan is the prototype for today's tight end -- fast, good hands the moves of a running back in the open field. He's a solid blocker, too, and can line up anywhere in the formation. Just another explosive weapon for the Hurricanes to utilize. Was in for spring ball and is the favorite to start at tight end.
2. Kyle Pitts/Florida (TE 11) -- Another four star talent, Pitts chose the Gators over Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Miami, among others. Pitts has imposing size (6-6, 250) and uses his body well to shield defenders, making him an inviting red zone target. A very good blocker, Pitts will be an asset in the ground attack and can still go out into a pattern and create problems.
3. Jeremy Ruckert/Ohio State (TE2) -- Quite possibly the most naturally-gifted tight end Urban Meyer has ever recruited -- and he's had some good ones. The four-star Ruckert can run past linebackers down the seam and is too big for safeties to handle alone. In the Buckeyes new-look offense, Ruckert could be the one who changes the tradition of OSU tight ends being used as glorified tackles. Great with the ball in his hands, Ruckert should have ample opportunity to get on the field, if not start, in 2018.
4. Chig Okonkwo/Maryland (TE23) -- A bit of a sleeper, the athletic three-star is fluid in his movements and built more like a receiver -- at least for the moment. That means he can stretch the field for an emerging Maryland offense. He will need to put on size if he's to help as a blocker, but for now he should be able to damage as a flex tight end.
5. Leonard Taylor/Cincinnati (TE16) -- A nice pick up by Bearcats coach Luke Fickell, who nabbed Taylor out of Springfield, Ohio. A four-star talent, Taylor was Cincinnati's top 2018 signee and should be in line for immediate playing time. A big, imposing target, Taylor will be looked at in the red zone and on third down.

Just Missed: Mustapha Muhammad/Michigan (TE6); Spencer Webb/Oregon (TE11); Dallin Holker/BYU (TE46); Brevyn Spann-Ford/Minnesota (TE40); James Mitchell/Virginia Tech (WR62); TJ Banks/West Virginia (ATH34); Isaiah Likely/Coastal Carolina (NR)