North Dakota 2022 Tight Ends to Watch
NORTH DAKOTA– After a long one-week hiatus from helping out our neighboring PRZ sites, we take a look at five Tight Ends from North Dakota that may have the tools to play at the next level or can build on that…
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Continue ReadingNORTH DAKOTA– After a long one-week hiatus from helping out our neighboring PRZ sites, we take a look at five Tight Ends from North Dakota that may have the tools to play at the next level or can build on that with a big senior season.
Tyler Johnson, TE, Minot (2022)
Twitter: @Tyler00482288
Johnson doesn’t have much film available, but he shows good promise into his senior season. Johnson does a nice job as a blocking tight end getting strong leverage. He has the ability to multi-engage and can stretch that blocking into the second level of the defense. What sells me on Johnson is the quality of the program he’s going up against on film, the 2020 state champion Bismarck Century Patriots. Johnson may be a solid blocking tight end at the next level and can second that with showing off his hands in his senior film.
Andrew Nielson, TE, Watford City (2022)
Nielson is another under-the-radar tight end out of Watford City. When I roll Nielson’s tape, I see a prospect that has a good jump off the ball to get up and make a play as a tight end. He shows good hands even while getting contact from the defense right away. His running ability screams next-level tight end–needs a little development on his turning ability. I love this young man’s engagement level on blocks; as you can tell with more film, he’ll be a prospect that will become a finisher-type blocker. Nielson is slightly under the measurables when it comes to height (5’11) but hopefully has some height coming his way!
Joe Cummings, TE, Valley City (2022)
Cummings is a little on the slender side when it comes to framing at the next level at this point, but his 6’3 size is definitely right in the wheelhouse when it comes to height. Cummings is a fighter for the football with good hands and does great work on his slant routes. Would love to see more on what this kid can do on the blocking side of the offense. I would put Cummings as a project TE as he played QB in the 2019 season for Valley City. He needs to get into the weight room to get his frame near the next level.
Myles Schafer, TE, Bismarck St. Marys (2022)
Schafer, by far, is one of the best next-level tight ends North Dakota has to offer. Have you ever since a tight end run back a kickoff? I sure haven’t, as Schafer shows his good acceleration and stamina early in his film with a kickoff return. Schafer gets off the snap extremely quick, almost as quick as some WRs I have seen. Schafer is certainly the most versatile tight end on this list as he can almost throw his size around and get strong leverage and can engage with multiple defenders with a strong push. Schafer also is good at catching blocks on the go and can grab effective punches from side angles. Schafer will for sure be on our next rankings update for tight ends in the coming months.
Chance Mickelson, TE, Des Lacs-Burlington (2022)
Twitter: @ChanceMickelson
I almost missed Mickelson’s film because I must have been the first one to clock on it; I’m glad I stayed put! Mickelson is a fully engaged blocker that, in my eyes, is extremely under the radar. Mickelson does a solid job at driving the bus on his blocks and can line up on either side of the ball. He also has some quality footwork that can go out wide if needed & can move like a wide receiver most of the time. Mickelson’s measurables are unknown at the moment but hoping to get more information on this kid as it’s available.