Arizona’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best tight ends
We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Arizona high school football. This list focuses on the tight ends.
There are hundreds of standout football players in Arizona and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Let us know about any other tight ends you think should be added.
Note: All statistics and information through Oct. 4
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Kaden Anderson, sr., Chandler
Anderson is one of the primary playmakers in Chandler’s high-flying offense. The three-star prospect committed to Boise State in December.
Jaylen Coleman, sr., Mesquite
Coleman plays both ways for Mesquite at tight end and linebacker. He has 377 yards receiving and three touchdowns as a senior while averaging more than six tackles per game on defense. Coleman holds a Division I offer from Wright State.
Hayden Daugherty, jr., Highland
Daugherty can more than hold his own as a blocker while making a difference in the passing game. The three-star junior picked up an offer from Arizona State over the summer.
Connor Drayton, sr., Marana
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Drayton is a standout at tight end and defensive end for Marana. The senior recently earned a Division I offer from Massachusetts.
Braylon Gardner, sr., Liberty
The reigning Class 6A tight end of the year, Gardner had 580 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. He is being used more as a traditional wideout this season and has 18 catches for 332 yards and three scores.
Jaxon Griffin, jr., Red Mountain
Griffin is an athletic junior who is an impact player at tight end and defensive end. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder also plays basketball for Red Mountain.
Creed Hallows, sr., Desert Ridge
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Hallows is a red zone threat for Desert Ridge. The senior has 26 receptions for 417 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Jacob Helt, jr., Corona del Sol
Helt is an offensive weapon who spends plenty of time at tight end for Corona del Sol. Talented wide receivers Raiden Vines-Bright, Zuri Glenn and Jai Jones get more looks in the passing game, but Helt is blossoming into a bigger pass-catching option as a junior.
Dillon Hipp, sr., Desert Mountain
At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Hipp is a giant receiving target at the tight end position. A three-star recruit, Hipp committed to Ole Miss in August.
Judah Lancaster, fr., Tolleson
One of the state’s most sought-after freshmen, Lancaster stands 6-foot-4 and is continuing to add weight to his 195-pound frame. He caught his first career touchdown in a mid-September loss to Perry.
Jax Markovich, jr., Horizon
Markovich is a three-star junior whose offers include California and San Diego State. Also a center in basketball, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end has great hands as a pass catcher.
Javery Mayberry, sr., Basha
Mayberry is a safety blanket for star quarterback Demond Williams as a 6-foot-5, 235-pound pass catcher. The three-star Northern Arizona commit has 320 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season.
Gavin Mesa, jr., Chaparral
Mesa will likely be a baseball player at the next level, but he is a key piece of the Chaparral offense at tight end. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior grabbed six touchdowns a season ago.
Andrew Mosqueda, jr., Yuma
Mosqueda has been one of the most productive receiving tight ends in Arizona this season. The junior has caught 30 passes for 576 yards and four touchdowns for Yuma.
Kamden Segall, so., Saguaro
Segall is already a big factor in Saguaro’s passing game as a sophomore. He has 15 catches for 262 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Dylan Sims, jr., Queen Creek
Sims, who also plays basketball for Queen Creek, is an athletic junior who excels at tight end and defensive end. He has a big catch radius with his 6-foot-4 frame and has three touchdown receptions this season.
Nathan Spivey, jr., Salpointe Catholic
Spivey is another wide receiver/tight end tweener who has 18 catches for 247 yards and three touchdowns the season. The junior is also a playmaker on defense at middle linebacker for Salpointe Catholic.
Cody Wells, jr., Notre Dame Prep
Wells is a two-way standout for Notre Dame Prep who contributes at tight end and defensive end. Also a star lacrosse player, Wells is an excellent athlete with good hands.
Aveon Williams, so., Casa Grande
Williams is a huge target in the passing game at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. He has 21 catches for 312 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.
Ryan Wolfer, sr., Liberty
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Wolfer is capable of playing tight end opposite Braylon Gardner or sliding over to offensive tackle. He is a three-star prospect with offers from Air Force and Colorado State, among others.
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-- Bob Lundeberg | @sblivesports
