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- Oct 13, 2011
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Tight end is traditionally the weakest position in South Florida. There just aren’t that many prospects with the requisite body type. But that hasn’t stopped the region from producing two All-Americans in the past decade (Nick O’Leary and Clive Walford) and two of the better Big 10 tight ends in Nick Eubanks (Michigan/American Heritage) and Daniel Barker (Illinois/Deerfield Beach). This is a strong year in the State of Florida and locally, with at least four P5 caliber TEs in the region.
Kahlil Brantley, Northwestern (6’2, 210)- Two-time state champion with competitive demeanor. Body has developed over the past year from big WR into legitimate TE. Arguably the best hands in South Florida. Very strong in traffic. Experienced in passing game and knows how to create separation against elite DBs. Not a burner but deceptive speed (see 76 yard catch-and-run TD against IMG). Plays flexed, in line and in backfield. Willing blocker who abuses DBs and held up well against LB/DEs in camp. Similar to Larry Hodges—lacks elite length and speed but is an excellent football player. Another comparison is David Williams, the MNW TE who played for the Canes in the early 00s. Miami commit.
Chamon Metayer, North Miami (6’5, 220)- Jumbo athlete with large frame. Flexed out in Central offense and made some big catches. Basketball background. Hands are OK but not a natural plucker of the football. Basketball player. Projects better at defense than offense, where he is surprisingly comfortable in coverage. More smooth than twitchy. Best role may be similar to Dion Jordan at Oregon, where he plays in space and rushes. Needs to overcome persistent coachability concerns, but he has a high-level combination of size and athleticism. Miami commit.
Ashton Gillotte, Boca Raton (6’4, 225)- Underrated Palm Beach gem with upside on both sides of the ball. Plays hard and urgent. Quick off the line at TE and DE. Big production (82 tackles, 16 sacks, 4 TDs). Smart with Ivy offers. Can adjust to the ball in the passing game. Excellent lateral quickness with an effective inside move. Relentless blocker. Length is the primary concern. Louisville, Duke and Vanderbilt have offered.
Antonio Johnson, St. Thomas (6’3, 220)- Basketball convert who exploded on the camp circuit. Big lower-body, which he uses to box out defenders. Hands catcher. Played HBack behind Arizona State TE signee Jake Ray. Not fast but can get open. Also has some experience at DE. Offers from Minnesota and Maryland.
Kahlil Brantley, Northwestern (6’2, 210)- Two-time state champion with competitive demeanor. Body has developed over the past year from big WR into legitimate TE. Arguably the best hands in South Florida. Very strong in traffic. Experienced in passing game and knows how to create separation against elite DBs. Not a burner but deceptive speed (see 76 yard catch-and-run TD against IMG). Plays flexed, in line and in backfield. Willing blocker who abuses DBs and held up well against LB/DEs in camp. Similar to Larry Hodges—lacks elite length and speed but is an excellent football player. Another comparison is David Williams, the MNW TE who played for the Canes in the early 00s. Miami commit.
Chamon Metayer, North Miami (6’5, 220)- Jumbo athlete with large frame. Flexed out in Central offense and made some big catches. Basketball background. Hands are OK but not a natural plucker of the football. Basketball player. Projects better at defense than offense, where he is surprisingly comfortable in coverage. More smooth than twitchy. Best role may be similar to Dion Jordan at Oregon, where he plays in space and rushes. Needs to overcome persistent coachability concerns, but he has a high-level combination of size and athleticism. Miami commit.
Ashton Gillotte, Boca Raton (6’4, 225)- Underrated Palm Beach gem with upside on both sides of the ball. Plays hard and urgent. Quick off the line at TE and DE. Big production (82 tackles, 16 sacks, 4 TDs). Smart with Ivy offers. Can adjust to the ball in the passing game. Excellent lateral quickness with an effective inside move. Relentless blocker. Length is the primary concern. Louisville, Duke and Vanderbilt have offered.
Antonio Johnson, St. Thomas (6’3, 220)- Basketball convert who exploded on the camp circuit. Big lower-body, which he uses to box out defenders. Hands catcher. Played HBack behind Arizona State TE signee Jake Ray. Not fast but can get open. Also has some experience at DE. Offers from Minnesota and Maryland.
