Top 10 tight end prospects for Michigan's class of 2016

From NFL greats Paul Seymour (Royal Oak Shrine, U-M), Pete Metzelaars (Portage Central, Wabash College), Rodney Holman (Ypsilanti, Tulane), Ron Kramer (East Detroit, U-M) and Fred Arbanas (Redford St. Mary, MSU) to recent pro standouts Antonio Gates (Detroit Central, Kent State), Tony Scheffler (Chelsea, WMU), Kellen Davis (Adrian, MSU) and Dion Sims (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, MSU), the state of Michigan has traditionally churned out big-time tight end talent year after year.


The class of 2016 is stacked from top to bottom with high level Division I tight end prospects this season. Here are the top 10 tight end recruits for Michigan's class of 2016.


Top 10 tight end prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --


1. Cedric Lattimore-6-5, 265-Detroit East English- I know he's destined for the D-line at the next level, but he's an absolute load on the offensive side of the ball, as well. He's simply a dominating two-way player. Verbal to Iowa.
2. Josh Eldridge-6-4, 245-Clintondale-Like Lattimore, could possibly play defense in college. He's also a talented DE for the Dragons. Big, strong and mobile, Eldridge is a match-up problem for any defender. Verbal to CMU.
3. Keidren Davis-6-5, 230-Grand Rapids Union-Best D-I prospect at Union in decades. Big Ten body and speed. I think the upside for Davis is as high or higher than any other player on this list. The Rockets are getting a steal. Verbal to Toledo.
4. Jaye Patrick-6-5, 220-Detroit Western-Unbelievable athletic talent. Helped the Cowboys capture the Class A basketball state championship last winter. Long arms and leaping ability make Patrick a big-time prospect. U-M recruiting hard.
5. Evan Conn-6-5, 220-DeWitt-Not getting much talk statewide or throughout the Midwest, but Conn is one of Michigan's best. Another top-notch hoops player, Conn runs a 4.8 40 and can jump out of the proverbial "gym." Also a D-I LB-DE prospect.
6. Riley Woolford-6-3, 245-Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central-A two-way starter for the defending Division 6 state champions, Woolford is arguably the best blocking TE in Michigan. Also a bruising DE for the Falcons, Woolford is a throw-back type player who is physical and rugged.
7. Jaylon Moore-6-4, 260-Detroit Consortium-Could project to OT at the next level, Moore is a dominating force for the Cougars. Another basketball standout, Moore has excellent footwork and quickness for a player his size. Verbal to WMU.
8. Drew Beesley-6-3, 225-Warren DeLaSalle-Returning two-way starter for the defending Division 2 state champion Pilots. Beesley is an excellent blocker for DeLaSalle, one of the top programs in the Midwest. Also stout DE. Could play either position in college. Verbal to Bowling Green State.
9. Mitch Heaton-6-6, 215-Clarkston-One of only three juniors to start for the two-time defending Division 1 state champion Wolves last season. Heaton has the height and frame to project out to 6-6, 255 or so at the next level. Big-time prospect from one of Michigan's best programs.
10. Caleb Symons-6-4, 210-New Lothrop-One of my top sleepers. From one of the best small school programs in Michigan, Symons is a beast on both sides of the football for the Hornets. Extremely physical, Symons was state runner-up in wrestling last year at 189 in Division 4. He was a key member on New Lothrop's D-4 state championship grappling squad a season ago. He runs a 4.8 40. On the gridiron, he helped lead the Hornets to the D-7 state quarterfinals (regionals), losing to eventual state champion Detroit Loyola.


Other top TE prospects for Michigan's class of 2016- Jaylen Bradley-6-3, 230-Flint Carman-Ainsworth (one of Flint's top prospects, also hoops player), Nolan Givan-6-4, 225-Berkley (speed, size and length make Givan a top prospect), Mitch Heimbuch-6-3, 225-Romeo, Nathan Skene-6-3, 220-Hartland, Landin Mitchell-6-4, 240-Goodrich, Jordan Hendricks-6-4, 240-Milan, Shane Fugate-6-2, 220-Dearborn Divine Child, Steve Glenn-6-3, 250-Lincoln Park (also talented QB, runs 4.7 40), Connor Sisty-6-3, 215-Ida, Max Thrower-6-4, 220-Royal Oak Shrine (Interesting prospect, runs 4.5 40, could play WR or switch to defensive side of football at next level).