In what has become the ultimate mismatch on the gridiron, playing the tight end position entails top-level physical and mental traits, unlike most other positions in football. With the ability to run routes like a wide receiver yet block like an offensive lineman, these athletes are few and far between. Tight ends in today’s game have evolved and have become volume pass-catchers.

Do you need a third-down conversion across the middle? Hit your tight end on a crossing route over the middle. Maybe it’s a quick out route toward the sidelines to set up a more manageable play for the next down? Your tight end can be that receiver to haul in the pass. Or perhaps you are looking at a third-and-one inside your own territory. TEs can act as an extra blocker to ensure you get that yardage. The possibilities are endless with these players, and coaches take advantage of those possibilities every time.

As we transition to the AFL game specifically, tight ends will be crucial to the offense's success. According to the 2024 Arena Football League rulebook, tight ends will be eligible on EVERY single play. TEs will serve as a team's third offensive lineman each play. That means that, for these 16 teams across the league, matching up against these athletes will be quite a challenge.

With Man coverage being the focal point in the arena game, it will be up to Linebackers and Cornerbacks to lock down these players when they leak out and run routes. Below is a spotlight on some of these elite athletes at the TE position that fans can expect to become familiar with in 2024.

Cade Brewer - Nashville Kats

6-4, 230 lbs

College: The University of Texas

Professional Experience: Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

To begin our series, look no further than Nashville Kats Tight End Cade Brewer. Brewer, a five-year player at Texas, racked up impressive numbers in his 55 career games while making 33 starts along the way. All told, the six-foot-four receiver collected 59 receptions for 611 yards and eight touchdowns from 2017 to 2021.

Upon graduation from UT, Brewer participated in his school’s 2022 Pro Day. The Austin, TX native ran an impressive 4.80 40-yard dash and garnered the attention of NFL teams rather quickly. The former Longhorn would sign with the Seattle Seahawks as a UDFA after going undrafted in 2022. Brewer competed with the likes of NFL Tight Ends Noah Fant, Will Dissly, and Colby Parkinson for a roster spot during Seattle’s preseason but did not make the 53-man roster. He appeared in each of the team's three preseason games and showed tremendous effort along the way.

Considering Brewer’s fit within Nashville’s game plan, he is the de facto TE for this team. With a vast knowledge of the position, fans can expect Brewer to be a security blanket for starting Quarterback Ramone Atkins this season.

In addition to being eligible on every play when reporting as a TE, fans can expect to see Brewer in various other roles as well. Kats fans can pencil Brewer in as a solid option as a fullback and linebacker for Head Coach Dean Cokinos and company in 2024.

Jake Molinich - Albany Firebirds

6-0, 255 lbs

College: University of Buffalo

Professional Experience: Buffalo Bills, New York Giants (NFL), Arlington Renegades (XFL)

Albany Firebirds Tight End / Fullback Jake Molinich is no stranger to playing multiple positions. A physical specimen at six feet, 250-plus pounds, Molinich will garner the attention of the entire defense when possessing the ball for Albany. He played his college ball at Buffalo and impressed along the way. Lining up at both fullback and tight end, Molinich carved out a decent role as a blocker from 2017-2021.

Following his graduation in 2021, Molinich would be signed by the Buffalo Bills after going undrafted. He has also spent time with the New York Giants and most recently was with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL in 2023.

If you are looking for a scheme fit in Albany, expect Molinich to be one of the top blocking TEs in the AFL. With Ironman rules coming into play, Molinich will also fill in at Fullback and Linebacker for Albany. A superior athlete known for his power and explosion, Firebirds fans can expect to hear Molinich’s name frequently called this upcoming season. Given Molinich’s size and strength, blocking and running routes will prove effortless in Damon Ware’s offense in 2024.

Eugene Minter - Southwest Kansas Storm

6-4, 225 lbs

College: Dodge City Community College / Arkansas State / Austin Peay University / UNC-Charlotte

Rookie

Next, we head to Kansas to scout a versatile athlete who will be counted on heavily in Eugene Minter. The Birmingham, AL native was a playmaking, big-bodied receiver during his time in college. Touted as a top ten wide receiver in the JUCO ranks back in 2017, Minter originally committed to Dodge City Community College after high school.

As the years progressed, Minter combined his unique athletic traits, size, and learning abilities to transition to playing full-time tight end. Minter played for Arkansas State and then Austin Peay, where he was a first-team All-Ohio Valley selection before wrapping up his schooling at UNC-Charlotte in 2022. Spread across parts of six seasons, Minter compiled 89 receptions for 1,307 yards and nine touchdowns in 47 career collegiate games while simultaneously earning his Master's degree.

Minter will now transition to professional football via the AFL’s Southwest Kansas Storm. Upon signing, Head Coach Gary Thomas mentioned that Minter would be playing both sides of the ball for his squad in 2024. Leaning into Minter’s unique blend of size and strength, Storm fans can expect to see Minter as a Jack linebacker as well as a trusted receiving option this year.

Despite not being listed as a tight end, Minter projects as the team’s trusted option to be slotted in that spot when called upon. The Storm have an impressive roster, and Minter will be a top receiving option this season. For those looking for a breakout star in the AFL, Minter should be on your short list of candidates in 2024.

DeShon Williams - Washington Wolfpack

6-3, 230 lbs

College: Colorado State University-Pueblo / University of Washington

Professional Experience: Tri-City Rush (AWFC), Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Billings Outlaws (CIF), Kuopio Steelers (Finland)

As we continue our spotlight on tight ends, look no further than perhaps the most athletic player on the list. Former CSU-Pueblo and Washington University receiver DeShon Williams will make his 2024 AFL debut with the Washington Wolfpack this year. Williams attended CSU-Pueblo before transferring to Washington in 2016.

Williams would draw interest from the Seattle Seahawks and other professional leagues nationwide. The American West Football Conference’s Tri-City Rush gave Williams his first pro contract in 2021. Following a championship run with the Rush, Williams pivoted to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Next, the Billings Outlaws of Champions Indoor Football called upon Williams’ services in 2023. Following an MCL injury suffered just one game into the CIF season, the Kuopio Steelers based in Finland made Williams their focal point at tight end.

Known as an excellent receiver and core special teams player, the six-foot-three, 230-pounder excels in any role he is placed in. With a plethora of skills at his disposal, coupled with the fact that he has played in various leagues and situations, Williams projects as the ultimate chess piece for the Wolfpack this season while on offense. You can expect to see Williams excel at either tight end or wide receiver. Defensively, expect William to play with his hand on the turf in a pass-rushing, defensive end role. For Head Coach J.R. Wells and his game plan, fans should get used to seeing Williams’ name all over the stat sheets. The Wolfpack have signed a premier athlete who looks to be an impact player from day one in Washington.

Carter Kirk - Minnesota Myth

6-7, 250 lbs

College: Southwest Minnesota State University

Professional Experience: Mustangs (Southern Plains Football League), Seattle Seahawks Minicamp, Cyprus-OPAP (French Basketball League)

Concluding this star-studded list is a behemoth athlete with perhaps the most positional versatility of any AFL player in the league. 28-year-old Carter Kirk of the Minnesota Myth is looking to make a comeback into the world of professional sports via the AFL. Coming out of high school in Minnesota, Kirk was recruited to play basketball for Southwest Minnesota State University in 2015. A four-year player for SMSU, Kirk showcased consistency and longevity for the Mustangs. From 2015 to 2018, Kirk played in 124 games, making 79 career starts.

Kirk set school records for field goal percentage (.591) and career (887) at the close of his impressive run on the hardwood in 2018. For Kirk, his Senior year at SMSU would be a memorable one. Making the transition to a two-sport collegiate athlete, Kirk would make the Mustangs football team as a tight end. In addition to his hard work during basketball season, Kirk impressed players and coaches in his lone season on the gridiron. While playing 11 games in 2018, hauling in 27 receptions for 339 yards and one touchdown.

Upon graduation, Kirk would pivot to the world of professional sports. The Mustangs of the SPFL would be his first stop, followed by a minicamp invite from the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. Next, Kirk was invited to a private workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leaning in on his vast experience playing basketball, Kirk would head overseas to play professionally in France in 2020. With his unique blend of skills and size, Kirk should have a nice role with Head Coach Rickey Foggie’s Myth team. Serving as a lineman who can catch passes and block on key downs, Kirk will dominate in this role in 2024.