The Iowa Hawkeyes have set the standard for what tight end development, play, and production should look like. Not only at the college level, but what that looks like at the highest level in the NFL.
Iowa currently has five former tight ends that are active NFL players. Those are Noah Fant (Seattle Seahawks), Parker Hesse (Atlanta Falcons), T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), and rookie Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions).
Two of these tight ends, George Kittle and Sam LaPorta, square off in the NFC Championship game for a trip to the Super Bowl. These two are starting tight ends for their squads but more importantly, they are impact players on each of their offenses. Both are among the top in tight end statistical categories.
LaPorta had 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns while Kittle had 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns. The two have arguably been the top two tight ends in the NFL this season. Kittle led all tight ends in receiving yards while LaPorta led all tight ends in touchdowns.
When the Lions and 49ers kick off the NFC Championship, this is also kicking off an Iowa Hawkeyes tight end showcase. This will be two of the best playing on a national stage for all to see.
What it also is, is a goldmine of recruiting ammo for the Hawkeyes. What more do you need to show recruits than the fact that being an Iowa tight end can have you within 60 minutes of a Super Bowl and regarded among the very best in the NFL?
Recruits don’t need to look any further than the real “Tight End U” that will be on full display when George Kittle and Sam LaPorta make plays tomorrow that define the game.
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