CARTHAGE, Mo. — One of the toughest positions for college programs to fill, there are very few recruits at the tight end position across the state each year, and the first Six Star Football Camp & Combine was short on numbers at the position, but high on quality.

Here we take a look at the tight ends who competed at the event.

94 — Gary Clinton, 6’4, 220, TE, 2021, Webb City @GaryClinton08
40 — 4.66 … Broad  8’10 … Short Shuttle 4.53 … Power Ball 38’1

Clinton is establishing himself as one of the state’s top tight end prospects and his performance at the Six Star Combine was impressive as he ran a 4.66 40-yard dash, a terrific time for a tight end prospect. Mix in an 8’10 broad jump and a 38’1 power ball throw, all terrific numbers. Clinton was a significant varsity player for Webb City last season as a sophomore, serving as a blocking tight end for a program that runs the ball first, second and third option. The Cardinals used its tight end on some short passes on QB roll outs and he impresses with his ability to take a short pass and turn it up field for big yardage. Clinton is a player to watch over the course of his junior season and will likely be a player on college program’s radars in the near future.

231 — Danny Joiner, 6’3, 222, DE/TE, 2021, North KC @DanielJoinerJr1
40 — 5.07 … Broad  9’0 … Short Shuttle 4.69 … Power Ball 37’0

Joiner worked out with the defensive ends in Carthage, but he earns a spot here thanks to his work on the field last season at tight end. He is a powerful blocker on the edge and helped spring a terrific KC North run game as a sophomore. Joiner can also get loose on a defense in the pass game and shows strong hands and terrific running abilities after the catch. He isn’t afraid to go over the middle of the field and can take a hit and still hold onto the ball. Joiner currently holds an offer from Toledo and is establishing himself as a terrific two-way prospect.

220  — Eli Stewart, 6’2, 225, TE, 2020, Blue Springs @EliStewart20
40 — 5.20 … Broad  7’8 … Short Shuttle 4.45 … Power Ball 35’5

Stewart took over for graduated Caleb Marquez and continued the tradition of another strong player in Blue Springs’ hybrid tight end/H Back slot. He  is a strong, physical player who earned his stripes last season at Blue Springs as a terrific blocker. He can block on the edge, or at the point of attack, is often a player in motion and can get a running start at an opponent for a devastating block or get into the second level and open holes. Blue Springs doesn’t look his way often in the pass game, but when they do he can make plays down field and can shrug off a tackle in the open field.

340 — Jayce Talbot, 6’4, 250, TE/LB, 2020, Jasper   @JayceTalbot
40 — 5.15 … Broad  8’2 … Short Shuttle 4.72 … Power Ball 37’5

A player who is somewhat new to our radar, Talbot plays at a small school outside of the Joplin area and hasn’t gotten much hype to this point, but he brings terrific size to the field at 6’4, 250 and good, fluid athleticism for a tight end prospect. His film shows a player who can take the top off a defense by hauling in long passes down field, can win a jump ball against smaller defenders and is tough blocker. Talbot also excelled on defense and could find a home at the next level on that side of the ball as well.

131 — Camden Weiler, 6’4, 210, DE/TE, 2021, Lutheran South
40 — 5.16 … Broad  7’11 … Short Shuttle 4.94 … Power Ball 33’10

Known mostly for his work as a talented defensive end prospect, Weiler had some terrific moments this past season at tight end. He caught 12 passes for 107 yards and two TDs, but was also a standout blocker. He has an athletic frame, good size and is a fluid, mobile athlete.

134 — Jacob Wilkerson, 5’11, 165, TE,  2020, Carthage @Jacobwilkerso14
40 — 4.82 … Broad  7’2 … Short Shuttle 4.50 … Power Ball 32’3