ESPN analyst ranks top 5 SEC tight ends for 2021 season

With the first full slate of college football games less than one week away now, ESPN and SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic has released his top five SEC tight ends for the 2021 season. This list is the latest in a series of position rankings he has released on social media over the past few weeks.

The list includes a preseason All-American at Texas A&M, an Alabama tight end in hot water and two Georgia tight ends. Check out the complete list of Cole Cubelic’s top five tight ends in the SEC ahead of the 2021 season is below.

Cole Cubelic’s top 5 SEC tight ends

5. John Fitzpatrick, Georgia

The inclusion of Fitzpatrick will surprise many, not because of his talent, but because he is the No. 2 tight end on his own team. In addition, Georgia added LSU transfer Arik Gilbert, an accomplished tight end who is looking to make the shift to wide receiver this season. So far, Fitzpatrick has just 117 career receiving yards and a touchdown over three seasons at Georgia. His blocking earns him a spot on this list despite his circumstances.

4. Nick Muse, South Carolina

The biggest question surrounding Muse is who will throw him the ball. South Carolina recently made headlines by activating a graduate assistant to compete for the quarterback job. As long as things get stabilized behind center, Muse is in line for a breakout season. He finished 2020 with 425 yards and a touchdown.

3. Darnell Washington, Georgia

Washington is the top tight end in a loaded room at Georgia. He put up seven catches for 166 yards with no touchdowns as a freshman in 2020 but will look to build on those numbers with more consistent quarterback play this season.

2. Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama

Billingley has become a hot name for breakout tight end but recently got in some hot water with his coach. Despite questions around Billingsley this month, he is a proven commodity. He put up 287 yards and three touchdowns last season.

1. Jalen Wydermeyer, Texas A&M

Wydermeyer is a preseason All-American and the top-ranked tight end in the SEC this season. He finished 2020 with 46 catches for 506 yards and six touchdowns on his way to his second All-SEC selection in two years. With new quarterback Haynes King in control of the offense, Wydermeyer will look to have another big year.