Image source: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
Georgia’s tight end room is quietly becoming one of the most feared in the SEC. Coach Todd Hartley’s ability to develop young talent has turned the position into a powerhouse under Kirby Smart. His recent comments signal that rivals should be paying close attention.
At the top of the group is Kaiden Prothro, one of Georgia’s most decorated tight end recruits. He enters Athens with 63 career touchdown receptions, a Georgia high school record.
Prothro is also eager to be molded into a complete tight end, not just a flex receiver. “He knows he’s got to be developed as a tight end, and I love that about him,” Hartley added.
Prothro’s high school résumé backs that confidence. Ranked a top-5 TE nationally, he caught 50 passes for 931 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior at Bowdon High School.
On the other side of the room is Lincoln Keyes, the traditional, in-line tight end. Hartley calls him a “prototype wide TE” who can flex out or line up inline.
Keyes, a 4-star prospect from Saline, Michigan, showed steady production in high school and multi-sport athleticism that Georgia values.
Braden Fogle adds versatility to the mix. “Prothro is more of a flex end, Lincoln Keyes is more traditional, and Fogle is a combination of both,” Hartley explained. Fogle played multiple positions in high school, including tailback, quarterback, and defense.
Despite losing Peare Spurlin to medical reasons and Oscar Delp to the NFL, Georgia kept the rest of its tight end room intact. Lawson Luckie, Jaden Reddell, Elyiss Williams, and Ethan Barbour all return, giving the room veteran leadership to accelerate development.
Looking ahead, Georgia is pushing hard for Brock Williams, a 4-star TE from Illinois and the No. 2 tight end in the 2027 class. He caught 44 passes for 596 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and has already visited Athens three times.
Texas and Ohio State are also in the mix, but Williams has praised Georgia’s development track record. “The trust I have in Coach Hartley is huge. He’s super easy to talk to and always honest,” Williams said.
While NIL deals matter, Williams prioritizes playing time, development, and a path to the NFL—areas where Georgia has proven success.
Todd Hartley’s TE room is organized, balanced, and aggressive. For the SEC, it’s a warning: Georgia isn’t just reloading at tight end—they’re building the next wave of stars.
FAQ:
Who are the top tight ends in Georgia’s 2026 class?
Kaiden Prothro, Lincoln Keyes, and Braden Fogle are the main players. Prothro is a highly decorated pass-catcher, Keyes is a traditional in-line TE, and Fogle brings versatility as a hybrid.
What makes Kaiden Prothro stand out?
Prothro set a Georgia high school record with 63 career touchdown receptions. He is ranked a top-5 tight end nationally and is known as a gifted pass catcher who can be developed into a complete TE.
Who is Lincoln Keyes and what’s his role?
Keyes is a 4-star recruit from Saline, Michigan. At 6’6″ and 250 pounds, he is a traditional tight end who can block and catch passes, giving Georgia a strong in-line option.
How does Braden Fogle fit into the TE room?
Fogle is a hybrid tight end who played multiple positions in high school, including QB, tailback, and defense. He acts as the connector between Prothro and Keyes.
Did Georgia lose any tight ends from last season?
Yes, Peare Spurlin left for medical reasons, and Oscar Delp entered the NFL Draft. However, veteran TEs like Lawson Luckie, Jaden Reddell, Elyiss Williams, and Ethan Barbour are returning.
Who is Georgia targeting for future tight end recruits?
Brock Williams, a 4-star TE from Illinois and the No. 2 tight end in the 2027 class, is a top target. He caught 44 passes for 596 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Why are SEC teams watching Georgia’s tight end room?
Todd Hartley has developed a balanced, talented, and versatile TE room. Georgia combines top recruits, returning veterans, and strong coaching, making it a model program at the position.
What does Brock Williams value most in a program?
Williams prioritizes playing time, development, and a clear path to the NFL over NIL opportunities. Georgia’s track record aligns with those priorities.
How does Todd Hartley describe his TE room?
Hartley calls it organized, balanced, and aggressive. He emphasizes versatility, development, and preparing young TEs to contribute immediately.
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