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Florida, UNC, Miami lead way for four-star tight end

Keon Zipperer
Keon Zipperer (Nick Lucero/Rivals.com)

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Keon Zipperer has a long list of offers from major schools. He also has all the time in the world to choose one of them. A class-of-2019 tight end, Zipperer isn’t in need of haste. Not yet.

It hasn’t stopped the Lakeland (Fla.) High School standout from assembling an early top three, however. He lists it upon request.

“It’s three schools on top for me right now,” Zipper said on Wednesday. “It’s North Carolina, Miami and Florida.”

The reasons for each program’s standing in his top three comes with a different explanation. Zipperer isn’t one for longwinded soliloquies or speeches. So asked what sets the group apart, he cuts to the chase.

“With Florida, I’ve liked them since I was a little kid growing up,” he said. “With Miami, they product tight ends. With North Carolina, the coaches show love. We talk. We hit each other up a lot.”

Zipperer may be short on words, but he intends to be long on action this offseason. His tentative visit schedule is, in a word, aggressive. It’s also one that could have an impact on his top three.

“This summer, I’m gonna go to Florida, Clemson, Auburn,” he said. “I’m trying to go to Ohio State. I’ve been to Florida State a few times. I might go back there.”

One of the top tight ends in the 2019 class, Zipperer carries a four-star ranking. He will be ranked among his position when Rivals.com expands the 2019 rankings in the weeks ahead.

RIVALS REACTION: It’s too soon to project Zipperer’s landing spot. Florida and Miami are probably the best early guesses, but much could – and likely will -- change before now and the tight end’s senior season. North Carolina is a real player but likely runs in third because of its relative distance. Clemson, Auburn, Ohio State and others could enter the forefront of the tight end’s recruitment following summer visits.

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