Four-star TE Elijah Arroyo pledges to Miami

Texas' top tight end is heading out-of-state.

Shortly after narrowing down an impressive double-digit offer sheet, four-star Frisco (Texas) Independence tight end Elijah Arroyo committed to Miami. It's a homecoming of sorts for Arroyo, who is a South Florida native that'll be returning back to Coral Gables, Fla., to play college football.

The Hurricanes edged out Texas A&M, Alabama, Auburn, TCU, LSU and SMU for Arroyo's commitment. One big reason why is the presence of first-year Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, who held the same position at SMU this time a year ago. The Mustangs were among the teams in on Arroyo early on in his recruitment and Lashlee played a critical role in that pursuit.

When Lashlee relocated to Miami, Arroyo picked up an offer nearly instantaneously. With the Canes, Arroyo found an offensive play-caller he's familiar with, an offense that features pass-catching tight ends and an opportunity to return home.

Arroyo has a compelling case to be made not only as the No. 1 tight end in Texas, but among the best in the country. A hybrid wide receiver/tight end, Arroyo reeled 48 receptions for 648 yards and five touchdowns a year ago for Frisco (Texas) Independence High School, averaging 13.5 yards per catch and earning All-District honors. He's also a standout track and field star.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder lines up as a traditional in-line tight end, outside as a traditional wideout and flexed out to the slot. While he has previous experience playing wide receiver, Arroyo is a polished, well-rounded tight end that's not only an elite pass-catcher with excellent hands and playmaking ability, but he's also a plus blocker. He should be a dynamic threat under Lashlee, who last year at SMU helped junior Kylen Granson to 43 receptions for 721 yards (third on the team) and nine touchdowns.

As a pass-catching tight end, Arroyo runs the field very well and can separate from defenders downfield. He can stretch the field vertically and attack multiple levels of a defense. Arroyo is a good route-runner but will benefit from sharpening up that aspect of his game. He's both a dynamic vertical threat that can see action outside the numbers or in the middle of the field and also presents a safety valve for his quarterbacks.

Arroyo has an excellent ability to get vertical, make catches over defenders and thrives at reeling in catches in traffic. He can stretch the field vertically and also create a major mismatch in the red-zone thanks to his length, ability to vertical, extraordinary catch radius and reliable hands.

Arroyo has the ability to make difficult catches look seamless. In other words, even when he's covered he is always open.

Arroyo is also a big play waiting to happen after the catch. His 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame is consistent with a physical running style and a tendency to break tackles and power through defenders. Arroyo is essentially a big-bodied receiver when left alone in the open field. It also needs to be mentioned that Arroyo can absorb big hits while holding onto the field.

As a blocker, Arroyo is a pancake waiting to happen at his best. He's an above-average blocker that is called upon to stalk-block or crack-block in his high school offense. If given the opportunity, Arroyo seems to thrive off of a chance to hit somebody.