Jace Amaro

One of the highest-rated high school recruits to enroll in Lubbock, the junior displayed flashes for two years before enjoying a breakout season in 2013. Amaro emerged as the focal point of the Tech offense in 2013, recording six 100-yard games en route to finishing the season with 1,352 receiving yards, the second-highest single-season total in program history behind wide receiver Michael Crabtree's 1,962 in 2007. The yardage mark also broke James Casey's (Rice, 2008) single-season NCAA mark for a tight end of 1,329. A big, fluid athlete, Amaro lined up mostly in the slot and used his thick body to gain position in coverage and used his large, soft hands to attack the ball in the air. He is a balanced route-runner and dangerous after the catch, even if defenders get both hands on him. If you are looking for somebody to create a size/speed mismatch in that inside slot, as he did in college, Amaro's your man. But if you are looking for a tight end who can help with in-line blocking he is the wrong candidate.

strengths

At 6-feet-5, 265 pounds with impressive straight-line speed (4.74 seconds). Lining up mostly in the slot, Amaro is a big, fluid athlete who uses his thick body to gain proper positioning in coverage and uses his large, soft mitts to attack the ball in the air.

doesn't always play up to his size as a route-runner and can't let defenders knock him from his path.

Needs to develop a nastier demeanor as a blocker and improve his hand placement - will get caught holding. Room to improve his ball security when fighting for extra yards. Primarily an inside slot receiver in college and wasn't asked to be a consistent inline blocker.

weaknesses

Lacks elite bulk and muscle definition for the position. Shows some ankle and lower body stiffness, lacking elite flexibility. Doesn't have the softest hands and will have some drops off his palms. Allows his pads to get too high in his routes and needs to stay low and show better dip and body balance in his breaks - needs to do a better job hiding his intended path until the final moment.

some durability concerns after missing six games in 2012 after an upper body injury (grade-3 lacerated spleen) that caused internal bleeding. needs to keep his emotions in check on the field - ejected from the bowl game in 2012 after punching an opponent. some minor off-field character concerns after a march 2012 arrest for credit card fraud.

COMPARES TO

he is a balanced route-runner and collects himself when changing direction with smooth moves to create separation. amaro is dangerous after the catch and isn't an easy ballcarrier to bring down, running with power and toughness.

Played more of a slot receiver position in college and projects as a joker tight end at the next level.

rob housler, te, arizona cardinals - amaro and housler are both tall, well-built targets who are still developing but the natural tools are intriguing and project high ceilings in the nfl.

--Dane Brugler (2/6/14)

MacArthur High School in San Antonio, Texas

four-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout

ranks No. 52 in Rivals Top 100

named USA Today First-Team All-America

Dave Campbell's Top 300 and ranked in the Top five for tight ends

PrepStar All-America

No. 23 on Superprep Texas 120

No. 12 Superprep All-America Tight End

ranked No. 3 tight end in the country by Rivals

Prep Star All-America

Honorable Mention All-State selection

First-Team All-Area

First-Team District 26-5A

as a senior made 56 receptions for 887 yards with 11 touchdowns

helped basketball team to state quarterfinals appearance

High School Coach: Ben Cook.

Jace Jordan Amaro

born June 26, 1992, in Plano, Texas

son of Robert and Rosemary Amaro

has older sibling, Manae, and younger sibling, Madison

majoring in business at Texas Tech.