Scouting ISU tight end target Rafdal

The 2015 high school football season put Carmel (Ind.) tight end Kurt Rafdal on the map in the eyes of college recruiting coordinators around the country.

Rafdal played fullback before transitioning to wide receiver, where he spent his sophomore year on Carmel's junior varsity squad. Now he starts at tight end for the Greyhounds, but he can also flex out and play on the perimeter.

Rafdal has turned into a multi-offer offer 2017 prospect with offers from Iowa State, Wake Forest, Syracuse, Illinois, Maryland, and Louisville, along with a host of MAC teams. And though he hasn't visited Ames yet, Rafdal knows he is on the Cyclones' radar and feels he could definitely help the Cyclones.

“So far it’s been a really good process,” Rafdal said.

He has the size Division I teams seek at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds. And Carmel head coach John Hebert says Rafdal has room to grow. Rafdal said his strengths lie in zone blocking and running crisp routes. He wants to improve on speed, initial quickness, and being productive after-the-catch.

Coach Hebert praises Rafdal for his work ethic, positive attitude, and effort.

“Kurt is a kid that improves weekly,” Hebert said. “(He) pushes himself all the time. He is his toughest critic, which is mostly positive. Sometimes you have to get him to stop beating himself up over a play because he is a perfectionist.”

A tough test awaits Carmel this fall. With former QB Michael Viktrup off to Air Force, someone will need to fill his shoes. One thing is for sure: the new quarterback inherits a pretty talented group of receivers. Rafdal is certainly among them.

Bryan Ault is the publisher of Indiana Football Scout; follow him on twitter: @INFootballScout