KFBCA Top 11: Gavin Hoffman

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams in early December, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Blue Valley Northwest tight end Gavin Hoffman's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2023 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

Over the last two seasons, Blue Valley Northwest standout and Iowa Hawkeye signee Gavin Hoffman has been among the best receiving threats in the state. The 6-5, 225 pound tight end is the top rated senior in the state of Kansas, and the 14th ranked prospect nationally at his position.

Running a 4.56 40 with incredible size and strength, the four-star prospect is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs alike, making him a perfect fit for the program frequently dubbed “Tight End U.”

“Gavin's physical measurables gave him a massive edge on his opponents, but his willingness to learn and create versatility for his team and for himself were his greatest strengths,” Northwest head coach Clint Rider said. “I believe his prowess as a dual-sport athlete helped him develop as an overall athlete and reach his full potential.”

Hoffman averaged 6.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game as a junior for a state championship Blue Valley Northwest basketball team, before electing not to go out for his senior season due to early enrollment at Iowa.

Since his underclassman days, Hoffman worked to improve his standing on the field, committing to the weight room and to understanding the game.

“Gavin grew in the game of football both mentally and physically,” Rider said. “He started out as a gangly wide receiver and in a span of two years put on fifty pounds allowing him to play wide, in-line tight end, and as an unattached tight end. To do all of those things requires a great commitment to learning. Outside of the quarterback, there is not another person on the offense who had more to handle from a mental standpoint and will translate extremely well at the college level.” 

As a sophomore on Blue Valley Northwest’s 2021 state championship squad, Hoffman played in two games, catching three passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. 

It was his junior season that the hard work began to pay off, as the dynamic offensive threat reeled in 38 receptions for 685 yards and 11 TDs, adding 28 rushing yards.

Northwest put together another solid season, finishing the year at 6-4 after a 28-19 second round playoff loss to eventual state runner-up Gardner-Edgerton.

Hoffman earned second team All-EKL for his efforts, and also saw a major boost in recruiting interest, receiving a trove of DI offers over the following spring and summer. 

As the offers came in, Hoffman continued to work on improving himself, and his teammates.

“Gavin's work ethic in the weight room provided a great example to others,” Rider said. “He bought into the process of changing his eating habits and developing his body in a way that has positively impacted his teammates. He truly cares about winning and helping others perform at their best.”

Entering his senior season Hoffman met all expectations while on the field, but dealt with injuries that kept him out in a Week 4 matchup with Lee’s Summit, as well as Week 7 and 8 matchups against Blue Valley North and Bishop Miege respectively.

Over eight games, Hoffman still managed to catch 22 passes for 542 yards and six TDs, with the Huskies going 5-3 in those contests. Without him they were 1-2. 

“When Gavin was not on the field, we were not the same offense,” Rider said. “We were greatly limited in formation and it condensed the playbook to a great degree. His presence and acumen on the field has been a pivotal factor in our offensive success over the last two years and we will greatly miss him.”

Hoffman returned in time for the playoffs, where he had big games in the opening rounds against Olathe Northwest in a 48-10 win and in the second round against Olathe South in a 47-42 win, combining for 218 receiving yards and three TDs between the two matchups.

“Obviously he’s a tough matchup due to his size and speed,” Olathe South head coach Ron Litchfield said. “He’s as good of a blocker as receiver. Really good player.”

Northwest finished the season 6-5, again losing to a finals bound Gardner-Edgerton, this time in the state quarterfinals. Gardner-Edgerton went on to win the 6A title. 

Along with his Top 11 honors, Hoffman was also a 6A Player of the Year finalist for Sports in Kansas, first team All-EKL and earned All-State from numerous media outlets. He also left Blue Valley Northwest as their all-time leader in career TD receptions with 18.

Hoffman held scholarship offers from Arizona State, Missouri, Arkansas, Auburn, Nebraska, Illinois, Purdue, Tennessee, and numerous other DI programs but ultimately signed with Iowa on December 20th and he’ll head to Iowa City in just a few days.

The senior joins a rich history of Iowa tight ends, including current NFL standouts George Kittle, TJ Hockenson and Sam LaPorta.