Thomas

Fidone

After suffering a torn ACL in 2021, Fidone (6’5/243) generated his two seasons of college production from 2023-2024. Playing both in-line and in the slot at Nebraska, Fidone caught 36 passes for 373 yards in his final season. He is an athletic player, testing with the longest broad jump and second-fastest 20-yard shuttle among tight ends at the NFL Combine. Fidone’s consistency as a blocker will need to improve at the next level while his small sample of college production does not paint the most complete picture of his abilities. However, his athleticism and resilience will give Fidone a chance on an NFL roster.

Fidone (6'5/220) is the highest-rated prospect in Nebraska’s 2021 recruiting class. He underwent knee surgery in April after suffering an injury during spring practice. Offensive coordinator Matt Lubick says he looks great, but there is no timetable on his return. He will only play in four games this year in order to keep his redshirt eligibility.

Fidone (6'5/220), the highest-rated prospect in Nebraska’s 2021 recruiting class, was expected to be a contributor this fall. The recent injury casts some doubt on that, as it remains unknown how much time the freshman will have to miss. According to Mitch Sherman of The Athletic, Fidone was making good progress before he suffered the knee injury. Juniors Austin Allen and Travis Vokolek are Nebraska’s most experienced tight ends heading into the 2021 season.

Fidone (6'5"/217) opted in with Nebraska over fellow finalists Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State and LSU. This one should be considered a real stinger for the Hawkeyes, who not only have a recent history of putting tight ends in the NFL, but also had home-state advantage with the Council Bluffs, Iowa, native. And now Fidone heads to a division rival. The four-star tight end is a master of the contested catch and has real offensive upside for the pros down the road. 247Sports’ Allen Trieu loosely compares Fidone’s game to that of Eagles TE Zach Ertz. The outlet composite board sees Fidone home as the No. 92 overall prospect in the 2021 class.

Fidone (6'5/217) told 247Sports that he’s known his future collegiate program for a “little while now.” And in a little under two weeks, he will let the world in on his decision. Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Penn State and LSU. A true offensive weapon -- Fidone does the receiver-y things incredibly well -- the Council Bluffs, Iowa, native will need to pack on healthy bulk for the next level, but has the frame for additional mass. On the 247Sports composite board, Fidone slots in as the No. 90 overall prospect in the 2021 class.

Fidone (6'5/217) additionally ticked off Michigan, Iowa, Alabama and Texas as programs of note. The Council Bluffs, Iowa, native could be Nebraska’s to lose, though. Back in March, Rivals’ Mike Farrell predicted that the four-star tight end would ultimately throw in with the Huskers and as of current, six-of-eight predictions on the 247Sports Crystal Ball have him siding with HC Scott Frost and crew when all is said and done. Fidone is aiming to get his visits in in early September, after which he will reassess the landscape. A true offensive weapon with NFL potential should he develop to advertising, Fidone ranks as the top tight end prospect for the cycle on the 247Sports composite board.

Farrell stresses that the Huskers are far from a given to land Fidone, but the analyst tentatively likes where they’re at with the 6-foot-5, 217-pounder, noting that Fidone has already trekked out on multiple visits to Lincoln. But there is plenty of competition, here, with LSU, Iowa, Michigan and Penn State all additionally in the hunt for the Council Bluffs, Iowa, native. Still a ways to go in this recruitment, so stay tuned. Rivals ranks Fidone as the No. 60 overall prospect in the 2021 class.