Prospect Watch: Underclassmen Spotlight
It’s a new week and a new chance to look into more underclassmen! Here are three more rising 2023 prospects to keep an eye on going forward.
#EastTN23
(QB) Drew Lambert Drew Lambert 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Cleveland
Scout’s Take: Lambert is a strong athlete at the quarterback position with tools that can make it to the next level. First thing you notice when watching his film, Lambert is a poised guy behind center that works through the mesh well and makes plays. Whether it’s by air or by ground, Lambert has a knack and a feel for making something happen. He sports good arm strength and shows good zip on the ball. Lambert shows accurate passing and the timing needed on the next level but of course he must keep developing in this area if he plans to play big time college football. Lambert can also tuck it and run. He has enough speed to break down the defense and make plays with his legs when needed. The Blue Raiders stud quarterback has a skill set and the talents to be molded into a college level signal caller and he has time to do just that as he is currently prepping for a big junior season ahead.
Follow @drewlambert_
Soph. Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9891087/5f9e1b3664df430b2cc57ffd
#MidTN23
(OT/G) Eli Freeman (6’5 290) – Lebanon
Scout’s Take: A physical, big bodied guy with a strong work ethic, Freeman has already established himself as one of the top Middle TN O-linemen for his recruiting class and he will only get better over time. The Blue Devils rising junior sports college size and a body that fits on the next level along with a skill set that can be utilized in multiple ways. Freeman is a versatile lineman that could play tackle or swing inside. If he stays outside, right tackle is his spot but his biggest upside could be inside at guard where he can maul the opposition and use his developing athleticism and power in short spaces where he can be a dominant blocker. Freeman is also well trained and one of the hardest workers around, so he brings a lot of value to the offensive line. He doesn’t have any college offers but that will change in the very near future. Freeman has the size, physical game play and smarts to find himself playing D1 college ball one day.
Follow @freemsam003
Soph. Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14203678/5f5ee8f306624b102c28ac60
#WestTN23
(Ath) Marquez Taylor Marquez Taylor 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB McKenzie | 2023 State TN (6’0 175) – McKenzie
Scout’s Take: Taylor may come from a small town school but his talents are big and you will be seeing him perform on the D1 college football level very soon. A dynamic natural athlete with two way talents, Taylor is simply a playmaker that can be plugged into a variety of positions and excel no matter what. The Rebels star product is well put together with a physical frame and length and has shown so far this offseason that he can run and cover. Defensive back might be where Taylor has the biggest upside as he shows the abilities and traits to become a possible lock down cover corner. At worst, Taylor could play every position within the secondary, so his athleticism and versatility is quite valuable. This West Tennessee prospect also brings a lot of value to special teams as well as a possible return man and gunner. College coaches have already taken notice as Taylor has a handful of offers but it’s just the beginning as I expect this guy to be a Top 20 in-state prospect for the 2023 class.
Follow @MarquezTaylor16
Soph. Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13835808/5fa6e9c70c54df0af46b26fa