Prospect Watch: Underclassmen Spotlight
The 2022 recruiting cycle is in full effect but that doesn’t mean we can’t look at the future and some of the top rising underclassmen from the Volunteer State.
In this new series, #PRZTN and #CSS will dive deep into three C/o of 2023 spotlighted underclassmen prospects to know about, learn about and pay attention to going forward.
(New prospects will be spotlighted each week)
East Tennessee
(RB) DeSean Bishop DeSean Bishop 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Karns | 2023 State TN (5’11 180) – Karns HS
Photo: gridironscouting.comScout’s Take: A silky smooth runner with excellent balance, Bishop is a tough guy to catch up with or stop when the ball is in his hands. The Beavers star back has good size but isn’t overly powerful however that doesn’t matter much when watching his film as he shows great vision along with nifty feet and the ability to find that open space which leads to big plays. Bishop is quite elusive and tough to grasp. Defenders have a hard time grabbing onto or keeping up with Bishop as he has a knack for knowing where to run and elude would be tacklers. He is a big play threat any time he hits the open field and his speed is something that opposing defenses must account for when game planning against him and his Beavers team.
Bishop is an interesting athlete as he could actually develop into a receiver or even defensive back if given the opportunity to compete at those positions. He is a running back no doubt but the fact he could excel at other positions show his athleticism and upside on the next level as an exciting football prospect. Bishop does hold an offer from Eastern Ky but I would expect many more to come his way over time.
Follow @D_Bishop2004
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11346372/5f81f9c9f56aeb0958b30d2d
Middle Tennessee
(LB) Ethan Crisp Ethan Crisp 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Mt. Juliet | 2023 State TN (6’3 205) – Mt. Juliet HS
Scout’s Take: Crisp is one of those guys you really enjoy watching their film and if given the chance, see him compete in person as he is one of the hardest workers and more dedicated football prospects you will find in this state, regardless of recruiting class. The Golden Bears rising senior linebacker absolutely loves the game of football and loves the work that comes along with it. Crisp constantly works at his game and will anything asked of him to improve his abilities any way possible.
When watching Crisp compete on the field, you quickly notice his active motor along with his fluid body movements that always puts him around the ball. He is a multi talented linebacker that plays the run very well but he is equally sound at dropping into space and covering the pass. Crisp always seems to be in the right spot. He is a playmaker on defense that simply makes big plays in big moments. His feel for the game and maturity is already at a college freshman level, so you can see why Vanderbilt decided to offer Crisp a few weeks ago and be that first college team to get on board with his abilities and upside. Crisp has a high ceiling that he is far from reaching but you can bet he will certainly work to get there and become the best football player he can.
Follow @EthanCrisp12
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12677651/5f7a6ad564df560524c24af8
West Tennessee
(OL) Nate Bledsoe Nate Bledsoe 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN (6’4 270) – Briarcrest Christian
Scout’s Take: Playing for one of the top high school football programs in the West Tennessee region, Bledsoe stands out on an offensive line with several high quality guys because not only does he have the size to compete on the college level but the explosive traits and football smarts to excel there as well. Bledsoe is a physical competitor that embraces contact and plays through the whistle with a bit of a mean streak, which is great for an offensive lineman. He is also quite versatile as he could develop and play all three interior offensive line positions with good upside for center. The Saints rising junior is a good athlete at his size, so he can bend and be flexible in the middle to handle the center position or any interior role he is needed to play.
Bledsoe has a good body and a nice frame that can continue adding weight while forming his muscle and maintaining his explosive nature. He has a powerful punch as well. As a defender, you will certainly feel his power when lined up across from him and continue to take his aggressive nature until the game is over. More development of course must happen for Bledsoe but he shows college potential. He has the makings of one of the top interior recruited offensive linemen of the 2023 class if all continues to mature in the right direction.
Follow @nate_bledsoe75
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8252395/5f75410a066c020a90ebc53e