The Five: #TN2022 Pass Catching Threats
As we jump back into “The Five”, we take a look at some of the top in-state receiving threats for the 2022 class and when you look at this list, these guys are some of the top overall prospects in…
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Continue ReadingAs we jump back into “The Five”, we take a look at some of the top in-state receiving threats for the 2022 class and when you look at this list, these guys are some of the top overall prospects in the entire state.
This was actually a tough break down to make between multiple guys who deserved to crack this list but we can only go with five, so here at the top names to know about.
(This is not a ranking; Players are listed in random order)
1. (WR) Isaiah Horton Isaiah Horton 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR Oakland | 2022 State TN (6’2 195) – Oakland HS
– Horton immediately steps off the bus and looks the part as a college ready receiver that is just continuing to learn his craft as he goes along before he explodes on the next level. A threat to find the endzone whenever he is on the field, Horton is a big play threat waiting to happen and can put up points in multiple ways. Whether you need him to be your tall, jump ball guy, he has it or your intermediate, over the middle guy, he has that too. Horton just needs the ball in his hands and he will make something happen.
The Patriots star receiver is a well built, physical specimen that opposing defenders have a hard time bringing down. Horton is a strong guy that can easily run through tackles or fight defenders for the ball within contested traffic. He can also run too, so Horton provides a lot of tools at receiver that can be developed into a #1 or at worst, a #2 receiver in the college game. He has a bevy of Power Five offers to choose from, so whoever lands his signature could be getting a game changing offensive weapon.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11232808/5f78f9ff6e8b060d8c70f688
2. (WR) Barion Brown Barion Brown 6'1" | 165 lbs | WR Pearl-Cohn | 2022 State TN (6’1 165) – Pearl Cohn HS
– Brown could be the most athletic football player in the entire state regardless of class and you could put him on the college field today and give him the ball in space and he could score. You talk about getting off the line and into your routes quickly, Brown is your guy. His quicks, explosiveness and burst is of NFL quality. Brown has tremendous upside as a home run hitting, big play threat that yes still has room to grow but can step onto a college field tomorrow and stand out immediately.
The thing about Brown that excites myself and many college coaches is the concept that you can use his skills in a variety of ways. You can throw multiple routes his way and he could pick them up quickly and execute. He is excellent in short, intermediate routes where he gets the ball quickly and uses his athleticism and speed to create big plays. Brown can also work deep as defensive backs have a hard time keeping up with him, especially when beat off the line. He has his choices of Power Five schools to choose from, so very soon you will Brown on Saturdays making game changing plays on the college gridiron.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12170494/5d932daf02b1a50210923614
3. (TE) Karson Gay Karson Gay 6'6" | 225 lbs | TE Boyd Buchanan | 2022 State TN (6’6 225) – Boyd Buchanan HS
– The lone tight end on this list makes it because Gay’s upside and potential is so strong that when you look at him and see him play, you immediately think Power Five, NFL talent. His height, length and catch radius is something you see on Saturday night’s and on Sunday’s. Now Gay is far from a finished product and must continue developing his overall speed and agility but the tools are all there to turn into a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
I have been able to see and work with Gay in person multiple times, so I have first hand knowledge of how big and talented this guy really is and how much he loves the game and loves to work. The thing I love the most about Gay is not his physical traits and athletic abilities but it’s his football knowledge and the little tricks he already knows about how to work a defender and get open. His football smarts along with the rest of his game will only continue to grow stronger once he is under the teaching of the Virginia coaching staff.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11325815/Karson-Gay/highlights
4. (WR) Kaydin Pope Kaydin Pope 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Hardin County | 2022 State TN (6’0 172) – Hardin Co. HS
– Smooth, athletic with tons of potential to go, Pope is one of the more elusive, big play threat receivers we have in-state and he is far from reaching his maximum capabilities. The Tigers rising senior has put up big numbers at receiver the past two years and done so in a variety of ways. Pope has the speed and the make you miss ability to turn a small gain into big yardage or be your deep threat. He shows a 2nd gear to get away from defenders and it’s hard to stop him when he reaches the open field. Pope truly brings a lot of tools to the receiver position that quarterbacks love to work with.
His recruitment has already taken off as Pope sports several Power Five offers with many more to come. He is such a good athlete that Pope could honestly excel over on defense at defensive back and do so at a high level. Showing the ability to play both ways says that Pope could be an excellent choice on special teams along with his work over at receiver. This is a big time prospect with major upside!
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11526283/5fb228ebd468b7099c4f0c72
5. (WR) Clarkson Shoaf Clarkson Shoaf 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR MUS | 2022 State TN (6’2 185) – MUS
– This guy may be the most underrated pass catcher in the entire state but hopefully after a big summer camp season, Shoaf finally becomes a household name with plenty of college options. This West Tennessee product sports a lot of tools that translate to the next level. Shoaf has good size along with outstanding hands and the ability to make the tough catch in traffic or come up with the catch deep down the field. He is a fearless competitor that does not back down from competition or the spotlight. He has competed and produced high numbers against stout competition, so this is a talent that is more than capable of competing on the highest college football level.
Shoaf is also a natural athlete and two sport star that actually has room to grow, so his best football is definitely ahead of him. Morehead St. became the 1st program to offer Shoaf recently and they won’t be the last. Look for this Memphis area receiver to hit the college camp scene hard next month and it would not be surprising to hear him come out of the summer as a camp star.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8020532/5f6767815cb43c09ecbcf931
Others Considered: Markel Fortenberry Markel Fortenberry 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Maryville | 2022 State TN (6’5 180) – Maryville, Jake Roberts Jake Roberts 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Elizabethton | 2022 State TN (5’11 178) – Elizabethton, Aaron Walton Aaron Walton 6'3" | 220 lbs | TE Brentwood | 2022 State TN (6’3 220) – Brentwood, Brandon King Brandon King 5'9" | 180 lbs | WR Summit | 2022 State TN (5’10 175) – Summit, Jackson Long Jackson Long 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Beech | 2022 State TN (6’5 225) – Beech