Mid-Season Film: Junior Breakout Performers
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As we get closer to the end of the 2021 football season here in Tennessee, we have gathered plenty of flm to glance over and evaluate from prospects all across the state, including several talented guys from the 2023 class. …
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Continue ReadingAs we get closer to the end of the 2021 football season here in Tennessee, we have gathered plenty of flm to glance over and evaluate from prospects all across the state, including several talented guys from the 2023 class.
Here we breakdown ten players who have stood out so far this season and have placed themselves on a path to becoming a highly recruited college prospect.
1. (RB) DeSean Bishop DeSean Bishop 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Karns | 2023 State TN (5’11 190) – Karns
– This 2021 season has been nothing but personal success for Bishop as he has torched opposing defenses to not only lead the state in rushing but the entire country as well. Holding offers from Tennessee, Michigan St., Tulane and Austin Peay, Bishop is a well balanced back with speed, power and vision that fits well in the college game. He is also a good receiver, so Bishop brings a lot to the backfield as a back that can run, catch and block. The Beavers junior running back has several games remaining, so it’s very possible he ends the year rushing for over 2,500 yards as he already sits over 2,000 and counting. This is not only a prime candidate for Mr. Football but a future Division 1 college running back as well.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11346372/612aab6f6e8ba708b47b065b
2. (WR) Jacob Page Jacob Page 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Blackman | 2023 State TN (6’2 190) – Ensworth
– Ensworth is off to a great start for the 2021 season and several prospects have contributed but Page has done more than contributed, he has established himself as possibly the top in-state receiving prospect for the 2023 class as he has dominated the opposition thus far. Page has looked different this year and different compared to other players on the field with him. He is big with long arms and the physical nature to work through opponents and attack the ball. The Tigers junior receiver is also a big time athlete with speed and hops, so he is an equal threat in the deep game and inside the redzone. Page is almost as a complete receiver that you will find and college coaches are beginning to notice that. He holds several Power Five offers already but expect the rest of the nation to get on board with Page soon.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6464997/612d14950c5de80adcf2c365
3. (S) Marliss Gray Marliss Gray 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Haywood | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Haywood
– Many may know about Jaylen Lewis Jaylen Lewis 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Haywood | 2022 State TN from Haywood but the Tomcats might have another future college star in their secondary right here with Gray. This guy is a big, physical hitter that can run and he shows on film explosive traits along with the ability to track down the ball anywhere on the field. Gray fits the role of a strong safety but has the athleticism and range to play centerfield or even drop down into a coverage linebacker, star role if needed. He is a well versed and athletic guy that can roam anywhere on the defense and find the ball carrier no matter where he is. This is a talented defensive back that has yet to break out onto the recruiting scene but that should change soon as more college coaches look over his film.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14638558/614eb47164df3b08a8925c97
4. (OL) Nate Bledsoe Nate Bledsoe 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN (6’4 280) – Briarcrest Christian
– This junior season has been a breakout year thus far for Bledsoe as he has several Power Five and D1 college football programs interested and it’s all due to his explosive, excellent play on the line of scrimmage. The Saints junior offensive lineman has played multiple roles on the line for his team and has excelled at every position. The biggest trait you notice when watching his film is his fast get-off and explosive, powerful blocking. His mobility and technique flashing across the line is something that stands out when watching him and those are traits that play up well on the college level. Bledsoe also fits best inside in the college game but has the athleticism and versatility to play tackle if needed. This Memphis area O-lineman has definitely gotten better and will only continue to improve as the months go on.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8252395/614a0473bed66811702f716b
5. (DB) Osize Daniyan Osize Daniyan 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Mt. Juliet | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Mt. Juliet
– Football scouts and college coaches may not know too much about Daniyan right now but sooner than later, they will. This is a highly talented, long and athletic prospect that screams big upside on defense at cornerback or anywhere in the secondary at that. Daniyan is well put together with a physical, lean frame along with the arm length and radius to shut down receivers. He also has the speed and ball skills to lock down the boundary or track down the ball anywhere from the defensive backfield. The Golden Bears junior defensive back is still developing and learning as he goes but Daniyan has major potential for the college game and soon enough, college coaches will be getting involved.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12395624/6137931902b1840988f6e43d
6. (TE) Ben Marshall Ben Marshall 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Blackman | 2023 State TN (6’5 220) – Blackman
– The Blaze have a star on their hands with Marshall as this 6’5 long armed pass catcher has not only broken onto the scene as one of the top tight ends in the Mid-State but also established himself as a legit college recruited prospect. Marshall has outstanding hands and catches just about anything thrown his way. He lines up in a variety of spots on the Blaze offense as he has the athleticism to line out wide and either work the middle of the field or deep. Marshall is a mismatch problem for defenders as he is too big for defensive backs to line up with or linebackers to keep chase. He is still developing his in-line blocking but doesn’t lack the effort and has the frame to put on more weight to take on the physicality at the line of scrimmage. The offers haven’t arrived yet but be patient because this Murfreesboro area tight end will have them soon.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13148653/61416028ff02080a002abc25
7. (Ath) Malaki Dowell Malaki Dowell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB White Co. | 2023 State TN (6’0 175) – White Co.
– This is one of the more underrated talents in the entire state and this junior season, Dowell has been nothing but spectacular and simply established himself as one of the top playmakers from the Mid-Tennessee region. Dowell runs the quarterback role for his White Co. team but translates to the next level at a variety of positions and that’s due to his overwhelming athleticism. Defenses have had a hard time containing Dowell this year as he has the vision and speed to hit the hole fast and the next thing you know, he is gone! The great thing about Dowell is that he knows how to play football but still has lots to learn as he will probably play a new position on the next level. The upside and potential is there for Dowell to become a dynamic playmaker in the college game. He is just waiting on those offers!
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13198435/615a1bfcbd755f0a94856aa0
8. (LB) Bryan Longwell Bryan Longwell 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Lipscomb Academy | 2023 State TN (6’0 220) – Lipscomb Academy
– Longwell and his Mustangs defense have been dominating this year and the play of this middle linebacker has been a big reason and catalyst why. Longwell is built like a fire hydrant and he runs like a gazelle. He is a beautiful looking middle backer that chases down the ball fast and punishes his opponents. Longwell is excellent versus the run but is equally sound against the pass as well. This is an athletic linebacker that does have a few offers at the moment but could see an influx of Power Five interest because his film shows those kinds of abilities. Longwell has played at a very high level this year and will certainly move up the rankings in the next updates.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15060483/613025eca0188c0618de52ce
9. (DB) Jaxon Hammond Jaxon Hammond 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Christian Brothers | 2023 State TN (5’10 175) – Christian Brothers
– Holding a few offers headed into the 2021 season, Hammond knew he needed to step up and prove his worth due to those offers and he has more than surpassed expectations but has raised his ceiling even further. The Purple Wave junior defensive back has been excellent on the back end so far this year causing havoc in run support and snatching the ball from would-be receivers. Hammond’s best traits are his athleticism and knack for always being around the ball. He sports a quick 1st step along with strong instincts that places him around the ball on a consistent basis. Those kinds of traits can work well all across the secondary, including the boundary where Hammond could play in the college game. Several P5 and D1 schools are sniffing around and could soon pull the triggers on some offers.
Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13033705/613380ded468881280f9c375
10. (WR) Kaleb Carver Kaleb Carver 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Green Hill | 2023 State TN (5’9 165) – Green Hill
– Carver has been electric this season for his Hawks squad and has easily been the team’s top offensive threat and performer. This 5’9 versatile and athletic receiver has established himself this season as one of the top Mid-State playmakers that can find the endzone anytime the ball touches his hands. Carver works mainly out of the slot but can be used in a variety of ways and the Hawks offensive staff have done just that. The Hawks junior receiver can also develop into a dangerous return man as his speed is tough for tacklers to handle. Carver must continue to work on his craft and gain more weight but his speed and playmaking abilities play up and college coaches are beginning to notice, so watch out for this guy going forward.
Film:
The Next Ten: (QB) Jordyn Potts Jordyn Potts 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Powell | 2023 State TN – Powell, (RB) (QB) J.D. Sherrod – Briarcrest Chrst., Jamarion Dowell Jamarion Dowell 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB Covington | 2023 State TN – Covington, (WR) Triston Lurry Triston Lurry 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Houston | 2023 TN – Houston, (OL) Tyler Bell Tyler Bell 6'3" | 295 lbs | OL Lausanne | 2023 State TN – Lausanne, (DE/LB) Mason Green Mason Green 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Ravenwood | 2023 State TN – Ravenwood, (LB) Bronco Hanks Bronco Hanks 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Beech | 2023 State TN – Beech, (LB) Tate Wirth Tate Wirth 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB St. George’s | 2023 State TN – St. George’s, (DB) Marco Tyson Marco Tyson 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Bartlett | 2023 State TN – Bartlett, (Ath) Courtland Simmons Courtland Simmons 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Davidson Academy | 2023 State TN – Davidson Academy
Others Considered
QB’s: Sam Driggers Sam Driggers 6'0" | 200 lbs | QB Peabody | 2023 State TN – Peabody, Drew Lambert Drew Lambert 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State TN – Cleveland, Walker Martinez Walker Martinez 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2023 State TN – Anderson Co., Levi Moore – Ensworth
RB’s: Mason Bowman Mason Bowman 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Monterey | 2023 State TN – Monterey, Braylon Cato Braylon Cato 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Fayette Ware | 2023 State TN – Fayette Ware, Ahmad Miller Ahmad Miller 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Whitehaven | 2023 State TN – Briarcrest Chrst., Tario Price – McCallie
WR’s: Marcellus Jackson Marcellus Jackson 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Fulton | 2023 State TN – Fulton, Bryson Vowell Bryson Vowell 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Anderson Co. | 2023 State TN – Anderson Co.
TE’s: Dalton Restelli Dalton Restelli 6'4" | 245 lbs | TE Baylor | 2023 State TN – Baylor
O-line: Maxwell Hull Maxwell Hull 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL South Doyle | 2023 State TN – South Doyle, Will Turner Will Turner 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Walker Valley | 2023 TN – Walker Valley
D-line: Taeshawn Clark Taeshawn Clark 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Kenwood | 2023 State TN – Kenwood, Isaac Oglesby Isaac Oglesby 6'1" | 235 lbs | DL Riverdale | 2023 State TN – Riverdale, Braylon Oliver Braylon Oliver 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Seymour | 2023 TN – Seymour, Colton Perry Colton Perry 6'2" | 285 lbs | DL Munford | 2023 State TN – Munford, Nathan Robinson Nathan Robinson 6'5" | 245 lbs | DL Greenbrier | 2023 State TN – Greenbrier
LB’s: Aaron Davis Aaron Davis 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Alcoa | 2023 State TN – Alcoa, Eli Denton Eli Denton 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Walker Valley | 2023 State TN – Walker Valley, Hayden Smith Hayden Smith 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Westview | 2023 State TN – Westview, Isaiah Thomison Isaiah Thomison 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Fayetteville | 2023 State TN – Fayetteville
DB’s: Dylan Doerfler Dylan Doerfler 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB GCA | 2023 TN – GCA, Evan Haynie Evan Haynie 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Baylor School | 2023 State TN – Baylor, Mark Joseph Mark Joseph 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Sheffield | 2023 State TN – Sheffield
ATH’s: Max Carroll Max Carroll 6'3" | 210 lbs | ATH Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN – Briarcrest Chrst., Demitrius Bell Demitrius Bell 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR McGavock | 2023 State TN – McGavock, Bo Burklow Bo Burklow 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE CPA | 2023 State TN – CPA, Reed Linder Reed Linder 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN – Briarcrest Chrst.