Hidden Gems: #TN2022 Receivers/Tight Ends

If you are looking for some playmakers that bring big play abilities and production to the table, these wide receivers and tight ends provide that and then some! In the next step of the Hidden Gems series, we take a look at the pass catchers that currently sit without any offers but certainly have the talents to achieve them. The 2020 in-state class of receivers and tight ends is pretty deep, so this was a challenge but here are ten prospects that people should get to know and watch going forward. WR's/TE's - 2022 1. [player_tooltip player_id="102044" first="Jake" last="Roberts"] (5'11 178) - Elizabethton HS - Considered a Top 100 in-state prospect by PrepRedZoneTN, Roberts has to be one of the top non-offered prospects that we have at the moment but that has to change soon as the 2020 State Champion has all the abilities to have those offers. A two sport star (basketball), the Cyclones rising senior is a quick and athletic home run threat that can beat defenders in a variety of ways. Roberts is a savvy and football smart receiver that knows how to use his body and blaze past defensive backs. He is also sure handed and has no problem working through contact. This is a prospect to watch as I expect his offers to arrive very soon. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11283174/5f885d7602b2d10a3c4d837e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11283174/5f885d7602b2d10a3c4d837e</a> 2. Daniel Morra (6'0 172) - BGA - Morra comes from an offense at Battle Ground Academy that centers around the running game, so many may not know about this Wildcats wideout but trust me, the guy can play! An ultra competitor that plays a physical brand of football, Morra is an excellent route runner that makes tough catches and competes on every snap. He has the versatility to play in the slot or work outside. His speed and high football IQ is what allows Morra to play anywhere on offense. The Middle Tennessee product is a dependable guy that gives his all, so his value to a college team is quite high. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11223580/5f94b6b7ab9222083424ee2d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11223580/5f94b6b7ab9222083424ee2d</a> 3. (TE) Carson Yates (6'4 220) - Baylor School - A multi sport athlete, Yates is a potential filled prospect that is far from his maximum abilities but screams upside and big play abilities on the gridiron. The Chattanooga area prospect is a big play waiting to happen anytime he touches the ball. Yes this tight end moves that well and is hard for defenders to stop when he gets into the open field. Yates can play in-line blocker or spread out wide. He is strong athletically with soft hands along with being elusive, especially in short spaces. Yates definitely sticks out to me as a college offered guy, the offers just haven't arrived as of yet. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11287853/5fb4225190ef62037c468d13">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11287853/5fb4225190ef62037c468d13</a> 4. [player_tooltip player_id="102138" first="Gavin" last="Donegan"] (6'0 165) - Shelbyville - One of the fastest receivers on the list, Donegan is a tough matchup for the opposition because of his quick release, breakaway speed and overall competitiveness. The Golden Eagles leading returning receiver is headed into his senior year as probably one of the more underrated talents we have in the Middle Tennessee region. Donegan is a worker. This guy is always bettering his craft and doing anything possible to enhance his abilities. He does need to keep adding more weight, size to his frame but he is fearless and does not back down from competition. If your looking for a guy who can take the top off while also giving you everything he has on each and every play, Donegan is your man! Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11459836/5f5ac7050c5e640a207de395">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11459836/5f5ac7050c5e640a207de395</a> 5. [player_tooltip player_id="102060" first="Clarkson" last="Shoaf"] (6'2 185) - MUS - This could be one of the best receiver prospects from the West Tennessee region. Shoaf presents multiple tools that translate very well to the next level and he is still learning and developing his game. The Owls star receiver is more than dependable, he is almost automatic anytime the ball is in his vicinity. Shoaf sports great size with a physical frame (big radius) and long arms which presents problems for smaller defensive backs. He has a niche for coming up with tough catches and big plays. This is a name that should be on recruiting boards already as he is a definite college prospect. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8020532/5f6767815cb43c09ecbcf931">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8020532/5f6767815cb43c09ecbcf931</a> 6. [player_tooltip player_id="102102" first="Malik" last="Ganaway"] (6'2 190) - Peabody HS - A key cog on the Golden Tide's 2020 State Championship team, Ganaway is a big, strong and physical outside presence that should be on college coaching recruiting boards. The West Tennessee product is an ultra competitor that fights for every inch and will do anything asked of him to see his team succeed. He is an excellent blocker while also being that dependable wideout that comes up with clutch catches, especially when a first down is needed. Gangway isn't a blazer but he knows how to run routes and use his body to shield off defenders. The offers have yet to arrive but with patience and time to compete during camp season, Ganaway will see his fair share Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12084357/5fda1044578f040950dd5d84">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12084357/5fda1044578f040950dd5d84</a> 7. [player_tooltip player_id="102088" first="Jayden" last="Collins"] (5'9 185) - Powell HS - One of the top returning in-state receivers based on production, Collins is a dynamic, natural athlete that fits perfectly in the slot but can be moved all around the field and used in a variety of ways. The Panthers star receiver plays a tough, physical brand of football, so competition nor physicality scares him. Collins is an ultra competitor that plays hard and fast. He can work the intermediate areas of the field or run deep as the East Tennessee has the speed to do so. Collins is also a big time competitor that will do whatever it takes to see his team win. The offers haven't come in yet but in time, they will. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12849892/5f57c3482aa7061004a916fa">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12849892/5f57c3482aa7061004a916fa</a> 8. Lee Molette III (6'3 180) - Ravenwood HS - We have a lot of talented wideouts on this list but Molette is a prospect that has the traits and has shown flashes that warrant an opportunity to prove himself on the Division 1 level. The Raptors rising senior is a good athlete that can run and stretch the field along with having a big radius to catch the ball. Molette is also well trained and plays on the highest level of high school ball in the state of Tennessee, so he has a lot of positive attributes that work on his side when it comes to being looked at by college coaches. He is still developing however and needs to show more consistency but the upside, potential is there for the Middle Tennessee wideout to earn himself multiple offers before his process is completed. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11455808/5f9dc14c3452a20fc00147e5">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11455808/5f9dc14c3452a20fc00147e5</a> 9. [player_tooltip player_id="102109" first="Brandon" last="King"] (5'10 175) - Summit HS - This is another true hidden gem as King is a name to watch over the coming months, especially if he is able to hit the camp scene and put on a show in front of college coaches. The Spartans leading returning receiver, King is elite off the line of scrimmage. He is ultra quick with excellent feet and natural athleticism. His ability to create separation and get down the field in a hurry is something that definitely fits in the college game. King is also fearless meaning he works well with contact and has no problem going after the ball no matter where it is. It may take some time before the offers arrive but I'm telling ya, this kid can play! Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12600415/5fe161c9ff02381028d2f26e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12600415/5fe161c9ff02381028d2f26e</a> 10. [player_tooltip player_id="102168" first="Simon" last="Williams"] (6'2 177) - Knox. Halls HS - Many people outside of the Knoxville area may not know much about Williams but he is a ball player and talented guy that has the potential to find himself on the college level. The Red Devils star receiver returns after a very productive junior season where he not only helped put himself on the map but helped push his team to a high seed and solid playoff run. A long and lanky guy, Williams is a sure handed receiver that can go up and get it. He is an excellent threat for the red zone but can also work the middle of the field. Camp season would be big for Williams but in time those offers will come. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11077786/Simon-Williams/highlights">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11077786/Simon-Williams/highlights</a> Five Others to Know: (TE) [player_tooltip player_id="102166" first="McKeon" last="Whitsett"] (6'4 210) - Franklin Co., Coleman Baker (6'0 175) - Lipscomb Academy, Hayden Sherer (5'11 180) - Dobyns-Bennett, Trace Corum (6'0 162) - Farragut, (TE) [player_tooltip player_id="102152" first="Brown" last="Norton"] (6'3 220) - Davidson Academy