Mid-Season Report: Breakout Senior Performers

We have made it to the halfway point of the 2021 season, so it's time to start looking at some of the guys from the senior class that have stepped forward and taken their games to another level. It was a tough call to pick the ten guys listed below but all ten are worthy to be here. 1. (S) [player_tooltip player_id="102053" first="Brady" last="Pierce"] (5'11 185) - Summit - Pierce has been nothing but spectacular so far this season and to this scout, it's not surprising. The Spartans senior safety is an absolute ball hawk who simply has a knack for being around the ball and making big plays whether that's on offense or defense. Pierce has been everywhere in the secondary so far this year with multiple interceptions and several big stops in run support. Many coaches have looked at Pierce as being too small and not big enough to withstand the physicality on the next level but he is a fierce competitor that has worked around and with some of the best talent Middle Tennessee has to offer. Pierce can excel on the FCS, possibly D1 level if only given a chance and this season he proved that he is certainly worthy of an opportunity. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11619844/61463e3aff0cd60bdc5dcd47">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11619844/61463e3aff0cd60bdc5dcd47</a> 2. (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="150835" first="Craig" last="Cunningham II"] (5'9 185) - Lausanne - Cunningham was a name on my radar for a while now, so I'm not surprised by his early breakout season but others around this state are and hopefully collegiate coaches are as well. A workhorse back with speed and home run hitting ability, Cunningham has been a force thus far for the Lynx and is the bell cow back that can lead them to a possible D2-Class AA state title. Opponents have had a hard time locking down Cunningham and it's due to his elusive, game breaking speed and feet that have put up several touchdown's so far for the Lynx offense. His play has put Cunningham at the top of the leaderboard for Mr Football as well. College offers have yet to come this guys way but hopefully after this big start and continued work throughout the season, Cunningham will begin to garner looks from the next level because he has certainly been playing like he wants them! Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7665555/614575b4da52a303bce67989">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7665555/614575b4da52a303bce67989</a> 3. (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="102028" first="Carter" last="Miller"] (6'4 295) - Ravenwood - College coaches need to start taking a harder look at Miller because he is legit and someone that can develop into a multi starter on the Power Five level. The Raptors senior offensive lineman has absolutely dominated his position this year as his opponents are taking a pounding from him on a consistent basis. Miller looks the part. He has the upper body frame, long arms and mobility to play and compete on the Power Five level but is just waiting on the chance to prove it. Miller is a forceful blocker that makes you feel him when he makes contact. He is also a good athlete that gets into the second level and drives his man back until after the whistle. The Raptors senior lineman provides versatility up front as he could play anywhere on the interior but does have the feet and athleticism to play tackle if needed to. This is a valuable, talented lineman that should garner bigger interest as schools look over his new film. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13273180/61342ad9a681770624a25a6d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13273180/61342ad9a681770624a25a6d</a> 4. (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="196967" first="Javante" last="Mackey"] (6'3 235) - Whitehaven - Mackey has gone from an unknown to a guy that could play himself into the D1 college football ranks before the season and year is over. This athletic edge rusher burst onto the scene in Week One where he was a force on the outside that could not be slowed down and Mackey has yet to be stopped weeks later. The Tigers senior edge rusher was late the recruiting process, so it's why Mackey sits under the radar but he has the physical traits and tools to compete on the next level and the potential to develop into a fast and forceful pass rusher in the college game. The biggest trait about Mackey that scouts like me and college coaches like about his game is his quick first step and natural feel for getting after the quarterback. He knows how to use his hands along with showing nice bend, getting around the edge. Mackey has the size and frame to grow into a possible defensive end on the next level but could stay at outside linebacker inside at 3-4 defense. If this Tigers edge rusher continues to put together strong film, bigger schools will take a deeper look and even possibly consider an offer. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13054711/612283424dec810bbc595437">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13054711/612283424dec810bbc595437</a> 5. (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="102082" first="Shawn" last="Gary"] (5'11 190) - South Doyle - Nobody from the East Tennessee region has had a bigger breakout season than Gary as he has just about ran all over every defense he has faced this season and I see no reason why he slows down the rest of the way. Gary is a well built prospect that could excel over at defensive back but his ultimate position and upside on the next level sits at running back where he has displayed this season vision, power and the speed to break the big one. He has been hard to corral for opposing defenses because of his bag of tricks and ability to evade would be tacklers. This is a talented prospect that is a “college football” player but why have the offers not come his way yet? I believe a large part of that is due to his academics, so Gary may have to be a guy that hits the JuCo ranks before he makes his way up to the big boys of college football. Once he does arrive, watch out for this Cherokees back because he has the abilities to become a featured guy and star player. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13423570/611fde5bc11b900b74603295">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13423570/611fde5bc11b900b74603295</a> 6. (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="153072" first="Destun" last="Thomas"] (6'2 195) - Cleveland - The Blue Raiders have started off their season at 4-1 and one of the big reasons for the strong start is because of the play and contributions thus far from Thomas. This East Tennessee receiver has played so well that he received an offer from Memphis and recently became a new Tigers commitment. Thomas is a big, physical guy with deceptive speed and the athleticism to develop into a solid outside receiver on the next level. He has used his physical play to dominate defensive backs thus far and has become the go to guy for his Blue Raiders offense. Thomas needed to show this summer during camps and this season that had improved his speed and overall athleticism and it looks like he has done so. His game goes beyond catching the ball as Thomas is an excellent blocker and with his size, he could become a force in that area in his time at Memphis. It would not be surprising at all to see other Division 1 programs come calling after Thomas over the coming months as his talents warrants more looks. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10220872/6121147015f5e7084898284d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10220872/6121147015f5e7084898284d</a> 7. (OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id="102061" first="Evan" last="Carney"] (6'5 275) - CPA - College coaches need to take a harder look at this guy because his film screams D1, Power Five talents and even the upside to take talents to the highest level in football possible. Carney is a tall, long armed, athletic bookend tackle that has improved his technique, strength and overall knowledge of his position. This is the best football Carney has played yet and college coaches have started to take notice. The Lions offensive lineman has some of the best early season film you will find in this state. His work has been precise. His effort has been top notch. Carney's development is right on point and he has played well enough this season to be looked at and stay over at left tackle in the college game. This Middle Tennessee product is one of the more athletic offensive linemen you will find in this state and the 2022 class. He still has more work to do and more weight, strength to gain but Carney is a talented young man with high upside and the traits that D1 college coaches look for. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10114351/6137b0f102bbe60b443f5a57">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10114351/6137b0f102bbe60b443f5a57</a> 8. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="151020" first="Charles" last="Perkins"] (6'4 245) - M.A.H.S. - Perkins busted out onto the scene this season in Game One with multiple defensive highlights, including a fumble returned for a touchdown that earned him a few FCS offers and put him on the map for several more. This Memphis area edge defender was one of many guys from the Shelby Co. area who did not play or play much at all last season, so Perkins saw his recruitment start out slow but after his strong senior start, college coaches are taking notice. The Lions senior prospect is an intriguing talent that could play defensive end or outside linebacker on the next level but of course still needs more development and growth. Perkins has shown this season a quick step off the edge and the ability to chase down the ball. He has a good feel for pass rushing with the potential to grow even more in the college game. The steps he has taken thus far this year has really put himself on the map to become a future collegiate player. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13617678/61462c5623474c0bf81edf3a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13617678/61462c5623474c0bf81edf3a</a> 9. (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102051" first="Anthony" last="Brewer"] (6'0 210) - Haywood - Many from the West Region knew about Brewer prior to the start of the 2021 season but this Tomcats linebacker has really taken a step forward in his game and should be on the radar of multiple college coaches across the country. Brewer has been a massive producer for the Tomcats defense this year and is coming off probably his best game of the season in Haywood's win over Milan where the fast and athletic linebacker produced 8 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FF and 1 fumble recovery. Brewer is one of the more athletic linebackers you will find in this state along with being one of the fastest. His instincts are tremendous. He knows where the ball is going to be before the running back hits the hole. Brewer has taken another step in his game this season with better open field coverage and pure football knowledge. Those traits along with his nose for the ball and fierce, hard nosed tackling, Brewer becomes a much better looking prospect that could excel on the D1 level. It will be interesting to see where this West Tennessee linebackers recruitment goes as the season rolls along. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12679872/6145723c32dc1d0bbc469c43">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12679872/6145723c32dc1d0bbc469c43</a> 10. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="196963" first="Keyron" last="Crawford"] (6'6 235) - Briarcrest Christian - Crawford is the lone new prospect on this list as he is a former basketball player who is now transitioning fully over to football and so far, that move is paying off big time. Crawford is a freak athlete on the football field with physical traits and natural athleticism that fits perfectly on the collegiate level. So far during this 2021 season, Crawford has flashed big time potential as a pass rusher and the upside to grow into a feared defender on the next level. The biggest trait about Crawford that excites me and college coaches is his explosiveness and speed off the edge. The Saints senior defensive lineman has some big time quicks off the ball and the speed to chase down ball carriers deep down the field. He also has the size and versatility to move inside and play defensive tackle. Crawford can be moved up and down the line to utilize his speed and athleticism. He does have a ways to go before he reaches his maximum potential but Crawford has scary upside that should garner more college interest sooner than later. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16558859/6148ae2e64e9c8022404bbb2">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16558859/6148ae2e64e9c8022404bbb2</a> Others Considered .... (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="150812" first="Carson" last="Jones"] - Maryville, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="150811" first="Joseph" last="Cummings"] - Indy, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102160" first="Stephen" last="Swoner"] - Mt. Juliet, [player_tooltip player_id="152954" first="Jacob" last="Dooley"] - Waverly, (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id="150831" first="Luke" last="Myers"] - South Greene, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="150832" first="Jayden" last="Robinson"] - Pearl Cohn, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="102117" first="Diivonta" last="Phillips"] - Davidson Acad., (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="150845" first="Ja'Kylon" last="Taylor"] - Haywood, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="102123" first="Jarvis" last="Stockton"] - Powell, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="150842" first="Joshua" last="Forsee"] - Centennial, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="198576" first="Jamarious" last="Brooks"] - Memp. Central, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="102128" first="Sean" last="Williams"] - BGA (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="150852" first="Joseph" last="Adams"] - Mitchell, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="150871" first="Bryson" last="Burns"] - Davidson Acad., (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="150861" first="Trace" last="Corum"] - Farragut, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="196975" first="Xavier" last="Galliardetz"] - McCallie, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id="150858" first="Lee" last="Molette"] - Ravenwood (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="102052" first="Ben" last="Caviness"] - CBHS, (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="102001" first="Donte" last="Gillard"] - Lausanne, (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="102071" first="Phillip" last="Gray"] - Ensworth (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="102030" first="Kendyle" last="Ball"] - Davidson Acad., (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="152977" first="Clay" last="Barrett"] - Cookeville, (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="151046" first="Matthew" last="Plunkett"] - McCallie (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102107" first="Cade" last="Apple"] - Cookeville, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102083" first="Cole" last="Becker"] - Father Ryan, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="152996" first="Seth" last="Carter"] - Brentwood, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102062" first="Braden" last="Kaiser"] - Siegel, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="153026" first="Mason" last="Keel"] - Marion Co. (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102106" first="Alex" last="Mitchell"] - Riverdale, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="200616" first="Tate" last="O'Bryan"] - Cleveland (DB) [player_tooltip player_id="153047" first="Keenan" last="Burnley"] - Trousdale Co., (DB) [player_tooltip player_id="153041" first="Harrison" last="Craig"] - Collierville, (DB) [player_tooltip player_id="102148" first="Isaac" last="Knowles"] - DeKalb Co. (DB) [player_tooltip player_id="102009" first="Charles" last="Ingram V"] - Ensworth (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id="102089" first="Jalen" last="Dale"] - MAHS, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id="153056" first="Cameron" last="Houston"] - Macon Co.