#TN2023 Film Eval: Early Season Highlights
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Several highlights from the 2022 class were looked over last week but now it’s time to look at the juniors. Through four games of the Fall season, we have plenty of content to dive over and scout. Multiple underclassmen from…
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Continue ReadingSeveral highlights from the 2022 class were looked over last week but now it’s time to look at the juniors.
Through four games of the Fall season, we have plenty of content to dive over and scout. Multiple underclassmen from the 2023 class have put together strong starts to their year, including the five listed below.
1. (LB) Ethan Crisp Ethan Crisp 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Mt. Juliet | 2023 State TN (6’3 205) – Mt. Juliet
– Headed into the 2021 season, many knew about Crisp and his talents on the football field but so far during his junior season, the Golden Bears linebacker has enhanced those talents even further. Watching over his early season highlights, what you see is a linebacker that diagnoses the play early and seems to always put himself in the right spot to make a play on the ball. Crisp is a very good athlete that can run and cover. He has the ability to chase down the ball carrier from sideline to sideline but also drop into space and cover receivers. You see those exact skills when watching his film below and he is far from a finished product.
Crisp is one of the hardest workers you will find, so he will always be working to develop and enhance his abilities. He is also one of the more intelligent linebackers I have seen around these parts in some time. Crisp just seems to get it when it comes to knowing the game of football and how to play it. His junior film so far is strong, showing certain increased development from this offseason by Crisp. This is a Power Five, Division 1 linebacker that immediately makes a defense and the locker room better.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12677651/612aaf803863be0ed84def63
2. (S) Marliss Gray Marliss Gray 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Haywood | 2023 State TN (6’1 190) – Haywood
– Gray has been one of the more pleasant surprises so far this season, especially when it comes to watching over his film. This 6’1 active and athletic safety jumped out to me weeks ago when evaluating his highlights as someone with the size, range and ability to run that can play up on the D1 football level. Gray does a good job at diagnosing the play and chasing it down it with his speed. Gray is more suited against the run right now but shows on tape the upside to become a ball hawk. He has a quick first step and when he arrives on the ball, Gray delivers the wood. He will stick ya and he does so with strong football technique.
This could be a prospect that ascends into D1, possible Power Five status if he continues to put together strong junior film and develops further over the next offseason. Gray has the size, arm length, athleticism, speed and range that college coaches look for and what in their secondary. Gray is a talented young man that many may not know about now but certainly will by this time next year.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14638558/613f4781b0238f04cc12c450
3. (OL) Nate Bledsoe Nate Bledsoe 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN (6’4 280) – Briarcrest Christian
– Bledsoe has been a beast so far during his junior season and his film shows it. This 6’4 burly mauler in the middle has played like his hair is on fire this year, destroying his opponents and doing so in a mean, nasty way. The first you notice when watching Bledsoe on film is his explosive blocking and ability to get into the second level. The Saints junior O-lineman fires off the ball quickly and gets into his opponent before he is able to gain any footing. Bledsoe plays with intent, meaning he enjoys playing football and loves making contact.
The biggest improvement Bledsoe has shown thus far during his junior season is his added strength and power. You can tell this West Tennessee product has been hitting the weight room hard and doing everything he can to add more bulk. His added power along with his athleticism makes him a recruitable commodity. Bledsoe is quickly establishing himself as one of the more explosive, athletic blockers from the in-state 2023 Offensive Line class.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8252395/6133a4fda681770624a203ad
4. (WR) Bryson Vowell Bryson Vowell 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Anderson Co. | 2023 State TN (6’3 185) – Anderson Co.
– The Mavs of Anderson Co. have a bevy of targets to throw to on offense but nobody may have as much upside as Vowell. This 6’3 long and physical looking wideout has had a good start to his junior season where he has shown improved overall speed and the ability to be an excellent red zone target. Vowell’s size alone presents a challenge for opposing defensive backs and he knows how to use that to his advantage. His game fits best on the outside but Vowell does have the skill set to work in the slot if needed.
The biggest thing going forward for Vowell is to continue developing his route running and overall strength. He already has the size to compete on the collegiate level but it’s learning the nuances of his position that will not only take his game further but his recruitment as well. He also has plenty of time to keep developing his body and adding that needed muscle to withstand the battle that comes with college football. Vowell has the upside to become a go-to, #1 guy down the road and he is well on the path.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12828781/6130032634486805a0665270
5. (RB) Mason Bowman Mason Bowman 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Monterey | 2023 State TN (5’11 185) – Monterey
– Bowman comes from a low classification, small town team but the guy has talent and the ability to play ball on the college level. His film below shows that and he has produced at a high level so far during his junior season. Bowman brings good size and a physical frame to the football field that can be grown upon once he arrives into the college ranks. He is a tough, downhill runner with deceptive speed and wiggle. Bowman has the ability to hit the home run but also churn out tough yards between the tackles.
Looking forward for Bowman, his biggest thing to work on must be his continued development with his athleticism and speed. He has these tools to compete on the next level but to become the ultimate player he can be, those two traits must be enhanced further. Bowman is also a willing blocker, which is a key trait that college coaches look for when scouting high school backs. This is a talented back that more scouts and coaches should take a deeper look at going forward.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12921998/6133b8cad21c6605acd65bfe