Scouting The State: Class 1A Top Underclassmen

Moving along in scouting the state, we stay within the Class 1A ranks and look into the underclassmen and the prospects that are next up! Class 1A doesn’t provide the depth nor the overall talent like other classifications but that doesn’t mean there aren’t talented players on this level as we have found some! 1. ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id="258804" first="K.J." last="Jackson"] (5’9 165) - Fayetteville - Jackson burst onto the scene two years ago as a freshman where he helped his Tigers team to a state title and now he is a junior and pushing to become one of the top backs in the state. Undersized but strong and athletic, Jackson is a home run threat from the backfield and a guy you can lean on for big carries. He shows excellent burst along with the vision to elude defenders. Jackson isn’t the biggest guy on the field but he plays fearlessly and produces. Look for Jackson to contend for Mr. Football honors this year as he will be the feature back for his Tigers team and a guy that can lead his team to another state title berth. Sophomore Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a">https</a><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a">:/</a><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a">/www</a><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a">.hudl.com/video</a><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a">/3/13387596/61a6718ba6806504e43aa03a</a> 2. ‘24 (T/G) [player_tooltip player_id="149178" first="Ace" last="Meadows"] (6’6 275) - Peabody - The Golden Tide have had some talented prospects within their program for the last several years but this guy may be the best college prospect of them all. The younger Meadows (older brother Connor was a multi year starter for Peabody) has put on some good weight which has filled out his frame and made him look like a legit prospect. Meadows is a big boy that carries a large presence on the offensive line and has the developing athleticism to possibly play tackle on the collegiate level. He still has some learning to do and development with his body and craft but Meadows definitely looks the part and has the work ethic to keep reaching for his college goals. 3. ‘24 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="258684" first="Jamarion" last="Farrior"] (5’11 195) - South Pittsburg - The Pirates are coming off another state title but must replace several key seniors. One guy who could step up and take on a leadership role this year is Farrior. The strong and stocky middle backer produced last year as a sophomore but will be expected to do so even more this season and he has the talent to do it. Farrior plays with a high motor and works off great instincts. He plays the run very well, diagnosing the play early and attacking. The Pirates rising junior has the look and talent to become a triple digit tackler this coming year and the ability to lead the defense and team to another deep playoff run. Sophomore Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14880883/61a3d7779a913b0bc46ee596">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14880883/61a3d7779a913b0bc46ee596</a> 4. ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id="222284" first="Brandon" last="Mitchell"] (6’3 185) - Middle College - Tall, long and athletic, Mitchell is a good looking prospect along with the upside to develop into a key playmaker for his Bulldogs team and possibly find his way into the collegiate ranks one day. Mitchell is an intriguing guy that could play a variety of roles for his Bulldogs team over the coming two years. Offensively, Mitchell could make either the QB or WR position while on defense, look for him to play at safety and maybe eventually grow into a linebacker. The versatility for Mitchell at this juncture in his high school career is what is so appealing about him, so watch out for this guy to be a possible West Tennessee breakout star. 5. ‘24 (LB) Nathan Wykoff (6’3 220) - West Carroll <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/nwykoff-crop-396x260-1643291059.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-278519" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/nwykoff-crop-396x260-1643291059-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> - The War Eagles of West Carroll have a linebacker in Wykoff that if developed properly over the next few years, could find himself on the college level and maybe even the low level of D1 ball. Wykoff is every bit of 6’3 220 pounds and has the frame to tack on more weight if needed. He is a physical, punishing hitter that fits best inside but could roll to the edge if called upon. Wykoff has a nose for the ball and when he finds it, he delivers hard hitting blows that either knocks the ball loose or makes his opponents remember who hit him. Look for Wykoff to take on a bigger leadership role this year and become one of the teams top overall players. Sophomore Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14922799/61f152b02ab1330d64ee9d76">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14922799/61f152b02ab1330d64ee9d76</a> 6. ‘24 (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id="277797" first="Dawson" last="White"] (5’10 172) - Moore Co. - White returns for the 2022 season as one of the leading returning producers in yards and touchdowns and could be poised for a possible Mr. Football run. A two way talent who plays running back and safety for his Raiders team, White is a multi talented prospect with his future in college possibly sitting best on offense. White is a physical runner with some giddy up. He is a no nonsense runner that hits the hole hard and when he is in the open field, defenders have a hard time bringing him down. White is Mr. Everything for his Raiders squad and will be leaned upon this year as their go to guy on both sides of the ball. 7. ‘24 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id="149176" first="Cash" last="Hearon"] (6’3 275) - Greenback <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-278520" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/chearon-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Over the past decade, little ole Greenback has produced several college level offensive lineman and Hearon could be the next one to come out of the Cherokees’ backyard. This East Tennessee product already sports a physical body that translates well to the next level but of course, Hearon must continue learning and developing his craft, however the talent is there. Hearon brings interior versatility to the football field as he could play both guard spots or center and do so at a high level. What helps Hearon as a possible future college player is his long arms, physical nature and lower body agility. This coming junior season will be key for Hearon and his opportunity inside the collegiate game. 8. ’24 (Ath) Racash Kelly (5’10 165) - South Pittsburg - The Pirates will need playmakers for the 2022 season after seeing several key performers leave last year as seniors and Kelly is a prime candidate to pick up that role. A versatile, athletic guy, Kelly should be used on both sides of the ball this coming year and very well could be the top offensive threat for his Pirates team. Kelly has the type of athleticism and big play abilities that South Pitt will need and a prospect that if developed properly over the offseason, could become their top yards producer. His talent however may suit best over on defense, within the secondary, so you can see why Kelly could be an important piece for South Pitt this year. Others to Know (WR/S) Brennen Duggan - Greenback, (QB/S) Aubrey Link - Red Boiling Springs, (TE) [player_tooltip player_id="250820" first="Alex" last="Young"], (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id="258659" first="Sam" last="Willoughby"] - Fayetteville, (Ath) Tydarius Cofer - Wayne Co., (Ath) Camari Bonds - Peabody, (Ath) Matthew Keller - Middle College <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-278521" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/alink-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />