#TN2022 Rankings: Early College Impact

The final stretch of recruiting is about to take place for the 2022 class but most of the top prospects have already signed and have their eyes set on their future in the college ranks. Plenty of guys from ‘22 class not only have their minds looking ahead into college but have the maturity, size and skill set to make an immediate impact as soon as they step on campus. The University of Kentucky has two impactful players headed to Lexington in linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="101983" first="Keaten" last="Wade"] and wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id="101984" first="Barion" last="Brown"] that will both compete for playing time and might even carve out a key or starting role sooner than later. Wade (#1 overall prospect for the in-state ‘22 class) has the size and talent to play immediately but it's his maturity and football knowledge that will get him on the field quickly. The Wildcats may need Wade to play soon as they could be losing several linebackers to the next level. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-259194" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/kwade-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> The Firebirds Mr. Football winner in Brown is simply electric. Brown can change the course of a game in a hurry with his game breaking speed and ability to separate from defenders. His athleticism and speed should put Brown in the mix at receiver with Kentucky quite soon. Another guy headed to the SEC who could have an early impact is Haywood (TN) defensive back and Arkansas signee, [player_tooltip player_id="101996" first="Jaylen" last="Lewis"]. The Tomcats versatile defender ranks 7th overall by #PRZTN and sports the size, length and coverage skills to work his way into the 2 deep depth chart early in Fayetteville. Joining Lewis at Arkansas is Milan (TN) safety [player_tooltip player_id="101999" first="Anthony" last="Brown"] and the Bulldogs athletic all around player has been itching to get into the college ranks for a while now and could be a guy that the Razorback coaches have a hard time keeping off the field. It's really hard for a quarterback to come in and take over the starting role as a freshman but Lipscomb Academy (TN) signal caller [player_tooltip player_id="150806" first="Luther" last="Richesson"] has the talents and brain power to compete for it. Richesson ranks at the #2 quarterback overall in the final #PRZTN senior rankings and led his Mustangs team to a 2021 D2-Class AA state title. He is a strong leader with a cannon right arm to come into Cincinnati this season and force his way onto the field. Ranked 17th overall, Lipscomb Academy running back [player_tooltip player_id="102012" first="Alex" last="Broome"] busted loose for a breakout senior year that landed him a spot at Boston College and this Middle Tennessee back has the juice to make his way onto the Eagles depth chart as a Freshman. Tennessee has added a linebacker in [player_tooltip player_id="101987" first="Elijah" last="Herring"] that put forth his best season yet at Riverdale and will be headed to Knoxville in great condition and primed to compete for a big playing role. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-261239" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/eherring-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Herring is a physical, well put together linebacker that fits best inside but could slide out and play in space if needed. His biggest trait that could put him on the field quickly is his football knowledge and understanding of his role. The Warriors senior linebacker has the mental and physical makeup to see the field early for the Vols. Many may not think of Maryville (TN) safety [player_tooltip player_id="102018" first="D.J." last="Burks"] (Ranked 30th Overall) when it comes to early impact in college football but I feel differently as App. State landed a steal here with this Rebels defensive back and you could see him on the field sooner than later. Burks has all the tools to not only impact on the next level but develop into an all-conference type of guy and someone that could reach the pro leve one day. Watch out for this East Tennessee product as he has the right stuff to become a starter early in his career with the Mountaineers. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2022-rankings/">#TN2022 Senior Rankings</a> Five Others to Watch: (TE) [player_tooltip player_id="101993" first="Karson" last="Gay"] - Boyd Buchanan (Signed w/ Virginia), (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102038" first="Trey" last="McDonald"] - Baylor (Signed w/ Virginia), (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="196967" first="Javante" last="Mackey"] - Whitehaven (Signed w/ Arkansas St.), (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102010" first="Antwain" last="Barham"], Jr - Milan (Signed w/ Memphis), (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="102031" first="Ian" last="Poe"] - Tullahoma (Signed w/ Austin Peay) <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-261242" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/kgay4-crop-927x609-1641165515-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />