Inside The Rankings: #TN2023 Quarterback Breakdown

This is the best crop of quarterbacks that we have had in this state in quite some time and many listed below will be playing college ball one day with a few of them becoming household starters at some of the biggest college football programs in the country! Our 2023 class of quarterbacks are so deep that I could see several guys listed here take big rises up the charts during our next updated rankings coming later this Fall. 1. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="60841" first="Chris" last="Parson"] (6’0 195) - Ravenwood #PRZTN Ranking: 1st Ranked QB; 5th Overall [caption id="attachment_267418" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-267418" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/cparson-300x199.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] - This future Florida St. Seminole is one of the more dynamic, athletic signal callers in the country and could really push his status even further with his national rankings after a strong senior season. Parson is the kind of player that can’t scout or prepare for because his legs and speed are something devastating for opposing defense’s, once he tucks it and runs. What makes this Raptors quarterback so impressive is his ability to push the ball deep down field with his strong right arm and a knack for finding the open receiver. Parson is a straight up playmaker that simply knows how to move the ball and score on a consistent basis. His future is bright down in Tallahassee as I feel his best football is certainly ahead of him and even possibly further than that. 2. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102233" first="Brock" last="Glenn"] (6’2 190) - Lausanne #PRZTN Ranking: 2nd Ranked QB; 8th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-267422" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/bglenn-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Glenn is one of the best pure passers not only in this state but also the country as well. He is a smooth operator behind center that sports sound mechanics, arm strength and football smarts that collegiate coaches are currently drooling over. This Memphis area signal caller brings a lot of tools and traits that translates very well to the next level and this offseason, Glenn has vastly improved his arm strength and ability to move in and out of the pocket. Receivers love catching the ball from this guy because Glenn throws a soft catchable pass that tends to always be on target. He currently holds several big P5 offers and could be adding more but look for this West Tennessee product to make his decision somewhere in the near future. 3. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="150305" first="Kenny" last="Minchey"] (6’2 200) - Pope Prep #PRZTN Ranking: 3rd Ranked QB; 13th Overall - Sporting a strong right arm and a physical frame, Minchey is a nice looking quarterback that shows all the traits of a Power Five, Division 1 prospect. His offer sheet describes that as well as Minchey currently holds several P5 offers and interest from several others. The biggest thing that stands out to me about Minchey is his accuracy and ability to place the ball on time for his receivers to make plays after the catch. He has a strong arm to send it down field but Minchey has no problem with checking it down and taking what the defense gives him. The Knights senior quarterback is also quite poised in the pocket and doesn’t appear to get rattled too much while keeping his eyes down field, looking for open receivers. Minchey might be coming off the recruiting board soon too as this Middle Tennessee pocket passer could be on the verge of making a college commitment. 4. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102308" first="Marcel" last="Reed"] (6’2 185) - MBA #PRZTN Ranking: 4th Ranked QB; 15th overall - This is yet another Power Five talent from the quarterback position here in Tennessee but Reed may have the most potential of all as this Nashville area passer can spin it with the best of them and he is still far from a finished product. Reed has a cannon for a right arm and can use it from anywhere on the field and get the ball to his receiver on time with zip. He is also very athletic and maneuvers through the pocket very well, extending the play to throw it or tuck it and run. Reed has explosive traits with both his arm and his legs that appeal very much to collegiate coaches, so you understand why many Power Five programs are after him. Much like the others above, look for Reed to make his college decision soon and it looks like he could be leaning towards the SEC. 5. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102304" first="Braylen" last="Ragland"] (6’2 195) - Bartlett #PRZTN Ranking: 5th Ranked QB; 38th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-322339" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/bragland-247x300.jpeg" alt="" width="247" height="300" /> - This offseason has been big thus far for Ragland as he has taken his recruiting stock to another level which in turn has placed him inside the Top 40 overall prospects from the spring #PRZTN rankings. This West Tennessee product has all the tools you look for in a future college quarterback and the upside to develop into an eventual starter one day. Ragland has smooth, sound mechanics along with the arm strength to make all the throws. He is also a good athlete that knows how to work the pocket and extend the play. The Panthers senior signal caller has enhanced these traits extensively this offseason which has led to a big spike in his recruitment and it may not be done as bigger schools are beginning to get involved. 6. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="285338" first="Hank" last="Brown"] (6’4 200) - Lipscomb Academy #PRZTN Ranking: 6th Ranked QB; 40th Overall - Brown is a new name to this area but a guy that has the physical traits and big arm that makes it into the college game. This guy appears to be the next gunslinger from the Mustangs football program to be a future college quarterback and his options should increase after a big upcoming summer camp season. Brown is a big dude with a frame that can continue adding weight but already has the physical look to quickly compete on the next level. He has a strong right arm that can spin it deep but also the touch to work the intermediate routes. Brown does need to keep working on his mobility but the passing tools are there that collegiate coaches like developing within their quarterback rooms. 7. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="185570" first="J.D." last="Sherrod"] (6’1 200) - Briarcrest Christian #PRZTN Ranking: 7th Ranked QB; 79th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-325363" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/jdsherrod-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Sherrod is one of the more hidden gems in this state currently as he holds one college offer from Lindenwood but sports the talent and skill set that warrants more looks and I believe those looks are coming soon. A dual threat guy with a big arm and the ability to gain positive yards in a variety of ways, Sherrod is well built physically along with a strong football IQ that plays up well on the next level. A big reason for his Top 100 ranking is Sherrod’s mobility in the pocket and ability to send the ball deep down the field. Watching this guy on film, the Saints signal caller is a gamer that simply knows how to lead his team and get the job done in multiple ways. This coming camp season should be big for Sherrod as I believe he will prove his worth and gain those offers that have been eluding him all offseason. A true hidden gem, Sherrod will be a steal for whoever he signs with. 8. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="150308" first="Jack" last="Risner"] (6’4 215) - Blackman #PRZTN Ranking: 8th Ranked QB; 99th Overall - A big guy with a big arm and the ability to send it deep down the field, Risner is a true pocket passer that fits perfectly within a wide open passing offense and a prospect that is still developing into his body and craft. This Blaze gunslinger can make all the throws that are consistently seen on the college level and he can get there in a hurry. Risner stands tall in the pocket and is able to see over defenders, delivering the ball with zip and on time. Some scouts may look at Risner and think he is a statue style quarterback but that isn’t true as he knows how to work the pocket, moving away from pass rushers while keeping his eyes down field. He holds a few FCS offers thus far but could be adding more very soon, especially after summer camp season. 9. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102268" first="Colbey" last="Lamberth"] (6’4 205) - Dickson Co. #PRZTN Ranking: 9th Ranked QB; 106th Overall - Lamberth sports one of the best pure passing right arms in the state and that’s a big reason why the Cougars senior quarterback has the offers that he does. He has strong mechanics and throws a pretty ball when it leaves his right hand. Lamberth is also a good athlete that moves throughout the pocket well, extending plays with either the pass or his legs. This is a talented passer that checks some boxes for a lot of categories that play up well on the collegiate level. Lamberth is a guy that I could see hitting the college camp scene in a few months and earning more offers, especially as coaches are able to see and work with his skill set in person. A big senior year could lead to higher ranking in-state and a bigger recruiting status. 10. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102302" first="Jordyn" last="Potts"] (6’0 185) - Powell #PRZTN Ranking: 10th Ranked QB; 115th Overall [caption id="attachment_268214" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-268214" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/jpotts3.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Photo: stateoftennesseehsfb.com[/caption] - Coming off leading his Powell team to a 5A state championship, Potts is the top returning passing leader of all quarterbacks in this state and could be poised towards leading his Panther team back to contend for another state title for the ‘22 Fall season. This guy is a leader. A cool, calm customer behind center that knows how to spin it with the best of them. Potts throws a pretty ball that he puts on time and in a spot that allows his receivers to make plays after the catch. He is also quite mobile in the pocket. Potts knows how to evade rushers and put the pass down field or tuck it and run for the 1st down. The Panthers senior leader has had a strong offseason thus far that has pushed his recruiting stock higher where he has picked up several FCS offers and could be on the verge of adding more. 11. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="102210" first="Ryan" last="Damron"] (6’0 195) - Henry Co. #PRZTN Ranking: 11th Ranked QB; 120th Overall - If you’re looking for an ultra competitor with a strong right arm and the leadership you want behind center, Damron is most definitely your guy! A multi year starter for his Patriots team, Damron is a well versed guy that knows who he is and uses his strengths to his advantage every chance he gets. This Middle Tennessee product is poised in the pocket and one of toughest quarterbacks in this class as he has no problem taking the hit while delivering the ball down field. Damron wants the ball in his hands during the biggest moments and will give his all to see his team come out on top. His recruitment is starting to pick up as well as recently Damron added a new offer from Murray St. Others could be on the way as well, so watch out for this guy to rise in recruiting and within our next updated rankings. 12. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="250834" first="Charles" last="Robinson"], Jr (6’1 185) - Knox. Webb #PRZTN Ranking: 12th Ranked QB; 122nd Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-250782" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/62-Charles-Robinson-crop-4378x2875-1639409639-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> - This could be one of the more underrated overall prospects in this state and a guy that I feel has big upside but has yet to reach that level. Robinson, Jr is an athletic quarterback that yes can run and run fast but he also has strong passing mechanics and arm strength that translates well to the college game. The Spartans quarterback throws the ball with conviction and can put some serious zip on his pass. He has been working extra hard this offseason to develop his passing skills further, most importantly his feet and decision making. Robinson, Jr also picked up his 1st college offer recently from Army and buzz is starting to grow towards more schools getting involved with this East Tennessee product sooner than later. A big breakout senior year could lead to more offers and bigger interest for this talented dual threat passer. 13. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="234958" first="Ryder" last="Hagan"] (6’1 195) - Overton #PRZTN Ranking: 13th Ranked QB; 125th Overall - As we head into the summer camp season, Hagan is considered one of the best quarterback prospects from the greater Nashville area and he could push his status even higher with a big senior season while leading his Bobcats team into the playoffs. A strong armed passer with good mobility, Hagan is a well put together young man who shows sound mechanics on film and the ability to extend the play. He shows zip and arm strength to where he could make all the throws on the collegiate level but of course, Hagan does need to keep developing his overall skill set to become the ultimate quarterback he can be. This is a talented passer that should impress several college coaches during camps this summer and work at adding to his offer sheet, going alongside his current offer from Eastern Ky. 14. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="295457" first="Coby" last="Walton"] (6’2 180) - Nolensville #PRZTN Ranking: 14th Ranked QB; 129th Overall - Walton has had one of the better offseason runs in recruiting thus far compared to many others across the state as this Knights senior quarterback has added 10 plus offers with others interested and the upside to continue stock piling more. Sporting nice size along with a smooth throwing right arm, Walton presents a lot of traits and tools that collegiate coaches look for and he is still developing his overall skill set, so the best could be yet to come. His presence in this state as a top QB prospect was established last season where Walton became the lead man behind center and put up some big numbers while leading his Knights team to the playoffs. He has built on that big junior season by enhancing his craft this offseason and becoming more presentable towards collegiate coaches. Walton could see a rise in our next updated rankings, especially if he performs well this summer at camps. 15. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="297332" first="Thomas" last="Vaccaro"] (6’2 195) - CPA #PRZTN Ranking: 15th Ranked QB; 145th Overall - Many across the country may not know much about Vaccaro right now but they might soon as this is a talented passer with a lot of skills and physical traits that can make it into the college game. Much of the unknown about Vaccaro is due to him not being the starter for his Lions team until this coming Fall season but it’s been his offseason work thus far that has him ranked and has him on the radar of college coaches. Vaccaro can really spin it and it looks pretty when the ball leaves his hand as he throws a catchable ball along with zip. He is a confident passer that delivers the ball on time and feels comfortable within the pocket. Under the radar is where Vaccaro may be for the moment but that can definitely change this summer in camp season where this Lions passer proves his worth and earns those much wanted offers. 16. (QB) [player_tooltip player_id="123166" first="Jaylen" last="Abston"] (6’2 185) - Lebanon #PRZTN Ranking: 16th Ranked QB; 147th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-325367" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/jabston-crop-768x505-1650554137-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> - This is one of the more intriguing quarterbacks headed into college camp season as Abston has shown flashes of brilliance at times throughout his Blue Devils career and the upside to play on the next level but he must keep working and developing his overall skill set if he wants to get to the promiseland. Abston is a big guy with nice size and strong right arm along with being quite athletic, sporting the ability to pull it and run for positive yards. Abston is a strong leader and competitor that helped lead his team on a deep playoff run last year, which I believe helped him earn the offers that he has. All the physical tools are there for this Blue Devil signal caller to play up on the next level, so this summer will be big for him as works towards finding a future college home.   Just Outside the Top 150 [player_tooltip player_id="150306" first="Jackson" last="Cassidy"] (6’3 190) - McKenzie - A two sport star with size and athleticism, Cassidy is a big dude that can move and shows upside as a passer with solid mechanics and the arm strength to push it down the field. [player_tooltip player_id="102221" first="Sam" last="Driggers"] (6’0 200) - Peabody - A two time state champion, Driggers is a tough minded hard worker that can lead a team through anything and does so without complaining. He is well built physically with athleticism and a developing right arm. [player_tooltip player_id="102276" first="Zach" last="Lunsford"] (6’2 185) - Alcoa - It’s finally Lunsford’s time to shine at Alcoa as he will be given the keys to the offense this year and he looks primed with his strong right arm to lead his Tornadoes team back to another state championship appearance. [player_tooltip player_id="102267" first="Drew" last="Lambert"] (6’1 195) - Cleveland - Lambert is underrated, even by my rankings as he is a talented passer with nice mechanics and a certain toughness about himself that coaches and teammates love playing with. This guy is a good athlete as well. [player_tooltip player_id="102284" first="Walker" last="Martinez"] (6’1 185) - Anderson Co. - Sound mechanics and a soft, catchable ball are two traits that stand out the most about Martinez. His ability to find the open receiver is a unique trait that not many quarterbacks have but he does it with ease. [player_tooltip player_id="252004" first="Jack" last="McLaughlin"] (6’4 195) - Chrst. Brothers - McLaughlin is lightly known right now but this guy has the college size and power right arm that play up well on the next level. This could be a camp star that breaks out with eventual offers and rises up our next updated rankings. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-268217" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/dlambert-214x300.jpg" alt="" width="214" height="300" />