#TN2024 Prospect Watch: Film Review (Volume 2)
Back in the lab again and today we are looking over some of the top in-state talent from the 2024 class and how their film looks as they try to take their games into the collegiate level one day. All…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBack in the lab again and today we are looking over some of the top in-state talent from the 2024 class and how their film looks as they try to take their games into the collegiate level one day.
All five prospects listed below are talented young men that will all be playing college football one day but at what level will they be playing at? That is yet to be seen but by breaking down their film, all five certainly have the physical traits and abilities to get there one day!
1. (RB) Omarian Mills Omarian Mills 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Jefferson Co. | 2024 State TN (5’10 200) – Jefferson Co.
– Mills has already established himself as the top offensive talent for his Patriots squad and one of the top returning backs from the East Tennessee region but this guy is working towards possibly becoming the top back in the state for the 2024 class and maybe even one of the best in the country. A strong, compact guy with nice size and a powerful upper body, Mills is a load to handle when the ball is in his hands and a back that can find the end zone quickly. When breaking down his film, Mills shows a multitude of skills that translate very well to the collegiate level. He has a good combo of power and speed along with nice feet that gets him in and out of his cuts quickly. Mills has some juice about his game meaning the guy can shoot out of a cannon into the open field and race past the defender.
The Patriots rising junior is well built physically as he looks the part of a college back right now. He doesn’t mind using that physicality when lowering his shoulder or stacking up a defender when pass blocking. Mills has a lot of tools that screams college potential and the upside to become an every down back on the next level. He has yet to receive his 1st college offer but that will happen in time as more collegiate coaches catch wind of this East Tennessee talent. Look for Mills to become an in-state household name by mid-season this coming Fall.
College Projection: D1, FCS
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15006460/617f5da7bd6ae10ba0c01d03
2. (OT/G) Andrew Pedersen Andrew Pedersen 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Brentwood Academy | 2024 State TN (6’5 280) – Brentwood Academy
– You have to have prototype size along with mobility and upside to make it into the Power Five, D1 level and this rising junior certainly has those traits. Pedersen is a big boy with a wide upper radius along with nice arm length and a frame that can take on more weight as he continues to mature. His film shows the size and ability to play multiple positions on the next level but may fit best inside at guard. Pedersen shows on his highlight tape the ability to come out his stance quickly and get on top of defenders before they can work upfield. This is a punishing blocker that enjoys hitting people and finishing with his guy on the ground each and every snap. Pedersen shows powerful, heavy hands that when he latches on, D-linemen have a hard time breaking away. The physical game Pedersen has on lock but it’s his athleticism that needs enhancement.
The Eagles stud junior lineman is a solid athlete when watching him on film but it’s an area that he could definitely improve going forward which in turn would increase his college recruitment. He isn’t far off either as Pedersen shows decent bend and the ability to pull and trap with ease but just an increase of explosion and speed will only make his game better. I fully expect this Middle Tennessee product to earn several big time offers in due time and become one of the top O-line prospects for the in-state ‘24 class.
College Projection: Power Five, D1, FCS
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14687279/61a43e2c42057f0308efeb63
3. (DT) Evan Briggs Evan Briggs 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Upperman | 2024 TN (6’2 265) – Upperman
– Coming out of a top level winning program at Upperman, Briggs knows how to play the game of football and he is a guy that never turns down his motor nor takes a play off. This is a powerful, active D-lineman that brings versatility to the trenches and developing pass rush skills that Briggs is working hard to develop this offseason. He is an active worker against the run that takes on and sheds blocks well but also knows how to use his hands to get by defenders and stop the back before he gets going downfield. Briggs sports a strong lower base that stacks up well versus interior offensive linemen. He also shows on film his ability to play with good leverage and maintain his stance, keeping the line of scrimmage. This guy started as a sophomore and was a major contributor, so his game will only mature and get better over the next two years, barring foreseen injuries.
The biggest thing that Briggs must work on to reach the highest possible level of college football is his overall athleticism, agility and explosion. He shows hints of these traits on film and so far this offseason during camps but those are area’s about his game that must continue to be enhanced over the next few years. Briggs has the work ethic and desire to improve these traits, so I expect him to do so along with putting together a solid summer camp season and an even stronger junior campaign. The Bees active D-lineman is a warrior and somebody you want in the trenches with you that competes non-stop and knows how to win.
College Projection: FCS, D2
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11010275/61dd69152ab1250b48535b73
4. (LB) Lance Taylor Lance Taylor 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Bartlett | 2024 State TN (6’1 210) – M.A.H.S.
– Watch out going forward for this athletic West Tennessee defender as Taylor already shows on film that he could be one of the more explosive linebackers in this state and that includes this year’s senior class. This Lions active and fast linebacker plays with a certain intensity and aggressive nature that college coaches look for and want on their defense’s. Taylor fires off the snap very quickly and darts to the ball like a bullet. He doesn’t hesitate when he diagnoses the play and once he gets to the ball, Taylor hits the carrier with controlled violence. While he may be outstanding against the run, on film Taylor also shows the ability and upside to cover in space. His game and body style fits perfectly on the inside but the Lions junior linebacker could swing outside and cover if needed to.
This is a multi talented young man who shows big upside for the college game and he still has two years left of high school ball to mature and grow. The biggest thing Taylor must continue to work on going forward is his ability to shed blocks which could improve with added strength and muscle to his upper body. His speed and instincts stand out so much that on film it’s rare to see Taylor hang up on blocks. UT-Martin has already offered this Memphis area linebacker and many, many more will follow suit very soon.
College Projection: D1, FCS
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16208800/61a665385b3d130a5cb2762d
5. (CB/S) Kollin Collier Kollin Collier 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Munford | 2024 State TN (6’1 175) – Briarcrest Christian
– Tall, long and athletic, Collier is already establishing himself during this offseason as one of the best defensive back prospects from the in-state 2024 class and by looking at his film, this West Tennessee product could position himself as possibly one of the best secondary prospects in the country as well. A true ball hawk with tremendous instincts, Collier tracks the ball very well and understands where he needs to position himself to make a play on the ball. He shows on film outstanding feet and the ability to transition his hips and body while using his length to cause problems for receivers. Collier has versatility as well. The Saints rising junior has the skill set to play a variety of positions in the secondary but does show on the film the upside to possibly play cover corner on the next level.
Collier has today’s prototype size and length that college coaches look for along with the easy moving lower body and speed to play cornerback at a high standard. If playing on the boundary doesn’t work out, this West Tennessee product could easily slide back into the free safety role and be your ball hawking center fielder that’s consistently around the ball. College interest has already started to happen for Collier, including a pair of offers from Buffalo and Alabama State. His recruitment will only continue to grow as more college coaches check out Collier and see that his potential is bright on the next level and that his best football days are ahead of him.
College Projection: Power Five, D1, FCS
Sophomore Film: