#TN2023: Early Season Breakthrough Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three weeks into the high school football season here in Tennessee and we got some prospects that have not only had stellar games but placed themselves squarely on the radar to become possible D1 recruits.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These ten prospects below have had breakout starts to their 2022 season and all signs point to these guys seeing their recruiting stock explode over the next few months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. </strong>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102219' first='Malaki' last='Dowell'] </strong>(5'10 185) - <strong>White Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you have been paying attention to Prep RedZone Tennessee over the last few months, it's no surprise that Dowell is having a monster season thus far as we have billed him as a big time under the radar prospect with D1 traits. Through three games, Dowell leads the state in rushing with 793 yards and 12 touchdowns and he shows no signs of slowing down. He has also been a key catalyst towards helping his Warriors team to a 3-0 start while positioning himself as a prime contender for Class 5A Mr. Football. Look for schools to start paying attention to this Middle Tennessee product going forward as his talents may finally become recognized.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267061' first='Mose' last='Phillips III'] </strong>(6'2 190) - <strong>Cane Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Recruiting has been good for Phillips thus far but after his play for the Ravens during their 3-0 start, college coaches will be in hot pursuit for this Middle Tennessee safety. Phillips has been lights out for his squad, making plays on both sides of the ball and providing big play abilities from anywhere on the field. This 6'2 defender was already a D1 quality prospect but from the way he is looking and playing right now, Phillips looks like a possible Power Five guy. Barring injuries, the Ravens stud safety will rise up the next #PRZTN rankings and more than likely will see his recruiting stock explode.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":342169,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/mphillips.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-342169"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150317' first='Marcellus' last='Jackson'] </strong>(5'10 175) - <strong>Fulton&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- While his team has started the season at 1-2, Jackson has been a dynamic playmaker that has done just about everything so far for his Falcons team. The #PRZTN Top 100 prospect mans the quarterback role where he does throw it but it's his legs that are hard to stop. Jackson also helps over on defense as well as in special teams, so this East Tennessee athlete is Mr. Everything for the Falcons and someone that can't leave the field. Jackson has received some recruiting attention, like an offer from Liberty but I expect more coaches to get involved very soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell'] </strong>(6'1 220) - <strong>Lipscomb Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Early this season, Longwell has made it a point to make his name known and he's done just that, especially in a breakout performance on national television against Thompson (AL) where he dominated the game and wowed everyone in attendance. Longwell is a fierce and active middle backer that has been well rated by #PRZTN for some time now and it appears his stock is growing so much that Power Five schools are starting to pay attention. What schools are noticing is his speed and ability to diagnose the play early and attack. Longwell is a sure tackler that plays with a high motor, so whoever he signs with will be getting a stud that mans the middle for many years to come.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153513' first='Garrett' last='Hawkins'] </strong>(6'2 210) - <strong>Sevier Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Smoky Bears have had a stellar start to their season at 3-0 and their defense has been a major factor for that start with Hawkins leading the way. This East Tennessee linebacker has been on a tear through three games, leading his team in tackles at 46 while carrying the rock on offense as well. Hawkins has done some serious work this offseason developing his speed and enhancing his play recognition while continuing to strengthen his body. His recruitment has been ok thus far but I believe it will increase over the coming months as more coaches view his senior film and see why he is legit enough to receive a college offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":438826,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/ghawkins2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-438826"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. </strong>(OT/G) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102231' first='Eli' last='Freeman'] </strong>(6'5 290) - <strong>Lebanon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Blue Devils have one of the better O-line's from the greater Middle Tennessee area with Freeman being the main catalyst up front, who is currently committed to Ball St. but is receiving plenty of interest from Power Five schools. Sporting nice size and lower base mobility, Freeman has vastly improved his body and game over the offseason months and so far this season, the Blue Devils O-lineman has been dominating and showing why bigger schools should be in pursuit. Don't be surprised if Freeman lands many new offers over the coming weeks and work towards becoming a national recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200381' first='Mark' last='Joseph'] </strong>(6'2 180) - <strong>Sheffield&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- New season, same ole playmaking from Joseph as this 6'2 senior safety has been stellar so far through three games, already producing four interceptions and being the team's main offensive threat. A big role was placed on the shoulders of Joseph this season as the team's starting quarterback while remaining the ball hawk on defense and he has handled everything very well. Barring injuries, Joseph could play himself into contention for Mr. Football by season's end as well. His play thus far should warrant bigger looks in recruiting as this dude can play and I believe his best football is ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317206' first='Deuce' last='Scott'] </strong>(6'0 200) - <strong>Brentwood Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Eagles have played a tough schedule through three games and have performed well, currently sitting at 2-1 and a big reason for the start and strong play is due to the running of Scott. Becoming the star back this year for the Eagles, Scott has been a load that opposing defenses have not been able to handle. His size, vision and explosive cuts have stood out about Scott and those traits translate well to the next level and college coaches are starting to take notice. This guy is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate and a prospect that can continue building his recruiting stock over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":438816,"width":576,"height":384,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/dscott.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-438816" width="576" height="384"/><figcaption>Photo: NashvillePost.com</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201074' first='Josh' last='Jackson'] </strong>(6'3 210) - <strong>Tyner Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Rams have started their 2022 season at 3-0 and positioned themselves as title contenders in the 2A ranks and a big reason for that statement is because of Jackson and his outstanding play. The 6'3 powerful thrower looks vastly improved compared to last year where he has increased his arm strength, mechanics and overall mobility, which in turn has made him a legitimate college recruit. Jackson must continue putting together strong performances throughout the season and I think he will as he appears determined to lead his Rams team deep in the playoffs while also boosting his recruiting stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340409' first='Brison' last='Jackson'] </strong>(6'4 285) - <strong>Lebanon&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Athletic and active interior defensive linemen are hard to find but you got one right here in Jackson, who has flashed dominance thus far through three games and positioned himself as one of the top defensive college prospects from the Middle Tennessee region. When you look at early film of Jackson, what you see is a legit college level talent that still has his best football days ahead of him. His recruitment has gone well up to this point with several FCS offers but Jackson is looking and playing like a D1 guy right now and expect those to get involved with this Blue Devils D-lineman sooner than later.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ten Other Breakthrough Performers</strong><br><strong>- </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150308' first='Jack' last='Risner'] </strong>- Blackman, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200429' first='Caleb' last='Hampton'] </strong>- Baylor, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102288' first='Ahmad' last='Miller'] </strong>- Whitehaven, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250847' first='Dyer' last='Barnes']</strong> - Lewis Co., (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323151' first='Jacques' last='Wyatt III'] </strong>- Clarksville Acad., (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102258' first='Dayton' last='Jernigan']</strong> - Warren Co., (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150351' first='Jabari' last='Simmons'] </strong>- Brentwood Acad., (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372199' first='Jamarion' last='Varnell'] </strong>- Tyner Acad., (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102335' first='Hayden' last='Smith'] </strong>- Westview, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102212' first='Byron' last='Davis'] </strong>- Cane Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":294415,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/jjackson-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-294415"/><figcaption>Photo: stateoftennesseehsfb.com</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->