Mid-Season Freshmen Impact Performers
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Today, we’re out in one of my favorite states (Tennessee), looking at some of their top 2026 performers midway through the season. These young men have already made a huge impact and could be serious names to watch for over…
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Continue ReadingToday, we’re out in one of my favorite states (Tennessee), looking at some of their top 2026 performers midway through the season. These young men have already made a huge impact and could be serious names to watch for over the next three seasons. Their final 2022 highlight tapes should be pretty intriguing, so make sure you’re looking for those following the end of their freshmen campaign. With that being said, here’s who you need to know!
QB: Briggs Cherry Briggs Cherry 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Baylor | 2026 State TN , 6’3″ 180, Knoxville Catholic
- Shows plenty of patience and poise.
- Deep ball placement is outstanding.
- Can drive the football downfield through tighter windows.
ATH: Sebastian Jones, 5’9″ 165, Boyd-Buchanan
- A big-time playmaker on either side of the football.
- He’s strong through contact as a runner and can muscle his way past arm tackles.
- On the defensive side, he’s proven that he can come to balance and make tackles in space.
OT: Jarvis Strickland Jarvis Strickland 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL Paducah Tilghman | 2026 State KY , 6’5″ 280, Brainerd
- Gifted with raw but quick feet.
- Has a sturdy base that helps him drive defenders off the football.
- Easily redirects back and forth laterally as a pass protector.
LB: Lekhy Thompkins, 6’2″ 200, Trinity Christian Academy
- Has good speed for a linebacker and is very physical.
- Body control and change of direction are outstanding.
- Is a forceful tackler whose hits are vicious.
WR: Tyreek King Tyreek King 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Knox. Catholic | 2026 State TN , 5’11”, N/A, Knoxville Catholic
- Plenty of build-up speed for shot plays.
- Plucks the football out of the air like it’s second nature.
- Has proven that he can make a big impact as a special teams ace.
ATH: Bryson Holt Bryson Holt 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Nashville Christian | 2026 State TN , 5’11” 165, Nashville Christian
- An extremely reliable safety valve for a quarterback.
- Can line up in the backfield and carry the rock between the tackles when asked.
- Quite sticky on the defensive side in man coverage.
ATH: Shavar Young, 6’1″ 175, Webb
- Simply electric as a punt returner.
- Impressive acceleration and shake after the catch.
- Shows dynamite contact balance with defenders bearing down.
DB: T.O. Otey T.O. Otey 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Riverdale | 2026 State TN , 5’9″ 160, Riverdale
- Breaks are compact and sudden.
- Takes good angles to the tackle and will lower the boom.
- Closes ground quickly and can provide extra support after missed tackles.
DB: Chaston Smith Chaston Smith 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Bearden | 2026 State TN , 6’1″ 150, Bearden
- Has the vertical stature and long arms that you want in a defensive back.
- He’s shown that he can run stride for stride with wideouts out on the perimeter and will lean on them to widen their release.
- Isn’t in a hurry out of his pedal and will read a quarterback’s three-step drop.
QB: Jared Curtis Jared Curtis 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Nash. Christian | 2026 State TN , 6’2″ 200, Nashville Christian
- Dynamic once he gets into the open field.
- Identifies one on one matchups and will take a shot downfield.
- Has a live arm to go with phenomenal timing.