#TN2023: Hidden P5/D1 Talents (Offense)
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Prospects fall under the D1 radar all the time and turn out to be dynamic players on the college level and we feel these guys below fit that bill All these prospects have Power Five or D1 abilities, traits and…
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Continue ReadingProspects fall under the D1 radar all the time and turn out to be dynamic players on the college level and we feel these guys below fit that bill
All these prospects have Power Five or D1 abilities, traits and upside, so there are possibilities you will hear more about these guys going forward!
1. (QB) Jordyn Potts Jordyn Potts 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Powell | 2023 State TN (6’0 190) – Powell
– One of the more efficient quarterbacks we have in this state, Potts is a guy that I have studied for almost three years now and watched his growth throughout the seasons and at this point, I truly believe he could excel on the D1 level. While he has had to miss some time due to injury this year, I’ve seen enough during the offseason and his senior year to say that his talents and football knowledge would benefit a D1 program very well. He is accurate, athletic and mobile while also improving his arm strength, so I certainly think the traits are there to compete on the big stage.
While Potts is currently committed to Tennessee Tech, I do feel that the Panthers signal caller could be a guy that is looked at harder by some D1 schools and given the opportunity to compete on that level. The 6’0 quarterback that can work the pocket while also being accurate downfield is in play right now and Potts has those traits, so his ascend to the D1 ranks would not be surprising.
2. (QB) Charles Robinson Charles Robinson 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB Webb | 2023 TN , Jr (6’1 185) – Knox. Webb
– Way back in the winter of last year, I knew then that Robinson, Jr was a D1 talent when he competed at the Prep Redzone Tennessee Winter Showcase and to this day, I still believe the same thing and I even feel he could reach Power Five status one day. Currently committed to Navy, Robinson is yes an athletic guy that can definitely beat you with his speed but he is also an accurate quarterback with one of the strongest arms in the state. He throws with some serious zip but can also place it accurately where his receivers can make a play with the ball, so his arm talent D1 level right now with further upside to go.
As of now, the Midshipmen are getting a steal but if other D1 or Power Five programs watch his film and pay attention to his upside, things could change. Robinson sports major potential at the quarterback position and while I do think he needs time to develop further, his skill set is too exciting to no be showcased on the biggest stage possible.
3. (RB) Deuce Scott Deuce Scott 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Brentwood Acad. | 2023 State TN (6’0 200) – Brentwood Academy
– It’s been a breakout season thus far for this Middle Tennessee running back who is not only one of the top rushers in the D2-Class AAA ranks but also someone that has boosted his recruiting stock tremendously. Scott is a big, powerful runner with deceptive speed and agility that is just now coming into his own after being a two-way player over the past few season’s. His full transition over to running back is paying off as he not only looks the part physically but is putting together some film that warrants more looks from bigger schools.
So far throughout his recruitment, Scott has yet to see that influx of offers or really the interest that his talents deserve. He has received interest from some FCS schools but it’s been lite. Coaches are missing the boat right now on this running back, who I feel has his best football days ahead of him and low tread on the tires, so there is tons of juice in those legs. Regardless of what happens, look for Scott to receive plenty of strong options before signing day arrives.
4. (RB) Juan Bullard Juan Bullard 6'1" | 205 lbs | RB East Hamilton | 2023 State TN (6’1 200) – East Hamilton
– The Hurricanes have leaned heavily on Bullard this season as their main offensive threat and starting quarterback after the main guy went down with a season ending injury. Bullard has taken full advantage of having the ball in his hands the most by producing some big time games and doing everything he can to help lead his team to a current 3-2 record. He is also showing the ability to take over games with his size, speed and vision as Bullard brings a lot of great physical traits to the field that college coaches are currently overlooking.
Throughout his recruitment, Bullard has picked up a couple of offers, including one from Eastern Ky but the overall interest just hasn’t been there and that’s very surprising. He definitely has the size, physicality and overall look of a D1 back and his film shows enhanced speed and explosiveness, so I don’t know what everybody else is missing. Bullard is a legit talent that if given the opportunity on the biggest stage, I believe he would excel and then some.
5. (WR) Donovan Smith Donovan Smith 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Chatt. Central | 2023 State TN (6’2 185) – Chatt. Central
– Big, physical and explosive are three of the first few traits about Smith that stand out when watching him play and I really think his best football days are ahead of him, especially if in college he plays within a pass oriented, spread attack. This is a talented young man that has tons of natural abilities and traits that translate well to the next level but most college coaches have yet to recognize. Smith does hold a few FCS offers at the moment but for some reason or another, his recruitment has yet to go in the direction I felt it would months ago.
Smith doesn’t play within a pass heavy offense at Chatt. Central, so the numbers aren’t there at the moment but this dude is legit and someone that could be a steal for a D1 program looking for a big and explosive wideout with upside. No matter where this Southeast Tennessee playmaker lands, Smith has the potential to turn into an All-Conference prospect and someone that was sorely under recruited.
6. (WR) Anthony Crowell Anthony Crowell 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Lebanon | 2023 State TN (5’9 162) – Lebanon
– This 2022 season has been an eventful one for the Lebanon Blue Devils but one constant so far has been the play of Crowell. The 5’9 explosive wideout has been the ultimate playmaker this year and shown why I feel Crowell is an under the radar D1 talent that would excel on that level if given the opportunity. He is a swiss army knife style prospect that could be utilized in multiple ways but his skill set does fit perfectly in the slot. Crowell is a savvy, football smart guy that simply knows how to play the game and make plays anywhere on the field.
So far throughout his recruitment, Crowell has yet to see his stock go in the direction many thought it would at this point. He does hold a few lower level offers but because he is undersized, the bigger schools have stayed away, however they are making a mistake. This dude can play and is fearless the moment he steps onto the field. Crowell is a great teammate and ultimate worker with high character that you can depend on when called upon. Whoever pulls the trigger on this Mid-Tennessee receiver will be gaining a steal and possible All-Conference player.
7. (WR) Marcellus Jackson Marcellus Jackson 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Fulton | 2023 State TN (5’10 165) – Fulton
– Over the last few years, Jackson has been one of the most athletic prospects from the greater East Tennessee area and for that, the whole state too but his recruiting stock is finally at the point where D1 programs are or should be paying attention. He has been absolutely electric so far this season, putting up yards and points from everywhere on the field, displaying the athleticism that’s made him a Class 4A Mr. Football candidate.
Jackson has been manning the quarterback position for his Falcons team this year but on the next level, he projects as a receiver that would be excellent in the slot. Liberty was his first D1 offer but that came months ago and the East Tennessee athlete remains available. The way he has played this season warrants more looks from bigger schools, including some Power Five schools that could utilize his talents in a variety of ways, so Jackson’s recruitment will be interesting to follow over the coming months.
8. (WR) Trey Joyner Trey Joyner 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR East Nashville | 2023 State TN (6’3 180) – East Nashville
– The Eagles are riding a dream season at the moment with an offense that has been explosive, putting up big points each and every week and Joyner has been a big piece of that. The senior wideout has really taken another step in his progression this season as a big play guy with size, athleticism and the speed to beat defenders deep. He has been a mismatch problem for opposing defensive backs thus far and I don’t foresee anybody slowing him down the rest of the way.
Throughout this entire process, Joyner has been an under the radar talent that’s had the D1 traits all along but collegiate coaches have yet to see that. Some of that may be due to other things other than the football field because Joyner is legit and someone that will continue to get better the more he matures and grows. It’s very possible that one day this Nashville area receiver will play on the D1 level, it just may take some time.
9. (TE) Dalton Restelli Dalton Restelli 6'4" | 245 lbs | TE Baylor | 2023 State TN (6’4 245) – Baylor
– The Red Raiders have a multitude of future college ball players on their roster and Restelli is one of them and maybe even one of the better college prospects on their entire team. After missing a lot of time last season due to injury, Restelli has strung together a strong senior campaign thus far and displayed some significant P5, D1 traits that college coaches need to start paying attention to. This guy is big, physical and can run. Restelli is an athletic guy that can split out wide but also bring that physical prowess in the trenches with his blocking. He honestly has all the traits you look for and want in a college tight end and he is just now scratching the surface of his talents.
Just recently, Restelli added his first college offer from UT-Martin and they won’t be the last. Several programs ranging from D1 to FCS schools are beginning to pay attention and the more they watch his film, the more they will fall in love with his talents and upside. This Red Raiders tight end is one senior prospect that I expect to see explode on the recruiting scene in the next few months.
10. (OL) Elijah Prather Elijah Prather 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL LaVergne | 2023 State TN (6’4 290) – LaVergne
– Over the Spring and Summer months, Prather began to pick up steam on the recruiting trail by adding several FCS and D1 offers but when you watch his film, you wonder why other bigger schools haven’t gotten involved. Prather is one of the more athletic O-linemen we have for the in-state ‘23 class and he brings a lot of versatility as he could play tackle, guard or center on the next level. He does need to keep improving his overall technique but if you’re looking for a guy who can bend, move his feet and play with a mean streak, Prather is your guy!
At the current moment in time, Prather holds D1 offers from Arkansas St., Troy and Tulane, so you ask why this guy is on this list…well, I believe this Mid-Tennessee O-lineman is a Power Five guy that is floating under that radar currently. I foresee his stock continuing to grow over the next few months and could very well receive some Power Five offers before it’s time for him to sign.
Pay Attention to These Others …..
(RB) Jevon Edmondson Jevon Edmondson 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Overton | 2023 State TN – Overton
(RB) DeAirrus Morton DeAirrus Morton 6'1" | 205 lbs | RB Mt. Juliet | 2023 State TN – Mt. Juliet
(RB) Ahmad Miller Ahmad Miller 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Whitehaven | 2023 State TN – Briarcrest
(WR) Josh Mailander Josh Mailander 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Pope Prep | 2023 State TN – Pope Prep
(WR) Na’Zaiyah Holman Na’Zaiyah Holman 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Franklin Co. | 2023 State TN – Franklin Co.
(WR) Reed Linder Reed Linder 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Briarcrest Christian | 2023 State TN – Briarcrest
(WR) Max Collins Max Collins 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Page | 2023 State TN – Page
(TE) Griffin Cropp Griffin Cropp 6'4" | 220 lbs | TE Brentwood Academy | 2023 State TN – Brentwood Acad.
(OL) Ty Williams Ty Williams 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Greeneville | 2023 State TN – Greeneville(OL) Ethan Hatton Ethan Hatton 6'3" | 295 lbs | OL Lausanne | 2023 State TN – Lausanne