TN HS Playoffs: Big Stage Breakout Players

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Big time players step up in big games and these prospects below not only showed up and played well but they were difference makers during the "State Championships" last weekend in Chattanooga. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. </strong>(RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor']</strong> - Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Patriots won the Class 6A title for the third time in a row last weekend and Taylor was a major factor in the team's 42-6 victory over Beech. The senior two-way talent made his presence felt early in the 1st half with his first rushing touchdown of the night then proceeded to add two more in the second half. The Buccaneers defense had a hard time keeping up with Taylor as he would find a hole, burst through it trying to find the end zone and he would do so three times. At this point in his recruitment, Taylor is not committed but this state title performance should enhance his stock further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200429' first='Caleb' last='Hampton'] </strong>- Baylor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All season long, Hampton has been a workhorse that has put together several big games, including the championship match and win over MBA last week. For the game, Hampton produced 170 yards rushing and two touchdowns while also picking up several key first downs in the 4th quarter. The Red Raiders senior back put together his best season yet where it has not only boosted his recruiting stock but placed him as a Mr. Football finalist as well. Hampton is one of the strongest, hardest to tackle running backs in this state who certainly enforced his will in Baylor's title victory over the Big Red.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. </strong>‘24 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp']</strong> - Baylor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last Thursday evening was a coming out party for Muschamp as he performed very well on the big stage, helping propel his Red Raiders team to a 38-34 win over MBA. The junior signal caller ran his offense to perfection, never becoming flustered and producing multiple touchdowns through the air. His leadership, poise and command of the offense was on point against the Big Red and was a major difference maker in helping his Red Raiders become champions. Muschamp's stock is already on the rise but expect it to soar even further over the next several months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":538338,"width":252,"height":354,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/wmuschamp2.jpg?w=731" alt="" class="wp-image-538338" width="252" height="354" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102293' first='Gavin' last='Noe'] </strong>- Anderson Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The MVP of Anderson County's championship win over Pearl Cohn, Noe was the emotional leader and workhorse for his team last Saturday where he was fully invested in winning this game but also delivered with his play on the field as well. His biggest contributions came on offense where he churned out several big gains in big moments throughout the game while also producing two rushing touchdowns on the day. Noe was a load to handle for the Firebirds tacklers as his power and relentless attitude proved too much to be stopped. The future Navy Midshipmen played like he was determined to push his team to victory and his play was a key reason in Anderson Co. walking away with the 1st ever state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185563' first='Markel' last='McKinley'] </strong>- Tyner Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Rams have worked with a balanced offense all season, equally using the pass and the running game but in their championship match against Riverside, McKinley and the rushing attack was needed and the senior back delivered. The 6 '0 speedster took over after halftime and put on a display, making Riverside defenders struggle with keeping up with his speed or keeping him out of the end zone. McKinley stepped up big time in the biggest game of the season and this kind of performance should boost his recruitment as this guy is one of the more underrated backs from the East Tennessee region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":529804,"width":295,"height":295,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/mmckinley.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-529804" width="295" height="295" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. </strong>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='302319' first='Jordan' last='Harris'] </strong>- Alcoa&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Part of the one-two punch in the backfield for the Tornadoes, Harris was a dynamic player that gave the East Nashville defense fits when the ball touched his hands. He wasn't used much early but eventually Harris got involved and when he did, the Tornadoes senior two-way talent made a difference. His athleticism, speed and vision on offense was a problem for the Eagles as they had a hard time keeping up with Harris or grabbing a hold of him as he ran by. This East Tennessee product was a key component in the Tornadoes coming away with their 8th straight title and a prospect that keeps improving his stock further, who should be recruited more frequently.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. </strong>‘24 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='193750' first='D'Arious' last='Reed'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though the Firebirds fell to Anderson Co., 34-30, this junior wideout was a big time playmaker that the Mavericks had a very difficult time dealing with and he almost single handedly pushed his victory. Reed is a polished receiver that does just about everything right and showed those skills off big time against the East Tennessee champs.&nbsp; He owned the 1st half where he produced over 160 yards receiving and two touchdowns then took the full attention of Mavs secondary in the 2nd half where it opened things up for the team's other receivers. This guy is a future Power Five player that will only get better the more he matures and develops.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. </strong>‘24 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149160' first='Brock' last='Montgomery'] </strong>- Friendship Christian&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When this guy's number was called during the Commanders title game versus Nashville Christian, Montgomery stepped up big time, helping propel Friendship to a 34-27 win. This junior athlete immediately made his presence known on the 2nd drive of the game by beating his man off the line and scoring deep for his 1st of three touchdown receptions on the day. Montgomery was a difference maker and major factor in the Commanders championship victory and he continued to stack accolades on his resume that makes him more presentable as a possible D1 recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":430374,"width":311,"height":311,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/bmontgomery.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-430374" width="311" height="311" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504199' first='Brayden' last='Latham'] </strong>- Knox. West&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Rebels leaned heavily on their run game last Friday evening with Latham at the forefront of that effort. The senior back was a steady, consistent performer against the Patriots where he put up three rushing touchdowns on the night, including a few big runs late in the game that sealed up the victory. Latham has been a workhorse for his Rebels all season that has led him to be a Class 5A Mr. Football Finalist as well as a state champion. Maybe now with a ring on his finger, Latham could see a boost with his recruitment as a big back that shows nice vision and a tough running style that plays up on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. </strong>‘24 (LB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149381' first='Elijah' last='Cannon'] </strong>- Alcoa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Cannon was an all out warrior for his team last Friday where he was the main ball carrier on offense and lead middle backer over on defense. He was asked to carry a big load in their championship game vs. East Nashville and he was dealing with injury, so for him to play the way he did was outstanding considering what he was dealing with. Cannon carved several big and critical runs for his Tornadoes offense, including a few in the 4th quarter to help wrap up the victory. This junior prospect is a college linebacker but he can produce offense and he showed that this season and in this game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others Considered: [player_tooltip player_id='102190' first='John' last='Carlevato']</strong> - Knox. West, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard']</strong> - Page, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433125' first='Nick' last='Moog']</strong> - Anderson Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='474873' first='Josh' last='Jackson']</strong> - Tyner Acad., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372199' first='Jamarion' last='Varnell']</strong> - Tyner Acad., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372310' first='Parker' last='Wilks']</strong> - Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":538343,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/ecannon2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-538343" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->