#PRZTN Film Room: #TN2024 Underrated
In this article:
The Fall football season is right around the corner and we still have plenty of talented uncommitted senior prospects left on the table, including these five players who I feel are vastly underrated! Frank Johnson IV TN #WL RB #33…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Fall football season is right around the corner and we still have plenty of talented uncommitted senior prospects left on the table, including these five players who I feel are vastly underrated!
Eval: One of the top returning rushers for the coming Fall season is this East Tennessee back that has sat under the radar throughout this entire recruiting process but Johnson can run the rock and I could see a 2,000 yard season out of him this year. Strong, physically well built with a well balanced running style, Johnson brings a punishing style of game play to the football field that gives opposing defense’s fits as they have a hard time bringing this guy down. The Bobcats senior back has a powerful lower base that allows him to break through tackles and keep pushing forward but also burst through the mesh looking for open field. Johnson isn’t the fastest back from our senior class and that may be why he is lacking the offers but he has good enough speed to get the job done (JR Film shows plenty of breakaway runs) and the capacity to get faster as he matures. What I like the most about Johnson is his desire to run the football along with his vision to find open space. This guy is a natural running back that simply produces, getting the job done on a consistent basis and I feel whoever signs him, will be getting a steal. Johnson is a prime candidate for Class 5A Mr. Football this year and a prospect that can see his stock explode with a strong senior campaign.
Eval: Being massive on the O-line is something that has become the norm these days inside the trenches but smaller guys can excel as well and I think Patton is one of those prospects. Standing 6’2 275 pounds, Patton fits the bill of a future offensive guard or center on the next level but for his Cherokees team, he mans the left tackle position on occasions, which tells you he is the team’s most athletic O-lineman. Patton sports a mobile and powerful lower base that allows him to square up defenders and move well laterally, opening up holes for his running backs. Like I mentioned above, Patton is also a very good athlete that can play anywhere across the offensive line with his biggest upside being in the middle. Looking over his highlights, Patton could be a future center on the collegiate level as I feel that’s where his potential fits the best but could certainly handle himself at offensive guard as well. The Cherokees senior O-lineman plays a physical, smart brand of football that translates well to the next level both on the field and inside the locker room. He does need to keep adding more weight while developing his athletic traits further but Patton has a lot of skills about himself that I think will shine brighter once he gets into the college game.
Highlights
Eval: This Nashville based defensive talent has been on my radar for the better part of two years now, so I’m quite familiar with Bolling and at this point of his senior recruitment, the Eagles D-lineman remains underrated but with a strong opportunity this Fall to breakout. I can see that breakthrough performance coming this year as Bolling was impressive this summer in camps, showing maturity with his craft while forming into his body better. What I like most about the Eagles senior product is his understanding of using his hands and how to get around blocks. Bolling is well trained and versed at rushing the backfield and using his hands to stay away from being locked up. He is also a good athlete that moves well up field and laterally, so Bolling could play a variety of roles across the D-line on the next level because of those abilities and traits. The biggest thing is that Bolling must continue working on his body while adding more weight and power. Bolling is athletic and mobile but he doesn’t have the mass right now to control the run game. He does well at rolling off blocks and getting after the ball but he does need to get much bigger to make a difference against the run. All that being said about his weight, Bolling is a worker and someone that will do anything it takes to make himself better, so if size is needed, this Mid-Tennessee talent will make it happen. Bolling does hold a few offers at the moment but he has yet to decide on a future home, so he is wide open with his recruitment and someone that could watch his stock rise this Fall with a banner senior season.
Highlights
Eval: As we inch closer to the start of the 2023 Fall football season, Moore sits as one of the more under the radar defensive talents we have not just from his Mid-Tennessee region but the entire state. A big, physically imposing edge linebacker with nice length and a frame that can take on more weight, Moore is a well versed football player that brings a lot of clean, dependable traits to the football field. The Big Red senior does a good job of standing up blockers and shedding towards the ball using a good burst and closing speed. His work against the run off the edge is outstanding and something that could allow him to see the field early on the next level.
While Moore is technique sound against the run, he also shows the upside as a potential pass rusher due to his size, length and speed around the edge. Moore is a good athlete with a mobile lower base that will develop further with continued work and development as he matures. He is also an excellent worker that will put in the time needed both on and off the field to become the best player and teammate he can be. A few Ivy League schools are in pursuit of this Big Red linebacker but I feel bigger programs might get involved with more research on Moore and a big breakout senior year.
Highlights
Eval: A multi talented playmaker with talents to excel on either side of the ball, Willis is an intriguing prospect with excellent natural athletic abilities that play up on the collegiate gridiron that I feel can shine brightest in the defensive secondary. Coming off a very productive junior season with five interceptions, Willis shows on film the upside to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield, including on the outside at cover corner. The first trait you must have to play on the island is speed and Willis can run! He shows excellent burst and the ability to pick up more speed as he runs while also having good hips to change directions and stay on path with the receiver. More experience and work must be done by Willis to play outside but the tools look to be there.
No matter if this Chattanooga area product can play cornerback or not, his athleticism and value to the secondary is high as you could use Willis in a variety of ways. His size, speed and quick instincts would fit well at nickel as well as free safety where he could use his range to track down the ball. Willis also brings value to special teams as he has abilities and experience as a returner. He needs to continue adding more size and weight to his frame as well as continued work on the field but the athletic abilities are there to move from under the radar to much wanted by the end of his senior season.