615 Preps Jamboree Showcase: Recap & Notes

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ten teams embarked on Oakland High School Friday night for their last preseason action before the start of the season next week &amp; several players and teams impressed while others are still coming together. Here we recap all the action from the 615 Preps Showcase w/ our top notes and stories! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cannon Co. vs. MTCS&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Cougars of MTCS came away as the defacto winner at 14-0 but it could have been much worse had they been at peak performance. MTCS was almost able to run the ball at will throughout the action against the Lions front seven and the Cougars made it a point to run it away from Cannon Co. star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445122' first='Tucker' last='Kyne']</strong>. What they did however worked as the Cougars backfield in quarterback <strong>Yates Geren </strong>and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150295' first='Eli' last='Wilson'] </strong>were tough to stop, producing several big gains and being a big reason for the 14-0 victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150295' first='Eli' last='Wilson'] </strong>was an impressive runner who showed excellent burst once he got to the edge as well as providing several strong hits on defense. This two-way talent is the unheralded leader and engine of the Cougars team. Wilson is a big play threat anytime he touches the ball and when he is producing at a high level, the Cougars become a formidable team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Having the chance to check out Cannon Co. in person, the Lions are a bit bigger as a whole than I thought, which lends me to think I could be right on their possible region title run. Now that's a big statement to make seeing that the Lions went down to MTCS tonight without scoring a point but I feel this team will gel together and provide problems for teams in the Class 2A ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big reason for that statement above is the presence and play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445122' first='Tucker' last='Kyne']</strong>. Friday night against MTCS, Kyne played both ways, going up against a future Tennessee Vol at edge linebacker while also being the teams go-to target on offense. Kyne was a major focus for the Cougars as they triple team blocked him most of the game while also shadowing him with two or three guys when lined up at tight end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":947769,"width":608,"height":399,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/20230811_172050-crop-2203x1447-1691857709.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-947769" style="width:608px;height:399px" width="608" height="399" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kyne more than handled himself against the Cougars future SEC O-lineman but stood out the most at tight end where he made two highly difficult catches that put the Lions into scoring territory. The Lions star two-way prospect will be unguardable on the 2A ranks as well as go up against opposing O-linemen from the level that will not be able to block him. After seeing him perform on Friday, Kyne is in-store for a monster senior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Watching MTCS offensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277659' first='Jesse' last='Perry'] </strong>in-person for the first time in over a year, the Cougars senior prospect has definitely filled out his frame while continuing to enhance his lower base athleticism. He certainly looks the part but moves very well too, so I can definitely see why he is headed to the SEC with upside to become a full time starter during his time in Knoxville sooner rather than later.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Macon Co. vs. MJCA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This contest was about the present for the Tigers out of Macon Co. against the future of MJCA Saints. Macon Co. flexed their veteran muscles on Friday evening in their 21-0 two quarter victory against a developmental Saints team that has yes gotten better and bigger but they are still a ways off before they contend for championships. The Tigers however are right there in contention to be a region title winner this year as well as go on a deep playoff run, especially if the matchups line up right.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the success for Macon Co. this year centers around the play of offensive standouts <strong>Luke Gammon </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310950' first='Gabe' last='Borders']</strong>. Both of these guys shined bright on Friday night, giving the Saints defense fits, especially with their athleticism and speed into the open field. Play up front must be strong and both these playmakers have to stay healthy and if that's the case, the Tigers could be a force to watch come December.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Giles Co. vs. Nash. Christian&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The third contest of the night between the Bobcats and Eagles proved to be one of the better matchups of the 615 Preps Showcase as their two quarter action went back and forth until the very end when Giles Co. took a late lead and went on to win the jamboree game 14-13. It was interesting watching a 3A team compete against a D2-Class A private school as Giles Co. handled themselves just fine, showing excellent precision with their offense while being opportunistic on defense. Nash. Christian had a different approach on Friday night as they were without top 2026 quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis']</strong>, so they leaned on others, including their run game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where a difference was made in this contest was the athleticism and playmaking abilities from the Giles Co. seniors. The backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239447' first='Kamauri' last='Turner'] </strong>and <strong>Xzorion Randolph </strong>was tough to stop and proved to be a dangerous duo moving forward that many opposing defenses will have a hard time slowing down. The Eagles certainly did, especially with Turner, who produced two rushing touchdowns on the night as well as several pass receptions. Turner showed me that he is a definite candidate for 3A Mr. Football this year and someone that can put his Giles Co. team on his way and lead them to a possible region title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KamauriT/status/1690224635164418048?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KamauriT/status/1690224635164418048?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Nash. Christian senior receiver <strong>Braylon Tole </strong>had a strong debut to his season at the 615 Preps Showcase where he was the team's go-to target on offense, who hauled in a long touchdown reception while also making several other tough catches. Tole is quite athletic as one catch he made, the Mid-Tennessee talent had to jump extra high to bring in the pass and he did, then proceeded to work down field for extra yards. I could see Tole having a breakout senior year, especially with Curtis tossing him the ball and boosting his recruiting stock to hopeful college offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coaches and scouts need to take a longer look at Giles Co. senior O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390594' first='Amare' last='Smith']</strong>. This Mid-Tennessee big man must have used his offseason to his advantage because he showed up at Oakland high school much bigger and in better form along with increased lower base agility. He was dominant the entire matchup against Nash. Christian as the Eagles could not move Smith off his spot and he was able to get to the second level with ease. Smith brings a lot of strong physical abilities to the football field that translate well to the next level, so this coming season should be key for him and where his recruitment goes from here.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA vs. Green Hill&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Out of all the games taking place on Friday evening at Oakland High School, this matchup between the Hawks and Panthers was one contest I was eager to see as I recently selected Green Hill to win their region and I was interested to see the growth from the FRA program. Well I was able to gain strong answers as the Panthers were very impressive, scoring on their first play from scrimmage while the Hawks looked overwhelmed or not ready as they struggled from the opening kickoff until the final whistle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where FRA impressed me the most was their attention to detail and desire as a team to compete and win. The Panthers are well coached along with having the type of collective mentality that can produce a lot of wins this year. On the other hand for Green Hill, the Hawks must regroup and learn from Friday night's action as yes they struggled but still have good pieces within their team to put forth a winning year that could lead to a region title. Overall, this was a good matchup to see where both teams are headed into the year and where both teams need to improve as they strive for winning seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- FRA big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488808' first='Luke' last='Masterson'] </strong>is the headlining name for the Panthers team, who is headed to North Carolina but he isn't the only stud on their offense that is destined for collegiate ball. Friday night against Green Hill, both running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150281' first='Ty' last='Clark III'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='307775' first='Boyd' last='Brown'] </strong>had impressive Fall debuts and were major factors in the Panthers win over the Hawks. Clark is well put together physically and while he wasn't used often, the times he did run the ball, he looked in prime condition, ready for the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown was unguardable and produced a touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage that set the tone for the remainder of the game. If you want fast and someone who can take the top off, Brown is your guy. He is a speedster that has packed on good weight this offseason as well as gained an extra step. Brown is a definite college prospect that is sitting way under the radar at the moment but more showings like the one of Friday night should boost his recruitment tremendously.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- While Green Hill had some struggles on Friday night, one guy who stood to me was junior tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219336' first='Aaron' last='Mattingly']</strong>. This guy is an absolute stud with a bright future on the collegiate gridiron that has the size, length and ball skills to turn into a formidable pass catcher. What I liked most about him was his ability to line out wide at receiver as that's where the Hawks coaching staff appears to be using him this year. It's a good idea as Mattlingly runs well and can use his size as an advantage against smaller defensive backs. Expect a big year out of this Mid-Tennessee tight end as he appears to be the go-to target for the Green Hill offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":947788,"width":532,"height":349,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/20230811_204225-crop-2332x1531-1691859094.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-947788" style="width:532px;height:349px" width="532" height="349" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blackman vs. Lipscomb Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Finishing the night was these two Middle Tennessee power programs in what many felt would be a blowout by the Mustangs and while they did win the two quarter game 14-0, the Blaze did not back down and was fully invested in this contest. Blackman came out spirited and ready for the matchup but in the end, they just did not have enough beef up front or skill to keep up with a loaded Mustangs team. What this could do for Blackman however is give them confidence moving forward as they stood toe to toe with one of the best teams in the state and they didn't flinch. The Blaze is a work in progress with a new coaching staff in place but you could see the work they have done with their players thus far and where this program could go under the teaching of Coach Kriesky.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now for the Mustangs, what can you say other than “wow”. The kind of talent that is spread throughout the Lipscomb Academy roster is silly, so I could easily see this program walk away with another state title by the end of the season but this year, it will be a tougher path playing in the D2-Class AAA ranks, however the Mustangs are stacked and ready for tough competition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- New Lipscomb Academy quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='350918' first='Deuce' last='Knight'] </strong>was very impressive and I can see why he is such a highly regarded prospect for the #TN2025 class. A big presence behind center, Knight is an imposing quarterback that can spin it with his left arm but also tuck it and run. He brings a lot of strong athletic, playmaking abilities to the quarterback position that translates well to the next level but it was his poise and calm demeanor that stood out the most to me. I like how he runs things on offense and is the kind of guy that can lead the Mustangs back into state title contention.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another junior Mustang that stood out to me was tight end <strong>T.J. Briggs Jr</strong>. Immediately the first thing you notice about him is his size. Briggs, Jr is a big boy that definitely looks the part as well as sporting the body frame to pack on more weight. He is also very athletic too and someone that can stretch the field from his tight end position. Briggs, Jr is athletic enough to also line up out wide and play in space. This junior pass catcher is a matchup problem for opposing defenses and someone that is still coming into his own, so keep an ear out for this Mid-Tennessee product with Power Five abilities and talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It could be a transition year for the Blaze but they have some good youthful talent to build around, including a pair of juniors in linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219450' first='Ethan' last='Carson'] </strong>and O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800806' first='Chris' last='Barnett']</strong>. Both of these guys have college traits and upside as well as the talent to be difference makers within the Blackman team. Carson in particular is a stud that will be used both ways this year and should be the go-to target on offense while making hard hitting plays on defense. Barnett has transformed his body nicely, turning himself into a legitimate recruit that should get better with more experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/calvinwhite55/status/1690188501457760256?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/calvinwhite55/status/1690188501457760256?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->