Class 5A Playmakers in Tennessee to Watch this Fall

As the opening kickoff to high school football action in the Volunteer State quickly approaches, it's time to highlight some high-level returning playmakers that are looking to build on their previous success. Today, we will be focusing on some outstanding players from class 5A that should provide for some entertaining and competitive action this upcoming season. Without any further ado, here's my list of some class 5A playmakers in Tennessee to watch for this fall.    At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'], a 6-foot-3, 226-pound linebacker at Page High School. Hazzard was a defensive gamechanger for the Patriots during his sophomore campaign of high school football last year. What stands out most about Hazzard is his ability to quickly apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the offense in the backfield. With outstanding footwork, movement and strength, offensive playmakers were no match for Hazzard as he could easily utilize his size, speed and durable edge to blast through the offense. The rising junior out of Franklin, TN. is without a doubt an intriguing class 5A prospect to keep an eye on.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15037841/639f24f3b53f6608c8125989">Tape:</a>    I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='741423' first='De'Jauvis' last='Dozier'], a 5-foot-11, 195-pound running back at Oak Ridge High School. Dozier was nearly unstoppable on the ground during his junior season of high school football with the Wildcats last year. In addition to excellent size, speed and durability, what stands out about Dozier is his ability to find openings in the pocket and escape into the backfield. Another aspect of Dozier that impresses is his toughness, ability to break tackles and blast past the opposition, using bursts of speed and deceptive footwork to muscle his way into the endzone. After a commanding offensive performance, Dozier is a class 5A playmaker that should not be slept on next season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15769968/637c0a2bab92460b50dfa32a">Tape:</a>    Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='301354' first='Kollin' last='Collier'], a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back at Munford High School. Collier made his presence known defensively during his junior stint of high school football with the Cougars last season. With solid size, speed and explosiveness in the backfield, Collier impressed with his relentless defensive coverage on wide receivers, using quick bursts of speed and his physical edge to haul in interceptions. I also like how Collier pushed off defenders and how he utilized his athleticism to dive for the ball. After showcasing his talent last year, the rising senior out of Memphis, TN. is certainly a class 5A prospect to watch for this upcoming fall.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19330486/636bc6204ba7a80d3485756e">Tape:</a>    Another high-level player to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='552619' first='Ayo' last='Abijo'], a 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive lineman at Centennial High School. Abijo was one of the most efficient defensive weapons on the Cougars' roster during his junior campaign of high school football last year. What stands out about Abijo is his ability to quickly create pressure and make commanding stops, using his physical edge to blast the offense and disrupt offensive production. I am also impressed with Abijo's execution off the snap, showing off his awareness and ability to pounce on the quarterback. Following a strong showcase last season, the rising senior out of Franklin, TN. is without question a class 5A standout to be aware of this upcoming fall.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16433070/639ae9cc17634a0e28e49a4e">Tape:</a>    Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='288620' first='Ty' last='Collins'], a 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback at Nolensville High School. Collins made significant contributions at the helm of the Knights' offense during his junior season of high school football. In addition to great size and speed, what stands out about Collins is his deceptive footwork and quick release, showcasing his ability to outrun the defense on the ground as well as complete deep passes under heavy defensive pressure. In addition to his accurate throwing, Collins caught my eye with his outstanding arm strength and decision-making ability. After proving himself under center last year, Collins is definitely a class 5A player to watch for this fall.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15048423/63a4fcc904287c05b4447b2c">Tape:</a>

As the opening kickoff to high school football action in the Volunteer State quickly approaches, it's time to highlight some high-level returning playmakers that are looking to build on their previous success. Today, we will be focusing on some outstanding players from class 5A that should provide for some entertaining and competitive action this upcoming season. Without any further ado, here's my list of some class 5A playmakers in Tennessee to watch for this fall.