#PRZTN Stock Up Performers: Week One
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After an action-packed weekend of high school football action to open the season in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of most explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball that made their presence known on…
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Continue ReadingAfter an action-packed weekend of high school football action to open the season in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of most explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball that made their presence known on the field in week one. Today, we will be kickstarting my “Stock Up Performers” series as we highlight some intriguing prospects in Tennessee to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top outstanding performers from week one.
At the top of my list of notable standouts for week one is Mason Baker Mason Baker 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Hendersonville | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback at Hendersonville High School. Baker was a gamechanger at the helm of the Commandos’ offense in week one, leading his team to a 47-33 victory over Gallatin High School. What stands out about Baker is his composure under center and his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly, connecting with his receivers in stride anywhere on the field. In addition to arm strength and pin-point accuracy in the air, Baker impresses me with his ability to deceive the defense with his legs and use bursts of speed to escape pressure.
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I am additionally impressed with Kamauri Turner Kamauri Turner 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH Giles Co. | 2024 State TN , a 5-foot-9, 170-pound athlete at Giles County High School. Turner proved himself as a high-level offensive talent despite the Bobcats falling 35-34 in a close battle with Page High School. What I like about Turner is his athleticism and route-running ability as he proved he can stun defensive backs with his toughness and get open for both quick passes and deep shots down the field. Turner’s footwork and ability to maneuver the field also caught my eye as he could juke defenders, avoid contact and break tackles on his way down the field.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Josh Davis Josh Davis 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Ooltewah | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back at Ooltewah High School. Davis was a major difference maker for the Owls during their commanding week one victory over Chattanooga Central High School by a final score of 41-14. Davis impresses me with his overall awareness and explosiveness on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to returning a fumble all the way to the house, Davis also made his presence known in the backfield, stunning receivers with his versatile edge, physicality and quick execution. Davis was highly impactful defensively due to his overall awareness, proving he can disrupt passing down the stretch and pick off the quarterback.
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Another standout to watch as the season continues is Javon McMahan Javon McMahan 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB McCallie | 2024 State TN , a 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back at McCallie High School. McMahan was highly impactful on the ground for the Blue Tornado in week one, playing a big role in the 53-13 blowout win over Chattanooga Christian High School. In addition to outstanding size and physicality, what stands out about McMahan is his toughness and ability to stay on his feet despite heavy defensive contact. I also like McMahan’s speed along the edge, utilizing his quickness to escape into the backfield, put the offense in great field position and muscle it into the endzone himself.
Dj Curll
Dj Curll
Coming in at number five on my list of top performers is Dj Curll, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker at Centennial High School. Curll was relentless on the defensive side of the ball for the Cougars during week one, helping his team to a 34-14 win over Franklin High School. In addition to impressive size and quick execution off the snap, what stood out about Curll was his ability to blast past the line with his strength, hit the quarterback quick and hard off the snap, apply heavy pressure on offensive playmakers and make crucial stops. I also liked how Curll could briefly stun the offense in coverage using his arms, his ability to rush the ball-carrier and his consistency in disrupting offensive production.
Also deserving of a spot on my list is Vashawn Nalls Vashawn Nalls 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Oak Ridge | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-3, 195-pound athlete at Oak Ridge High School. Nalls was a crucial piece of the Wildcats’ effort on both sides of the ball during week one of the season, blasting Jefferson County’s offense in the 30-13 victory. Contributing at both linebacker and tight end, Nalls impressed me with his speed and durability down the stretch as well as his ability to ground playmakers on the defensive end. With solid footwork and toughness, Nalls was able to quickly make his way down the field with the ball while breaking tackles. I also like how Nalls utilizes his height and wingspan defensively, quickly getting off the ground to haul in an interception.