#PRZTN Stock Up Performers: Week 6
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With another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to highlight some impactful standouts from all across the state of Tennessee that made their presence known on the field this past Friday night. Today, we will…
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Continue ReadingWith another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to highlight some impactful standouts from all across the state of Tennessee that made their presence known on the field this past Friday night. Today, we will be resuming my “Stock Up Performers” series as we evaluate some intriguing playmakers on both sides of the ball that impressed during the sixth week of competition. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top performers from week six.
Highlights
At the top of my list of notable performers is Braden Graham Braden Graham 6'1" | 200 lbs | QB Riverdale | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback at Riverdale High School. Graham was explosive at the helm of the Warriors’ offense in last week’s 49-0 blowout win over Coffee County Central, throwing 21 completions out of 27 attempts for 259 yards and five touchdowns. Graham’s arm strength and pin-point accuracy on deep passes into the back of the endzone made a huge difference. Another aspect of Graham’s playstyle that stood out was his ability to maneuver the field to escape pressure and get the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his receivers before defensive contact.
I am additionally impressed with Korey Smith Korey Smith 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Oakland | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 205-pound linebacker at Oakland High School. Smith was an impactful defensive weapon for the Patriots in last week’s 35-0 blowout victory over Rockvale, picking up 13 total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and 1.5 sacks. In addition to outstanding size, speed and execution, what stands out about Smith is his ability to escape the offensive line in the pocket and immediately take down the quarterback. I’m additionally fond of how Smith attacks the offense in and around the pocket, showing off his ability to disrupt the running game and keep playmakers out of the backfield.
Highlights
Claiming the number three spot on my list is JoJo Saleem JoJo Saleem 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Briarcrest Chrst. | 2024 State TN , a 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back at Briarcrest Christian School. Saleem was an explosive weapon for the Saints on the ground in last week’s 28-21 win over Father Ryan, recording 32 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns. What impresses me the most about Saleem is his deceptive footwork and speed, showcasing his ability to maneuver the field, avoid contact and break tackles en route to the endzone. Saleem also contributes explosive movement, quickly spinning around upon contact to open up the field. I’m also fond of how Saleem utilizes his physicality to pick up extra yards and escape the defense along the edge.
Highlights
Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Enrique Jaimes Enrique Jaimes 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR McCallie | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 170-pound athlete at McCallie High School. Jaimes made significant offensive contributions for the Blue Tornado in last week’s 35-0 blowout victory over Montgomery Bell Academy, hauling in eight receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Jaimes stands out as a reliable passing target on third-downs, utilizing the edge to haul in quick passes. Jaimes also proved himself in the backfield, showing off his breakaway speed and ability to attack the ball in the air. From just a few yards out from the endzone, I like how Jaimes breaks away into the back of the field to grab touchdown passes.
Coming in at number five on my list is Antomme Cowthorn, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound athlete at Marshall County High School. Cowthorn contributed major defensive firepower for the Tigers down the stretch in last week’s 41-6 rout of Fayetteville, making eight total tackles, including one tackle for loss, two defended passes and one sack. In addition to excellent size and speed, what makes Cowthorn a gamechanger is his ability to lock down playmakers down the stretch and stop the offense from escaping into the backfield. I’m additionally fond of Cowthorn’s quick reaction time and ability to quickly respond in the pocket, proving he can consistently disrupt offensive production.
Moses Byrd
Moses Byrd
Also worth mentioning is Moses Byrd, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker at Northeast High School. Despite a 52-14 loss to Henry County last week, Byrd made his presence known for the Eagles on the defensive side, collecting 11 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack. Byrd impresses with his ability to barrel through the offense, find openings in the pocket and quickly get to the quarterback. Byrd’s footwork and ability to muscle past coverage along the edge to stop the run is another aspect of his game that stands out. I also like Byrd’s ability to sack the quarterback, escaping openings in the pocket to make significant stops.