#PRZTN Stock Up Performers: Week Two
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After an action-packed week of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impactful playmakers from both sides of the ball that made a name for themselves on the field…
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Continue ReadingAfter an action-packed week of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impactful playmakers from both sides of the ball that made a name for themselves on the field this past Friday. Today, we will be continuing my weekly “Stock Up Performers” series as we breakdown another list of talented standouts. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top stock up performers in Tennessee from week two of competition.
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At the top of my list of notable standouts is Chad Barham Chad Barham 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Chester Co. | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end at Chester County High School. Despite a 35-27 loss to Milan last Friday, Barham still made a considerable difference for the Eagles offensively. What makes Barham such a playmaker is his well-balanced playstyle, ability to breakaway from the defense and remain in an advantageous position down the stretch. Barham’s playstyle also impresses due to his physicality in the pocket as well as his ability to stay on his feet under heavy pressure from the defense.
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I am also impressed with Jayden Neal Jayden Neal 5'11" | 195 lbs | QB Knox. Catholic | 2025 TN , a 5-foot-11, 180-pound quarterback at Knoxville Catholic High School. Neal made his presence known for the Fighting Irish at the helm of the offense in week two, blasting past Brevard (NC) by a final score of 40-13. In addition to solid size, speed and execution off the snap, what makes Neal so impactful is his ability to move the offense on the ground and in the air, showcasing his quickness with his legs as well as his efficient arm strength. Neal’s pin-point accuracy also stood out as he could hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field.
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Jay Smitherman Jay Smitherman 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH Ravenwood | 2025 TN , a 5-foot-9, 165-pound athlete at Ravenwood High School. Smitherman made his presence known for the Raptors on the defensive side of the ball in last Friday’s 35-7 win over Cane Ridge. What makes Smitherman such a threat is his athleticism, field awareness and his ability to read the offense like a book. Another aspect of Smitherman that caught my attention was his electric speed, ability to muscle his way in front of quick passes, his ability to pick off the quarterback and his quick decision-making.
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Another talented prospect to keep an eye on is Jade Kneeland Jade Kneeland 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Bartlett | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver at Bartlett High School. Kneeland was a highly impactful offensive weapon for the Panthers in their 24-14 win over Lausanne Collegiate in week two. Kneeland caught my eye with his well-balanced playstyle, footwork and catching ability, proving he can boost offensive production and get his team down the field off quick passes. I also like Kneeland’s breakaway speed and ability to break tackles en route to the endzone. Kneeland additionally made a difference with his ability to haul in deep passes in the endzone last Friday.
EJ Carter
EJ Carter
Coming in at number five on my list of playmakers is EJ Carter, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound athlete at Notre Dame High School. Carter picked up valuable minutes for the Fighting Irish’ offense last Friday as his team took down Signal Mountain by a final score of 52-30. In addition to excellent size, speed and toughness in the pocket, what makes Carter a playmaker is his bursts of speed and ability to find openings in the pocket to pull away from the defense and blast into the backfield. I’m additionally impressed with Carter’s footwork and sudden movements, proving he can maneuver the field under pressure and escape defensive contact with his durable edge.
Also establishing himself on the field last Friday was Bear Cortes Bear Cortes 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB McCallie | 2025 TN , a 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker at McCallie High School. Cortes was an explosive defensive playmaker for the Blue Tornado in their 41-21 victory over Woodward Academy (GA) in week two. What stands out about Cortes is his defensive instinct and ability to utilize bursts of speed to drop offensive playmakers to the ground. Cortes also made a difference with his athleticism and stopping power, diving for tackles and sacks. Cortes additionally caught my eye with his explosiveness off the snap and ability to consistently apply pressure on the offense, make commanding stops and be defensively disruptive.