#PRZTN Stock Up Performers: Week 9
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With another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to resume the #PRZTN Stock Up Performers series as we evaluate some more talented prospects from the state of Tennessee. These guys took their games to another…
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Continue ReadingWith another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to resume the #PRZTN Stock Up Performers series as we evaluate some more talented prospects from the state of Tennessee. These guys took their games to another level in Week Nine, pushing their recruiting stocks further while establishing themselves as top tier players.
Highlights
At the top of my list of notable performers is Malachi Pate Malachi Pate 5'10" | 180 lbs | ATH Sevier Co. | 2024 State TN , a 5-foot-10, 175-pound defensive back at Sevier County High School. Pate and the Smoky Bears are coming off a 24-7 win over Daniel Boone last week. What impresses me the most about Pate is his efficient execution off the snap as well as his explosive quickness, showing off the jets from a few yards out as he blasted into the endzone. Pate also impressed me with his ability to haul in receptions and pick up speed along the edge. On the other side of the ball. Pate caught my attention with his ability to read the offense, proving he can pick off the quarterback with his ability to attack the ball in the air.
Highlights
I am additionally impressed with Jordan Lee Jordan Lee 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Beech | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 180-pound linebacker at Beech High School. Lee and the Buccaneers picked up a 48-10 blowout victory over Siegel this past week. In addition to excellent footwork and versatility, what stands out about Lee is his breakaway speed, his ability to overpower receivers and his consistency in staying in front of the ball. Lee hauled in an impressive diving interception on a deep pass down the field. Lee’s quickness was also present offensively, showing off his ability to haul in deep passes and remain untouched as he enters the endzone.
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Chelton Swafford Chelton Swafford 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Beech | 2026 TN , a 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back at Beech High School. Swafford and the Buccaneers defeated Siegel by a final score of 48-10 last week. What makes Swafford so explosive on the ground is his ability to use bursts of speed and physicality to withstand the defensive line and punch forward into the open field. Another aspect of Swafford’s playstyle that impresses is his ability to find openings in the pocket and force his way into the endzone. Swafford’s durable edge also makes him an impactful playmaker in third-down scenarios, proving he can break tackles while exerting his size and strength in the pocket.
Highlights
Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Emmitt Newman Emmitt Newman 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Jefferson Co. | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 210-pound linebacker at Jefferson County High School. Newman and the Patriots improved their record with a 31-14 win over Farragut last week. What I like about Newman is his ability to quickly apply pressure and force the quarterback to the ground as well as shut down the run game in the pocket and along the edge. I also like how Newman can read the quarterback and jump up to swat passes. On the other side of the ball, Newman has made his presence known in the endzone, proving he can outrun opposing defenses and haul in touchdown passes from a few yards out.
Highlights
Coming in at number five on my list is Jermaine Stinson Jermaine Stinson 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Chatt. Christian | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 210-pound athlete at Chattanooga Christian High School. Stinson and the Chargers recently fell 39-28 to Lakeway Christian Academy. Stinson was a huge offensive weapon last week, proving his efficiency down the stretch at wide receiver. One of Stinson’s impressive plays was a deep touchdown pass to end the first half. I also liked how Stinson attacked the ball in the air despite heavy coverage, proving he can break tackles and pick up yards upon completion. Stinson’s footwork and versatile edge also stands out, juking out the defense on his way to the house. I also liked Stinson’s defensive quickness and ability to make crucial stops.
Also worth mentioning is Rhett Slagle Rhett Slagle 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Elizabethton | 2026 TN , a 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback at Elizabethton High School. Slagle and the Fighting Cyclones remain perfect on the year, recording a 56-0 blowout win over Volunteer last week. Slagle makes a difference under center due to his ability to act quick, adapt to pressure and get the ball out of his hands before the defense makes contact. I also like how Slagle uses his speed on the ground to escape the defense and quickly find open targets deep down the field. Slagle additionally stands out due to his arm strength and accuracy, proving he can make the challenging plays on third down and hit his receivers in stride in the endzone.