#PRZTN Sophomore Standouts Thru Round 2
In this article:
After another action-packed week of high school football competition in the Volunteer State, it’s time to evaluate some of the most impactful sophomore playmakers that have made their presence known during the first two rounds of the playoffs. These guys…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAfter another action-packed week of high school football competition in the Volunteer State, it’s time to evaluate some of the most impactful sophomore playmakers that have made their presence known during the first two rounds of the playoffs. These guys have taken their game to another level over the course of postseason play and should not be slept on during this week’s slate of contests.
rnAt the top of my list of notable performers is Jared Curtis Jared Curtis 6’3″ | 205 lbs | QB Nash. Christian | 2026 State TN , a quarterback at Nashville Christian High School. Curtis and the Eagles are coming off a 45-38 win over Trinity Christian Academy last week. What impresses me the most about Curtis is his quick release and accuracy, showcasing his ability to be precise with his throws and hit his receivers in stride deep in the backfield. Curtis also stands out with his ability to break free of the defense in the pocket and boost ground production.
Highlights
rnI am additionally impressed with Caden Harris Caden Harris 6’0″ | 170 lbs | DB Haywood | 2026 State TN , a defensive back at Haywood High School. Harris and the Tomcats collected a 47-26 blowout victory over Millington Central this past week. In addition to excellent versatility and durability as a kick returner, Harris impresses with his ability to disrupt the rush and protect the backfield. I also like how Harris can read the quarterback and attack the ball in the air, showcasing his ability to haul in interceptions and break tackles as he takes it the other way.
Highlights
rnClaiming the number three spot on my list is Femi Babalola Femi Babalola 6’3″ | 190 lbs | QB Ravenwood | 2026 State TN , a quarterback at Ravenwood High School. Babalola and the Raptors earned a 38-9 win over Smyrna last week. Babalola is so dangerous under center due to his quick execution off the snap as well as his pin-point accuracy, hitting his receivers in stride on deep bullets into the backfield. Babalola also stands out with his composure under heavy pressure, utilizing his footwork to dodge the defense and get the ball out of his hands before contact.
rn
Highlights
rnAnother skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Caleb Ellison Caleb Ellison 6’0″ | 200 lbs | LB Oakland | 2026 TN , a linebacker at Oakland High School. Ellison and the Patriots picked up a 24-2 victory over Mount Juliet this past week. In addition to outstanding awareness, what impresses me the most about Ellison is his ability to suffocate playmakers in the pocket, protect the backfield and sack the quarterback. Ellison also stands out with his ability to shut down receivers, making commanding stops quickly after the catch.
rn
rnComing in at number five on my list is Knight Wilson Knight Wilson 6’0″ | DB Page | 2026 TN , a defensive back at Page High School. Wilson and the Patriots recorded a 37-7 victory over Tullahoma last week. What I like about Wilson is his electric speed, ability to read the offense and his stopping power in the backfield. On top of his quickness off the snap, Wilson proved he can blast the defense to the ground, utilizing bursts of speed and versatility to make diving tackles along the edge.
rn
rnAlso making a difference is Keeyshawn Schneider Keeyshawn Schneider 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH McCallie | 2026 TN , an athlete at McCallie High School. Schneider and the Blue Tornado earned a 49-10 blowout win over Brentwood Academy this past week. Schneider stands out with his breakaway speed and ability to haul in challenging touchdown passes. Schneider showcased his ability reach the ball in the endzone by elevating off the ground and diving for touchdown passes. Schneider also makes a difference on the ground, using the edge to push into the backfield.
rnAlso making his presence known is Keith Johnson Keith Johnson 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB East Nashville | 2026 TN , a running back at East Nashville Magnet High School. Johnson and the Eagles are coming off a 40-14 rout of Stratford last week. Johnson makes a considerable difference offensively due to his footwork and unpredictable movement. Johnson proved he can dodge and weave tackles as he breaks free of the defense and maneuvers his way into the endzone. I also like how Johnson can adapt in the pocket, utilizing his space to slip by the defense and advance ground production.
rn
Jayden Rush Jayden Rush 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB FRA | 2026 TN
Jayden Rush Jayden Rush 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB FRA | 2026 TN
rnAnother top standout to watch for is Jayden Rush Jayden Rush 6’0″ | 180 lbs | DB FRA | 2026 TN , a defensive back at Franklin Road Academy. Rush and the Panthers picked up a 50-15 rout of Webb this past week. What makes Rush so efficient defensively is his ability to protect the backfield and make commanding tackles after the catch, giving receivers no time to pick up yards. Rush also made a difference offensively last week with his ability to read the quarterback and come in from behind for the pick-six. Rush also proved his catching ability, hauling in several touchdown passes.
rn