#TN2024 Rankings: Top 100-200 Hidden Gems
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Many of the top recruits in the state of Tennessee have come off the board but we still have some talented prospects remaining, especially beyond the Top 100 where you might find a few under the radar stars! TN2024 Senior…
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Continue ReadingMany of the top recruits in the state of Tennessee have come off the board but we still have some talented prospects remaining, especially beyond the Top 100 where you might find a few under the radar stars!
Headed down the final recruiting stretch of the #TN2024 cycle, Helton sits as one of the best remaining edge rushers in the state with upside to develop even further on the collegiate level. The Owls senior linebacker may be a tad undersized with his height but he makes up for it with his power, ability to bend around the corner and active hands that allows him to get off blocks. Helton has an excellent burst too, showing an outstanding first step that opposing blockers have a hard time dealing with. College coaches have been showing interest in this Memphis area product but he remains on the open market but I think you will see Helton come off the board soon, especially as we inch closer to the 2nd signing day in February.
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Collier is a well known recruit throughout this state as he has been on the college radar for almost two years now, however here he sits available for the taking. The Cougars senior defensive back brings a lot of tools to the football field that translate well to the collegiate level, especially his height, length and willingness to tackle. Collier has the physical abilities to possibly play cover corner on the next level but his upside may reside best back at safety. His size and versatility alone should warrant college looks but right now, Collier remains for the taking and available to all suitors. He is definitely worth a flier for a Group of Five or FCS school looking for a multi talented defensive back with upside.
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Lee was one of the biggest breakout senior stars we had from the 2023 Fall football season that saw his PRZTN ranking jump into the Top 150 and his recruitment take a spike up with several FCS offers. The Buccaneers senior defensive back is an athletic, fluid mover on the defensive side of the ball with traits to stay on the outside at cover corner in college. His ability to react quickly to his man then make a play on the ball are traits that coaches like and he is willing to tackle too, so I see a ton of value within this Mid-Tennessee talent. His grades may force him to go JuCo first but I see D1 talent here with Lee that will only develop much further over the next couple of years.
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Well balanced with burst and lower base power, Dozier took advantage of his senior year to become a Top 10 ranked running back by PRZTN and currently one of the top backs available from the #TN2024 class. The Wildcats senior prospect brings a multi talented skill set to the playing field as Dozier can be your bulldozer or he can run around defenders using his speed. Once he gets into the open field, this Knoxville area runner is hard to bring down due to his strength and speed. Dozier also has the upside to develop much further in college with both his pass catching and blocking. There are a lot things about this East Tennessee back that I like and feel translates well to the college game, so it’s all about a college coaching staff falling in love with this guy and bringing him in to compete.
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Tummins is one of the best in the state at taking the ball away as the Bulldogs senior safety has produced a lot of interceptions during his high school career and is now looking for a college home to continue his ball hawk mentality. Standing 6 ‘2 with long arms, Tummins is a big guy on the back end that shows good range on film along with tremendous football instincts that consistently places him around the ball. He just has a unique feel for finding the ball in the air and coming down with it. Tummins does need to continue enhancing his overall athleticism and speed but the size and tools are there to develop into an excellent free safety prospect in college that could become even better with growth and maturity.
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A multi year starter for the Spartans with a knack for taking away the ball, Taylor is a tall and long defensive back with traits to stay outside at cover corner in college but has the athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions within the secondary if called upon. This Memphis area product sits available for the taking and I think whoever lands this 6’1 defender will be getting a steal. Taylor has a great feel for the game and a feel for making plays on a consistent basis. He is also a willing tackler that has no problem creeping up to the line and competing against the run. There are several traits about Taylor that screams college potential but for now, he sits uncommitted and looking for a home.
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Starting full time this year for the Mustangs, Williamson had a strong season where he handled multiple roles within the Lipscomb defense, showing off his physical play and ability to track the ball well. A bit undersized at 5’9, Williamson more than makes up for it with his aggressive nature, physical mentality and strong football instincts. His game is better suited right now to stop the run, which may be why college coaches like him at nickel but playing strong safety is also in the cards for this Nashville area defender as well. Playing on special teams could be an area where Williamson excels too. A lot of versatility resides with Williamson, so it will be interesting to see where he lands in the college ranks.
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Athletic and explosive are the first two traits you recognize when you turn on the tape as well as see big potential for Smith on the next level. The Bobcats senior O-lineman had a strong senior year where he produced on the D-line as well but his upside sits best on offense where he can use his well put together body and physicality to plow over defenders. He gets out fast then once he gets his hands on you, he finishes with violence. Smith is an unfinished product, meaning he must form his body while continuing to add more weight while developing his game much further but the upside is definitely there to become a multi year starter on the collegiate level.
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One of the more true hidden gems from across the Volunteer State, Flint is an active pass rusher with good size, arm length, a wide radius and certain burst off the edge that plays well on the collegiate gridiron. When you look over his senior film, what you see is a guy with tremendous upside as Flint has the physical look and tools to develop into an excellent pass rusher on the next level. He has plenty of room for growth too and once he adds in the needed weight, watch out because I feel Flint could be a college breakout star for whoever he lands with. May need some time to watch this guy develop and flourish but the payoff could be quite big.
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Keefer, Jr is a big dude that looks the part of a college guy and several coaching staffs agree as this Memphis area product holds several offers in hand but has yet to make a college decision. Standing about 6’3 220 plus pounds, Keefer, Jr is a physically well built young man with the size to develop into an edge linebacker on the next level or line up in the middle. This a violent hitter that works well through the mesh but can also chase down the ball carrier with his underrated speed. The Jags senior defender might have to wait till the 2nd signing day before he finds a college home but Keefer, Jr is an interesting talent that might have his best football days ahead of him.
Five Others to Know: (LB) D.J. Curll D.J. Curll 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Centennial | 2024 State TN – Centennial, (LB) Jaylon Smith Jaylon Smith 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Sheffield | 2024 State TN – Sheffield, (DL) Tim Edwards II Tim Edwards II 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Houston | 2024 State TN – Houston, (LB/S) Jermaine Stinson Jermaine Stinson 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Chatt. Christian | 2024 State TN – Chatt. Chest., (DL) Evan Poticher Evan Poticher 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Northview Acad. | 2024 State TN – Northview Acad.