#TNHSFB Championship Week: Day One Standouts
In this article:
The private schools got things started on Thursday morning and as we ended the day we had three new state champions but we also had some players step up at the biggest time of the year to help lead their…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe private schools got things started on Thursday morning and as we ended the day we had three new state champions but we also had some players step up at the biggest time of the year to help lead their teams to victories…those players are mentioned below!
Day One Standouts #BlueCrossBowl
Playing in his last high school game ever as a CPA Lion, Law put everything on the line and out on that field yesterday as he was determined to help his team achieve a D2-Class AA championship and that’s exactly what he did. Playing on both sides of the ball for his Lions team, Law did everything he could to help while dealing with a serious arm injury that you could tell was bothering him but it wasn’t going to keep him off the field. Law produced the 1st points of the game in the 1st quarter with a long touchdown run that set the tone then he proceeded to make several hard hitting tackles throughout against the Bucs run game. His leadership and toughness exuberated throughout the rest of his teammates that there was no way CPA was losing this game with Law out there putting his body on the line. Expect this kind of play and determination during his time at North Carolina, starting in the Fall.
Highlights
– – – – –
If it wasn’t for the play of the guy mentioned above, Cabell could have been your D2-Class AA title game MVP as the sophomore wideout displayed excellent pass catching abilities that translate very well to the college game. The Lions wideout established himself early in the contest as “the” top receiver on the field between both teams then continued to display his skill set throughout the rest of the game as a key force behind the team’s state title win. Where Cabell stood out the most was his ability to separate from his defender then beat him deep. Standing 6’3 190 plus pounds, Cabell is a big guy who can run and uses his body well to shield off defensive backs. The Boyd Buchanan defenders had a hard time keeping up with Cabell and I don’t expect that to change moving forward as Cabell continues to grow and mature into one of the top overall prospects from our #TN2026 class.
– – – – –
Out of all the talent on the field Thursday morning, Moore was the one guy who stood out the most to me and that’s mainly because I hadn’t seen too much of him but I was impressed and I think he would be a solid get for an FCS program looking for a linebacker with versatility. The Bucs senior back does fit best on the inside where he can dart into the backfield against the run but he showed quick burst and range against the Lions offense that tells me you could use him off the edge as well. Moore is a thick, physical young man with good arm length and powerful hands. He takes on and sheds blocks well then finishes with violence. Forming his body better and gaining more speed is key for him but I like how this guy plays and what he brings to the table from a physical standpoint.
– – – – –
Earning MVP honors for his performance against FCS, Wilson took his recruiting stock to another level by producing 190 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown and a fumble recovered for a score within this championship contest against the Commanders. It was one of his best games of his career for Wilson and a key moment for his recruiting as several college coaches were paying attention. The Cougars senior athlete is fast and he displayed that speed on several occasions Thursday afternoon. That trait alone should have coaches looking deeper into this Mid-Tennessee talent but Wilson is also a natural athlete with versatility that he brings tons of value to the field at multiple positions. I like this kid and how he goes about his business and I think collegiate coaches would like it too.
Highlights
– – – – –
This big man who is headed to Tennessee next year, paved the way for Wilson and his 190 yards on the ground as well as made several big tackles up front on defense that helped slow down the Friendship rushing attack. Perry was tasked to play both ways this season and he did so at a high level. He took the responsibility of being the warrior up front that took on each team’s best big man and he more than handled himself, Perry developed into one of the best O-line prospects in the state. He displayed those talents Thursday afternoon where he manhandled Commander defenders up front, allowing his running backs open lanes. Even though Perry competed on the D2-Class A level, I can see this guy developing into a formidable starter during his time in Knoxville and possibly an All-Conference performer.
Highlights
– – – – –
– – – – –
St. Hilaire was near flawless in his team’s 34-28 win over Baylor where the native Canadian was 22-28 passing for 304 yards and four touchdowns as he earned MVP honors for the D2-Class AAA title game. He was a calm, steady presence at quarterback that kept everything on path after a big red zone turnover in the first half by Red Raiders linebacker Nelson McKnight. After that, St. Hilaire went on a tear, pushing the Blue Tornado back in front where they would stay the rest of the way. Besides his feel for the game. St. Hilaire also impressed me with his arm strength, zip and the ability to get the ball out on time and accurately. I could definitely see this East Tennessee talent competing for immediate playing time once he arrives on Vanderbilt’s campus in the Spring or Fall.
Highlights
– – – – –
Out of all the players mentioned in this article, nobody had a bigger breakout party than this guy who showed up big on the big stage Thursday night where Jaimes produced 8 receptions for 170 yards and one touchdown during McCallie’s 34-28 win over Baylor. The Blue Tornado senior had a stellar senior year that boosted him up inside our in-state rankings but this championship performance might have taken Jaimes to another level as I see him as a definite FCS prospect that might get a D1 look or two. His speed and ability to adjust in mid-route is what stands out the most to me and traits that translate very well to the next level. It will be interesting to see where this guy’s recruitment goes over the coming weeks, especially after his championship performance.
Highlights
– – – – –
LeBlanc is a mismatch problem for most defenders he comes across and on Thursday evening that remained the same as the Canadian native hauled in several tough catches against a talented McCallie secondary. The Red Raiders senior tight end is an athletic guy that can be flexed out in the slot and that’s where the Baylor coaches used him a lot against the Blue Tornado, where it proved to be a good decision as LeBlanc was a major mismatch against nickelbacks and linebackers. Ohio St. is getting a good one here who I think has the potential and upside to take his talents beyond college ball and into the pro’s. LeBlanc has to keep learning and developing but the talent is most definitely to become someone special.
Highlights
Three Others to Mention: ‘26 (RB) Rawls Patterson – CPA, (RB) Javon McMahan Javon McMahan 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB McCallie | 2024 State TN – McCallie, ‘25 (RB/LB) Shekai Mills-Knight Shekai Mills-Knight 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB Baylor | 2025 TN – Baylor