Under the Radar #TN2024 Standouts in Knox County
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After breaking down some highly explosive senior playmakers in Davidson County, Shelby County, Williamson County and Wilson County, it’s time to continue to highlight some highly impactful prospects in Tennessee that made their presence known in their final season of…
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Continue ReadingAfter breaking down some highly explosive senior playmakers in Davidson County, Shelby County, Williamson County and Wilson County, it’s time to continue to highlight some highly impactful prospects in Tennessee that made their presence known in their final season of high school football. To continue the series, here’s my list of some under the radar #TN2024 players in Knox County.
rnAt the top of my list of notable performers is Connor Cummings Connor Cummings 6’0″ | 170 lbs | DB Knox. West | 2024 State TN , a defensive back at Knox. West High School. Cummings stands out offensively, showcasing his ability to attack the ball in the air and consistently haul in deep passes in the endzone. What I like about Cummings is his breakaway speed, proving he can create solid seperation down the stretch. Another aspect of Cummings that impresses me is his team-oriented playstyle, utilizing his outstanding strength to block the defense off the snap and open up the field for the rush.
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rnI am additionally impressed with Connor Ruth Connor Ruth 6’3″ | 205 lbs | LB Knox. Catholic | 2024 State TN , a linebacker at Knox. Catholic High School. In addition to excellent speed and strength off the snap, what impresses me the most about Ruth’s playstyle is his ability to capitalize on weak spots in the pocket to quickly apply pressure on and sack the quarterback. Another aspect of Ruth’s game that made a difference last season was his ability to read the offense and position himself for crucial stops. Ruth also stood out with his ability to suffocate the rush, maneuvering the pocket to catch the running back by surprise.
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rnClaiming the number three spot on my list is Jack Wagner Jack Wagner 6’4″ | 195 lbs | QB Knox. Webb | 2024 State TN , a quarterback at Knox. Webb High School. What makes Wagner so dangerous under center is his composure under pressure as well as his quick release, showcasing his ability to hit his receivers deep in the backfield and put his team on the scoreboard. Another facet of Wagner’s game that greatly benefitted the offense last year was his ability to overwhelm the defense on the ground, utilizing bursts of speed to outrun the entire defense and take it all the way to the house.
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rnAnother skilled prospect is Jackson Alvey Jackson Alvey 6’2″ | 265 lbs | OL Knox. Halls | 2024 State TN , an offensive lineman at Knox. Halls High School. What stands out most about Alvey is his ability to pick up speed off the snap and block the defense to open up the field for the rush. I also like how Alvey can protect his quarterback from pressure, proving he can quickly overpower the defensive line and create disorganization in the pocket. I also like how Alvey can stop the blitz, using his arm strength and physical edge to knock the opposition to the ground and prolong the time of possession.
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rnComing in at number five on my list is Caleb Turner Caleb Turner 6’2″ | 260 lbs | DL Knox Halls | 2024 State TN , a defensive lineman at Knox Halls High School. Turner stands out with his explosiveness and ability to quickly apply pressure on the quarterback, utilizing bursts of speed to barrel past the offensive line and take down the gunslinger. I also like how Turner can read the offense and consistently shut down the run game. Another aspect of Turner’s playstyle that impresses is his ability to lock down playmakers in third-down scenarios, using his versatility to dive for tackles and prevent conversions in crucial moments.
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rnAlso worth mentioning is Bryson Gardner Bryson Gardner 6’1″ | 225 lbs | LB Knox. Catholic | 2024 State TN , a linebacker at Knox. Catholic High School. What makes Gardner so impactful defensively is his ability to read the offense like a book and quickly catch playmakers in the pocket as well as along the edge. I also like Gardner’s quick execution off the snap, utilizing bursts of speed and excellent toughness to withstand blocking and quickly drop the gunslinger to the ground. Another aspect of Gardner’s playstyle that stands out is his ability to force mistakes from the opposition, proving he can disrupt passing with his ability to apply heavy pressure on the quarterback.
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rnAnother prospect to catch my attention is Frank Johnson IV Frank Johnson IV 5’10” | 200 lbs | RB Knox. Central | 2024 TN , a running back at Knox. Central High School. In addition to excellent footwork, what makes Johnson such an impactful ground weapon is his breakaway speed, ability to stay on his feet in the pocket and his ability to pick up bursts of speed in the backfield to march into the endzone. I also like Johnson’s ability to quickly get in position, haul in the short pass from along the edge and utilize time and space to take it all the way to the house.
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rnI am also impressed with Dexter Lewis Dexter Lewis 6’0″ | 175 lbs | DB Fulton | 2024 TN , a defensive back at Fulton High School. Lewis impresses me with his ability to overwhelm the defense in coverage, showcasing his breakaway speed and ability to haul in challenging touchdown passes while under pressure from the defense. Lewis also proved himself as a reliable target in the endzone due to his strong footwork, unpredictable movement and ability to pace back and forth to confuse the opposition and get open. Lewis also stands out with his ability to quickly turn around to get open for the short pass, proving he can make quick catches, break tackles and push the offense into enemy territory.
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