Class of 2028 West Tennessee Prospects To Know Before High School
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Tennessee is one of the most horizontally linear states in the country, making The Grand Division of Tennessee the easiest way to break the state down into West, Central and East. While West Tennessee may be the smallest of the…
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Continue ReadingTennessee is one of the most horizontally linear states in the country, making The Grand Division of Tennessee the easiest way to break the state down into West, Central and East. While West Tennessee may be the smallest of the three sections, that doesn’t mean there isn’t football talent. With at least one county bordering Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Alabama, West Tennessee is smack in the middle of SEC country. Here’s a look at some 2028 prospects in West Tennessee to know
In the heart of Crockett County, Khalan Davis is a 2028 Athlete to take note of. Checks a lot of the boxes when it comes to athleticism. Versatile kid who can play running back, wide receiver, defensive back, safety or outside linebacker. Shows a willingness to block when lined up out as a receiver, which is big plus on tape. Comes with good speed and agility, too.
You can’t physically get more northwest in the Volunteer State, than Lake County. In that same breath, it’ll be hard to find a 2028 prospect that embodies everything that’s great about prep football, more than Cade Lanier Cade Lanier ATH Lake County | 2028 TN . Does not come with a lot of height, but he’s an absolute gamer. Primarily played quarterback this season and has a ton of arm strength for a kid his size. Also would likely be considered many school’s top slot wide receiver. Tough as nails kid who can also play in the secondary on defense.
In the never-ending search for big, capable bodies along the offensive and defensive lines, Owen Pack Owen Pack 6’1″ | 215 lbs | OL Gibson County | 2028 TN of Gibson County is one that could make some noise over the next four years. Comes with some good size for this level and moves his feet well for being a young offensive lineman. He played offensive tackle this season, and while watching some film on him, I’d say that’s a good fit for him. Not just a big body, has decent agility right now, as well.
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Bordering Gibson County, McKenzie Middle School in Weakley County has a talented bunch of 2028’s getting ready to head off to the high school ranks in the fall. Of that standout group, Hunter Winstead Hunter Winstead OL McKenzie | 2028 TN is a two-way lineman that has caught my eye. Winstead comes with pretty good size in terms of height and weight, and carries his weight fairly well. Appears to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and a high motor. I like him at both guard and defensive tackle, with his offensive line play taking precedence.
Up in Obion County, Union City Middle School’s John Matt Morgan John Matt Morgan 5’11” | 195 lbs | OL Union City | 2028 TN is an intriguing offensive line prospect. He’s an interior guy right now and was standout at Center this past season for the Tornadoes. While I don’t have specifics for his height and weight, he looks like he’s right near that 6-foot mark and probably around 200-215 pounds if I had to guess. He’s another guy that carries his weight very well and almost looks like a muscular tight end, more than an offensive lineman.
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We’ve written about Tucker Phelon Tucker Phelon 5’9″ | 160 lbs | QB Obion County Central | 2028 TN a few times in the previous months and my stance on the Hillcrest Middle School prospect stays the same–there’s a lot of potential here. Phelon comes with good size and athletic ability and was a Reelfoot All-Conference selection this year. A multi-sport athlete who can play quarterback, safety and even some wide receiver, if needed. Long term I think he’s certainly a quarterback and look for him to garner a lot of headlines at Obion County Central.
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Milan Middle School’s Ty Hollingsworth Ty Hollingsworth 5’10” | 155 lbs | RB Milan | 2028 TN is a very versatile running back to know out of Gibson County. Wearing No.3 for the purple and white, he’s a really good-looking athlete that has no problem bumping out into the slot as a wide receiver. Hollingsworth comes with very good speed and kicks it into another gear in the open field. Runs with unassuming power that easily breaks through arm tackles. I also like his balance and ability to stay on his feet after first contact.
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Middle linebacker Maddox Shiell Maddox Shiell 5’11” | 200 lbs | LB McKenzie | 2028 TN out of McKenzie Middle School in Weakley County would be near the top of my list, if I had to pick 2028 Western Tennessee prospects to have my back in a dark alley. He’s a big, thick rough and tough kid who brings it on every play. Built like a boulder, he hits the line like one rolling downhill–quickly, aggressively and with force. Plays the game with an attitude. I like him at middle linebacker right now, but with his size and frame he’ll have to be mindful of weight and speed. If he continues to get bigger, him as a quick defensive tackle or offensive guard would be a treat to play behind.
In Carroll County, specifically at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School, multi-sport athlete Mason Taylor Mason Taylor 5’9″ | 175 lbs | LB West Carroll | 2028 TN is a kid I really like. As the running theme in this write up is versatility, Taylor is another prime example of this. He’s a shorter, thicker prospect that had a great eighth grade season at both linebacker and running back. He doesn’t have the breakaway speed of other pure running backs right now, but he can gobble up yards quicker than you’d imagine. Can play both outside and inside linebacker at this point, but I think he’ll carve out a nice spot for himself as an active middle linebacker over the next four years–in addition to getting his carries on offense.