My Current Top 40 2028 QB’s in Tennessee – Feb. ’24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to the middle school level, this crop of 2028 Tennessee quarterbacks appears to be one one of the deepest in recent memory. From West Tennessee and The Home of the Blues, to Middle Tennessee and the Music City, to East Tennessee and the sounds of Neyland Stadium--there are future gun slingers all over The Volunteer State. Below is a look at forty quarterbacks, currently in the eighth-grade, that look poised for big things on the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 1: The Top</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll say it until I'm blue in the face, I don't enjoy putting a pecking order to athletes at this young age and I'm not a fan of rankings or star ratings. At this stage of physical and mental development, things can change within just a few months so this writeup has an obvious shelf life of just a few months. Nonetheless, when looking at these prospects, it's clear to see that some are just really spectacular and advanced--those are the 11 quarterbacks in Tier 1. These are the Alphas. These are the QB1's among all other QB1's, that I've seen thus far. The talent is mindblowing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178599"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1178599' first='Zack' last='Banks'] was the straw the stirred the drink for the Sevier County Junior High School program this past season, as the dual-threat quarterback was one of five Bears to earn All-East Tennessee honors for their performance. Banks propelled the Purple and White to an East Tennessee Championship this season and really resonated with me as a prospect with a ton of upside. At nearly 6-foot, what Banks did on both sides of the ball this season can't be overstated. Defensively he led the team in interceptions from the Safety position; However, offensively is where Banks impaled his flag in the ground. As all great quarterbacks do, he managed to elevate performance of the weapons around him. His coaches credit him with more than 1,500 yards through the air and north of 500 on the ground during his eighth-grade campaign.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14968161/6522001e15f77b0608e905dcu0022u003e8th Grade Filmu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1091453"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Houston High School in Germantown will be getting one of the best 2028 multi-sport athletes in the entire state of Tennessee when it comes to [player_tooltip player_id='1091453' first='Canon' last='Day']. Day plays basketball and is good, but all signs point to him being a Division 1 prospect in both baseball and football. His older brother, [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'], is a 2025 quarterback that led Houston to a State Championship this year and earned All-State honors in the process. Little brother Canon was arguably equally as impressive, as he led the Mustangs to an 8-1 record this year and accounted for 50 total touchdowns - 26 rushing and 24 through the air. Canon will have a year to sit behind his brother before he gets the keys to the whip, but there are very bright Days (pun u003cemu003eintendedu003c/emu003e) ahead.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtQOZ6Jn7HIu0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1188708"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"I hold genetics in a very high regard when it comes to attempting to project how high of a ceiling an eighth-grade football prospect potentially hasu002du002dthat will be obvious by the time you're done reading this. The first of several quarterbacks that are blessed with promising genetics on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='1188708' first='Cosmo' last='DeMatteo'] from The Baylor School in Chattanooga is certainly one to know about going forward. His father, who goes by the same name, is a former two-time All-American at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and multi-year athlete in both the Indoor and Arena Football League, as a wide receiver. Despite the class of 2028 DeMatteo blazing his path as a pass-thrower instead of a pass-catcher, the accolades are still mounting. DeMatteo earned All-Independent School recognition for this play with the Red Raiders this year, joining several other teammates who also garnered praise. With [player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] leaving and heading to Vanderbilt, there are a number of different options for Baylor to consider at the quarterback position. Talented 2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] and his six offers looks to be the incumbent, but competition in the summer heat will dictate it all.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1193626"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Looking back at it now, to think I almost u003cemu003edidn'tu003c/emu003e have Bridgeforth Middle School's [player_tooltip player_id='1193626' first='Daylon' last='Gardner'] in this top tier initially makes me cringe. In fully transparency, the reason I didn't have the young man affectionally called u0022Totu0022 listed in here, was because I'm not sure if he's a quarterback long term. Regardless of the future, he is unquestionably u003cstrongu003ethe most dynamic quarterback I have seen anywhere in Tennessee for the class of 2028.u003c/strongu003e The Giles County native gives new meaning to the term dual-threat and the stats he put up are straight out of u0022Create A Playeru0022 mode in Madden. He concluded the regular season with 1,986 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns and six touchdowns through the air...if that stat line isn't impressive enough by itself, consider that he did this in just seven games. Bridgeforth eventually fell in the Championship game but not before Gardner went off again in the semifinals, amassing 370 yards of offense and six total touchdownsu002du002din one half. Dominant isn't even the word...","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1037302"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Out all the 2028 quarterbacks I've looked at in Tennessee since August, [player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] could possibly be the guy I'd want with the ball in his hands down the stretch of a big gameu002du002dhe just has that killer u0022ITu0022 factor. On numerous occasions I've owned up to originally listing him as an Athleteu002du002dwhich he was oppose to. Like all great winners and leaders do, he went out and proved to me how wrong I was, when he won the Quarterback MVP at the PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January. Heffner is another multi-sport athlete that also plays basketball, baseball and runs track, in addition to football. He'll be back at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, after getting some varsity opportunities as an eighth-grader this year. The Lynx have some intriguing options at the quarterback position, as they return leading passer and second leading rusher TJ Jenkins. On paper they'll also have 2027 prospect Lawrence Britt who got varsity playing time last year as a freshman, in addition to fellow 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'], who was also listed on the varsity roster this past season.rnrnFilm: u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19158728/653f096f478d550898159177u0022u003e8th Grade Filmu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1178597"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Northview Academy in East Tennessee, Sevier County to be exact, has been home to the King brothers - Gade a wide receiver, and Garrett a quarterback. Garrett lists himself at 6-foot and 150 pounds at this point. Now, while I have seen him play on film, I'm yet to see him play live u003cemu003ebutu003c/emu003e he doesn't look u003cemu003ethatu003c/emu003e big. Out the other side of my mouth, I will say that he's head and shoulders taller than his brother at this point, so he could be close to 6-foot. Regardless of size, he's a dynamic quarterback that has opened plenty of eyes in Knoxville and the surrounding East Tennessee area. He'll head off to high school as a two-year starter on the middle school ranks and off the back of a truly spectacular 2023 season. The righty earned All-East Tennessee honors by accounting for 784 passing yards, 516 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1036255"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Another West Tennessee quarterback prospect that has stood out to me over the last year or more, is Memphis University School's [player_tooltip player_id='1036255' first='Price' last='Renovich']. Obviously, in an ideal world the quarterback has a huge, gaping, clean pocket to step up into and deliver a beautiful ballu002du002dbut the world isn't ideal. That's where Renovich has already established himself as one of the more special quarterbacks for the 2028 class in Tennessee. He makes the off-platform throws look easy, the throws with arm-angle changes look easy and the consistency of these tough throws, look mundane. Renovich has been named a Tennessee Future Star Quarterback in the past and could be in the driver seat for another roster spot in the annual tilt against Kentucky. Another multi-sport athlete, Renovich is simply more advanced at making the tougher throws due much in part to his athleticism and full-body strength/control.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18359969/654fbbe464ea2a0c180a6c41u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1038808"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"I became completely enamored with [player_tooltip player_id='1038808' first='Reece' last='Reynolds'] from the moment I watched some of his highlight tape back in the middle of October. The eighth-grade year that Reynolds is currently putting together at Knox Doss Middle School is nothing short of elite. Reynolds lit up Sumner County and all of Middle Tennessee during the football season, earning not only an All-County selection for the second year in a row, but also Sumner County Player of the Year. The dual-threat prospect looks to be the complete package in terms of what u0022today's quarterbacksu0022 are being asked to do: he can run, pass and can also put the hurt on receivers as a safety on defense. If the football awards don't validate it enough, he was also named All-County in basketball too. For what it's worth, his ability also translated well to the camp scene, as Reynolds also earned a ton of praise at the PRZ Next Middle School Camp in Tennessee, from the scouts and coaches I spoke to.rnrnFilm: u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2LXj5Pu0022u003e8th Grade Filmu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["424594"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"With some prospects, if you do enough homework during the process it's eas(ier) to project what lays ahead of them when it comes to football. Martin Middle School quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] fits perfectly in this box. As is well-documented, he's the son of UT Martin Skyhawks head coach Jason Simpson and he's also the younger brother of current Alabama quarterback and former No.1 prospect in Tennessee, Ty Simpson. The advantage of simply being raised in the same household as two men that can speak about football at the level of his dad and brother can, is already through the roof. Graham puts in more than his fair share of hard work too, standing out in baseball, basketball and obviously football. He has won the offensive MVP award twice in as many years, for the Tennessee Future Stars in their annual battle on the gridiron with Kentuckyu002du002dshould he win this year, he'd be the games first three-time winner. By all accounts Simpson will be headed to Westview High School in the fall, where the starting job should be his as a freshman under new head coach, Matt McConnell.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17389210/6537f6efc11b1b0e147457e5u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1090807"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"I've been steadfastly against ranking athletes in the eighth-grade because there are too many varying factors when attempting to be accurate. However, in a state like Tennessee where it is predominantly school-based football, it is significantly easier to rank kids earlier since the majority of the playing field is level. With that said, u003cemu003eif I were to ranku003c/emu003e these 2028 quarterbacks, Teague would be on my short list of prospects in the conversation for that top spot. Like [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] above, the genetics are strong here. [player_tooltip player_id='1090807' first='Myles' last='Teague'] is the youngest brother of Molly Teague, a 2026 student-athlete that Prep Dig National Analyst Chris Fitzgerald says, is u0022certainly a D1 Volleyball prospectu0022 and former Ohio State standout running back Master Teague III, who had cups of coffee with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. While his time in the high school spotlight is forthcoming, all little brother Myles did this year as an eighth-grader was lead Blackman Middle School to the Rutherford County championship game, earn All-County honors and break the single-season record for touchdown passes in a year. Still rail-thin right now, once he matures physically the mailman is going to need some time off after delivering all the college letters he'll soon be getting.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pov25ecLwCUu0026amp;t=2su0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1094224"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Any team that makes it out of the Memphis Shelby County Interscholastic Athletic Association (MSCIAA) deserves all the praise that is thrown its way, because it is no small task. By sheer population numbers alone, Shelby County is the largest in the state by more than 216,00 residents. Couple that with the amount of pure athletic talent that comes out of the West Tennessee, and it doesn't take long to realize what quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] and Bellevue did this year was special. Behind the right arm of Brooks and his MVP performance in the 26-0 victory over Havnview in City Championship game, the Bobcats were cookin' all season long. Wright was QB1 for a team that outscored opponents 318-20 in eight regular season games, averaging nearly 40 points a game and pitching five consecutive shutouts to start the season. As of right now, [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] will be at Memphis Central in the fall and will attempt to help the Warriors finish over .500 for just the second time in the last six seasons.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16381502/65b999edda5c1815a8cd0cabu0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ddf4cfb8160"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298ee5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f29"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f40"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f54"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f67"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f7a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f8d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298f9f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298fb2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298fc4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e0636298fd7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65de04cf23fcb"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 2: Challenging For The Top</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a ton of great, young 2028 quarterbacks in Tennessee. Having spent a lot of time evaluating in this state, I can confidently say that this group is far better and deeper than the large majority of the country. With that said, not everybody can be listed in that top tier. The quarterbacks in Tier 2 are very close to reaching that top tier of signal callers in the 2028 class and should be considered extremely talented kids. I fully expect the camp and 7v7 season to shuffle things around a great deal before August. Let's take a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind the right arm of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094289' first='Aiden' last='Amonett']</strong>, Rockwood Middle School had a big 2023 season, winning the Roane County title before falling in the East Tennessee Conference Championship Game. Widely considered one of the state's top basketball players in the 2028 class as well, this was only Amonett's second year playing quarterback. The 6-foot-2 prospect has some dual-threat ability to his game and is only starting to scratch the surface.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the end of the day the only thing ever matters is wins and losses; And, if that's the metric we're using, then we can't let another second go by without mentioning <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1032000' first='Kyle' last='Clark']</strong>. Clark has been QB1 for the Farragut Admirals over the last two seasons and has led the team to consecutive undefeated championships over that same span. You don't achieve a 20-0 record over the last two seasons as a quarterback without a talented team around you--and Clark has that too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1028173' first='Nate' last='Dye']</strong> put an exclamation point on his middle school football career at Station Camp Middle School with a banner eighth-grade season in 2023. Dye earned his second consecutive All-Sumner County nod and was also Station Camp's Most Valuable Player this season. With the post-season accolades plentiful, it should come as no surprise that the Southpaw quarterback was a big reason that the Bison reached the County Championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to playing for the school with (in my opinion) the coolest name in the state, Battle Ground Academy's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094363' first='Cannon' last='Fragale'] </strong>is a quarterback with a ton of tools in his bag. Has a very live arm that he uses to never give up on a play or receiver that works himself open. One of the best in the state at rolling out, extending the play, reestablishing the pocket and getting a pass off. He has dual-threat ability and good speed if he needs to use it, but he survives with his right arm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187448' first='River' last='Johnson'] </strong>out of Northview Middle School in Dyer County, all the way out in West Tennessee, is an exciting one to watch. The best way I can describe watching [player_tooltip player_id='1187448' first='River' last='Johnson'] play quarterback, is like watching a point guard on the basketball court. He's a little bit shorter than the other playmakers around him, but the kid knows when to keep the ball himself and absolutely scorch defenses with his legs. That's not to say he can't throw, because he absolutely can...but there aren't many that make a defense attest for their whole game like Johnson can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out the quarterbacks in Tier 2 is the reigning Tri-County Offensive Player of the Year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis']</strong>. Mathis has had a tremendous youth career and has more than done his part to help the Fairview Falcons win 20 games over the last three seasons and reach the championship game the last two seasons. A big, solid kid in the neighborhood of 6-foot and 195-pounds, Mathis is a powerful dual-threat quarterback that is just as likely to throw a deep ball, as he is to lower a shoulder and run the opposition's toughest guy over. Did suffer an arm injury scare in mid-September but returned after missing just one game to push the Falcons down the stretch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 3: They Can All Ball, I Just Need To See More</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterbacks in this tier are all significantly more talented than the majority of incoming freshmen in the country--<strong>please, do not get it twisted.</strong> The quarterbacks on this list are all very talented and would be prospects I would "rank" if I were going that route. The quarterbacks listed below aren't necessarily doing something <em>wrong</em>, in some circumstances I simply need to see more of them to be able to establish where they fall. Bottomline - these kids can all go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] | Briarcrest Christian </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was named 1st Team All-Camp at our Prep Redzone Next Middle School Camp in Tennessee this past January. He's a technician at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179955' first='John' last='Gentry'] | Chattanooga Christian School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An All-Independent School Conference selection for his season, Gentry falls under the category of simply needing to see more of him. He averaged over 300 yards of offense and eight tackles per game this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090837' first='Dustin' last='Harden'] | Oakland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harden was QB1 of the Rutherford County Championship-winning Oakland Middle and at 6-foot-3, other people should know him too. He also handles kicking duties and has the athletic frame to play multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178594' first='Keith' last='Jones Jr.'] | Gibbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lefty with promising size out of Gibbs Middle School in Knox County. The East Tennessee quarterback has the arm to make all the throws needed right now and is more athletic than one would think by just looking at him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092653' first='Jackson' last='King'] | Selmer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future McNairy Central Bobcat proved to be one of the most talented QBs in West Tennessee this year. King helped Selmer Middle School to a County title and earned All-County reconition in the process. He was also All-Conference Tournament on the hardwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027608' first='Deklan' last='Meisner'] | Bearden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there were a superlative for "Coolest Post-Release Swag", Meisner would win it. Quick release and throws every ball with some swag and attitude--I love it. Was at the helm of a talented Bearden Middle School Team and will be at Concord Christian School this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178596' first='Seaton' last='Moffett'] | West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in Knox County, righty [player_tooltip player_id='1178596' first='Seaton' last='Moffett'] has all the making of a future D1 prospect. Playing quarterback for West Middle School this year, he was a wizard at changing arm angles to throw a successful pass. Older brother Graham Moffett is a 2025 prospect at The Christian Academy of Knoxville with interest from the Ivy's, UNLV and others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092711' first='Jake' last='Payne'] | University School of Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the heart of West Tennessee, Madison County specifically, sits the University School of Jackson and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1092711' first='Jake' last='Payne']. At around the 6-foot-2 mark, there's no denying the physical upside of the two-sport (basketball) has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1069163' first='Tucker' last='Phelon'] | Hillcrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I never want to wish time away, but I can't wait to see what [player_tooltip player_id='1069163' first='Tucker' last='Phelon'] turns into. The Hillcrest Middle School quarterback will be at Obion County Central in West Tennessee next year and he has so much athleticism it's palpable. This kid is gonna' make it somewhere, somehow--we'll see if it's in football, at quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037760' first='Curtis' last='Shields III'] | Havenview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a nickname like "Young Vick", future Whitehaven quarterback Curtis Shield III and his 6-foot-1, 155-pound frame better live up to the hype--and he does. A tall, skinny quarterback with a ton of upside, he led Havenview to the Memphis Shelby County Interscholastic Athletic Association (MSCIAA) title game this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'] | Lausanne Collegiate School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At a legitimate 6-foot-3 and 155 pounds, Strang was one of two eighth-graders listed on the Lausanne Collegiate School varsity roster this season--both were quarterbacks. He's been selected to the Tennessee Future Stars each of the last two years and has a crazy amount of upside. He transferred in from Briarcrest Christian ahead of this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 4: The Watchlist</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterbacks under this tier are prospects that have flashed some ability during their middle school careers and are highly talented. Some of the kids in this tier have received All-County, All-Conference and/or other post-season accolades for what they did during their eighth-grade season. Like some of the quarterbacks in Tier 3 - I may just need to see more of them; For others, there are some questions about size or long term position ceiling. Yet still, some of these guys will be on a different Tier when we update the Watchlist again, because I simply updated watched their film after I submitted this list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] | Rose Park </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1066058' first='Elijah' last='Chestnutt'] | Rock Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Dacus | Camden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kutler Green | Jefferson </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jasper Kilburn | E.O. Coffman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack McCartney | Rossview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1035996' first='Connor' last='Mohr'] | Knoxville Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logston Morgan | Dyersburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] | Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brodie White | White House Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landen White | Three Oaks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086153' first='Webb' last='White'] | Henderson County North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086454' first='Ross' last='Wilson'] | Lexington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dfb7135f564"} /-->