My Current Top ’28 Running Backs in Tennessee – March ’24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's no secret that Tennessee is one of the better football states in this country. The Volunteer State is certainly breeding some eighth-grade ball carriers who I see contributing <strong><em>sooner</em></strong>, rather than later at the high school level. For some of the backs below, Player Personnel Directors and position coaches will get a glimpse as early as next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tier 1: The Top</span></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I continue to follow the lead of Al Pops' expertise at the middle school football level, I too, find it difficult most times to rank these young athletes in a specific pecking order. These lists definitely have a short term shelf life just due to the development and growth of each individual being heavily affected by the following:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Most prepared for High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Film provided, in person scouting</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-size, maturity, potential development</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-scheme and competition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of these tangibles are just obvious. Yet other times, if you've been around the game long enough at every level like I have, you start to see a pattern. Now, there are always exceptions to the rule. but the five kids below are prospects that I feel separated themselves from the pack. Their impending success underneath the Friday night, or Saturday lights, won't be surprising because they possess some of that "IT" factor in their bloodstream. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1133753"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1133753' first='DeSean' last='Burnette'] was nothing short of spectacular for Lakeland Prep this morning. I'm cheesing if I'm in charge of the running back room and this young man walks in. He's a manchild in the weight room, repping 225 lbs for reps with no spotter. Then I caught him switching it up, using 75 pound dumbbells. Seriously? What's this have to do with running the pill you ask? A LOT! Because his power in the weight room transfers onto the field.rnrnBurnette is a shifty pro style running back with great contact balance (weight room). His upper body is strong watching him shield or throw defender off him as he runs into the enodzone (weight room). His vision is top notch and he runs with attitude. At first I felt he was a little raw, but, I refuse to steal this mans thunder by projecting him as such. He's the real deal. I've seen him put his foot in the ground too many times then accelerate through tackles for pay-dirt. I love when I see young RBs not quit and run out of bounds. I might have to credit his toughness and physicality to play OLB because he brings that same energy to the offense. Like many old school players like myself, you got to be special to wear #1. Mr. Burnette you are special sir and don't let anyone tell you different.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1177844"],"_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":"The Baylor School is home to multi-sport athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1177844' first='Chris' last='Gordon'] and this kid is a physical specimen. In terms of builds and frames, he's likely the most physically developed running back in this entire write up with muscle and length on top of muscle and length. If his physical appearance isn't enough, let's talk athletic accomplishments outside of football. Gordon returned to the wrestling mat this year after a three year hiatus and was sitting at 11-0 with 11 pins before his season ended prematurely. However, now flourishing on the baseball diamond, how about the fact that he's an ambidextrous pitcheru002du002dmeaning YES, he can pitch with arms. It's not regular town-based ball with kids picking flowers in right field, he's playing a high level of travel ball and clocking 81 mph with his right arm and 74 mph with his left. Insanity.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eGetting down to the brass tacks of football, Al Pops and myself went back and forth a bit on if he should be listed as a running back or a linebacker. Running back ultimately won out, but honestly, he would have been a top 5 prospect at either position. At 6-foot and 180 pounds he is as quick as a scat back in close proximity, breaks as many tackles as a power back and can run away from the defense like all elite complete backs can. In the most foregone conclusion honors ever, he was an All-Independent School selection this year. [player_tooltip player_id='1177844' first='Chris' last='Gordon'] is nothing short of special.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1032063"],"_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":"Ensworth has a stud all-purpose back on campus, and his name is [player_tooltip player_id='1032063' first='Elijah' last='Hensley']. He might be one of the most prepared due to the offensive playbook he got to master and the schemes he played against. My man Hensley has experience already lining up with his QB under center and in the shotgun. His coordinator utilized multiple pro style sets, or pistol and offset gun formations with motion. Not to mention seeing him torch even and odd front defenses. That alone has his football IQ on another page then his peers. Oh, he's nice in track and participates in the high jump. It all makes sense when you see one of the best highlights in the entire 8th grade season, when he took a toss to the right and hands out a stiffy to the first defender, keeps his balance, gets vertical, then hurdles the last defender for a touchdown, staying on his feet. At that point, he showed me everything I needed to see in one play.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHensley scans the football field and sees things happen before he gets there. The kid owns sweet feet and when he reaches an open lane, you're not catching him. I'm impressed by his anticipation that catapults him into big plays every game. He definitely gets swag points and I'm a fan of his attitude. Let's not overlook his returning skills and he is not and I repeat NOT afraid to lower his shoulder whether you respect his size or not. Your call.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1088019"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1088019' first='Ty' last='Hollingsworth'] made the decision to report to Milan High School for his upcoming debut. He was mentioned not too long ago by fellow National Scout Al Pops (Guru) as a prospect to know before high school out of Tennessee. I would consider Hollingsworth as an all-purpose back who could easily be tagged as an athlete. At RB, you can find him mostly offset next to the QB in shotgun formations, making it a tough task on second level defenders who have to cover him up. He is not a stranger to the FSG and 7on7 scene playing for Team Impact.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you need to create mismatches and move your most talented athlete on the field around, Ty is your guy!. Hollingsworth has soft hands and long arms. Plays with patience to the hole just as his routes looks when he cruises off the line of scrimmage. Speed kills and that's not a problem for him. Time, after time, he makes people miss in a phone booth and is a constant threat wherever he lines up. This past fall his number was called a few times in a wildcat set where he stayed inside hip to his pullers then turned on the jets once all things were clear to do so.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1084814"],"_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":"Pro style running back [player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] will attend Farragut High and is primed to do so blazing a trail through their middle school program. In his 8th grade campaign, Rogers tallied up 1.670 rushing yards, 450 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns. These numbers will make anyone pause and see if the math is mathing. Guess what? It does. I had the opportunity to evaluate this young man earlier and the more I dig, the more impressed I become. He was just named a Top Performer in our PRZ Next Showcase by Drew Toennies this off-season. Rogers is a three sport (football, baseball, track) athlete. Rocking the complete #0 on his jersey says alot about the pros and cons to this young man. He can do it all and some of his skill set can't be taught.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHe is explosive with good hips in traffic. Eyes stay up field and has a nice feel for the game. Knee drive is accompanied by elite balance. When watching him make something out of nothing, I cannot help but wonder if he has trainer to help him climb the ladder on defenses to change their angles or if this just comes natural. He mostly went up against four down fronts and lined up mostly in shotguns pistol formations. It was fun watching him truck tacklers near the sideline, make linebackers go base and leave them frozen in time. Oh yea the half back pass was a nice touch as well. I think he has the goods to make a splash at the next level and I bet his 400+ deadlift that all his counterparts will rely on the strength of his legs to win games.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e5c8e752273"} /--> <!-- 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>Big <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068849' first='Corey' last='Bass'] </strong>An All-County power back that put up 100 yards in many contests throughout the year. Played in a double tight offense with a lot of false exchanges in the backfield that kept defenses on their toes. Well if your on your toes with Bass busting through your gap, its usually not a good look for the tackler. I like the way he sifts his way through clutter in between the tackles when attacking his A or B gap runs. Runs hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- Switching the ball, pad level.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown']</strong> is a dual sport (football, basketball) athlete who earned All County/MVP, 785 all purpose yards with 12 touchdowns. This kid is more of an athlete but got the skills to carry the pill however you want to get it to him. Keeping him on the edge plays into his strengths in my humble opinion, Brown is very athletic with good ball skills. An elusive playmaker if your don't allow him to get started. Return ability is on point too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on</em>- Overall strength</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086103' first='K'Shun' last='Carter']</strong> has good wiggle at the point of contact and finishes forward. Runs hard and understands how to use off hand weapon to his advantage to create separation or get skinny through tight gaps. Gains ground quickly with a nice skill set to return kicks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- chin ball (security), control</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177966' first='Donovan' last='Jackson'] | William Blount </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is very limited film of [player_tooltip player_id='1177966' first='Donovan' last='Jackson'] out there--which is a shame, because my spidey sense is going off and feel it would be <strong><em>very</em></strong> difficult to keep him out of that top tier. The East TN All-Star rushed for 1,145 Yards on just 74 carries, averaging 15.47 yards-per-carry and scoring 14 touchdowns. He also added a pair of touchdowns and 161 yards receiving out of backfield, proving his varsatility. Size, productivity and accolades are all there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- Getting tangible film, pad level</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy']</strong> proved he can be dangerous any time the rock is in his hands. His average per carry is crazy in some competitions, averaging 30+ yards a carry in some games. He's been selected to the Tennessee Future Stars and strikes me as a player with a huge upside. Nice jump cuts and transitions when slicing across the field. Finishes runs well with solid balance and control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- break away speed (3-4th gear)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be fair, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance']</strong> didn't have to visibility as most of these backs since he suffered an injury during the season that kept him out for a while. But, be clear he has the skills to be in the Top Tier Level. He finished with 507 yards and 6 Touchdowns on the season and ripped out one of the most impressive runs of his season in the Oakland vs Blackman overtime fiasco. He was awarded best Running Back and received the Iron Man honor from his team. Since, Nance was named Top Performer from Drew Toennies at the PRZ Next Showcase over the past 2 months. I can appreciate his long stride, and one cut and go style. You can tell he trains with a passion and concentrates on his footwork to develop into a high valued ball player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- Durability, pad level</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424657' first='Tommie' last='Reed'] </strong>has gotten it done on both sides of the ball during his middle school career, and was actually the 2022 Tennessee Future Stars Defensive MVP in their anual tilt against Kentucky. He's a multi-sport athlete that simply gets the job done, but he looks the part of a solid RB coming through the ranks as well. Reed is a patient runner with a low center of gravity that will out leverage you if your not careful on your approach. Strong upper and lower body. Built solid and is reliable as a blocker and receiver out the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Things to work on- Speed, attacking half a man</em></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><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090838' first='Jadarius' last='Bingham'] | Oakland </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An All-County prospect with decent speed. A physical runner inside tackles and determined to scrap for every yard at end of runs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187358' first='Joe' last='Cole'] | Trinity Christian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> A very intriguing prospect with nice ball skills and strong lower half to bust through tackles that should have resulted in him being pulled down behind the L.O.S. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez'] | Decatur County Riverside</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Offensive MVP of the West TN Middle School All-Star Game that I love to watch play the game. Plays hard and with attitude. Perez has vision, sets up blocks well, and runs tough. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027829' first='Car'del' last='Douglas'] | T.W. Hunter</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was no shortage of offensive talent for the back-to-back Sumner County champs. Douglas is a solid prospect with good speed and who isn't afraid to dish out the blows if he gets a chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187257' first='Eli' last='Whaley'] | Hardin Valley</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A prospect who finds daylight and wants to show off speed. He may be better served being listed as an ATH because of his ability to play in the defensive secondary, in addition to advanced ball skills as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1184426' first='Reyrey' last='Raimey'] | Fayette West </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raimey is a prospect with quickness and solid acceleration on the outside. Put a few plays on film where he did not give up on plays and he gained chunks of yardage. </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><strong>Jaxsyn Bagwell | White House Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ha'son Baugh | Whitthorne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fisher Berry | Portland East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Blivens | Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088645' first='Eli' last='Buckland'] | Hillcreast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090866' first='Jayden' last='Carney'] | Whitworth-Buchanan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lane Greer | Portland West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryheem Lee | West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christopher Love | Northeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036206' first='Amare' last='McKenzie'] | Alcoa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094310' first='Justus' last='Nelson'] | Rockwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1202327' first='Joshua' last='Perry'] | Sequatchie County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1065915' first='Westin' last='Porter'] | Greenfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ke'Marious Shamell | New Providence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1202328' first='Camden' last='Siniff'] | White House</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1851167' first='Camrix' last='Stott'] | Satterfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1202329' first='CJ' last='Thornton'] | Shafer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emerson Tice | Knox Doss</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Tran | Whitthorne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Wells | Battle Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ka'Vondre Young | E.O. Coffman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->