My Current Top 60 2028 WRs and TEs in Tennessee – March ’24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to the middle school level, figuring who is a wide receiver vs. who is a defensive back, or who is an offensive lineman vs. who is a defensive linemen can become very challenging. As they should, most of these athletes play both ways and/or at various positions–making it very difficult to pinpoint where they project to. The wide receiver and tight end standouts from the Tennessee 2028 class appear to have some really impressive players and some of them will start to see college attention early. 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 legends of Friday night all over The Volunteer State. Below is a look at&nbsp;<strong>60+</strong>&nbsp;pass-catchers, 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 and are in Tier 1. These are the Alphas. Let's take a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068717"],"_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":"The first of three natural tight ends in Tier 1, [player_tooltip player_id='1068717' first='Lucas' last='Cornwell'] looks destined for huge things next year at Smith County High School. Located in northern Middle Tennessee, Smith County High School only has a current student population of 520 kids but don't tell the football team that, as the Owls have gone 21-5 over the last two seasons. Cornwell should be an obvious plus and play starter from the second he gets to the high school level. A three-sport athlete, he was impossible to cover on the the gridiron this year. Cornwell lined up in the slot and out towards the boundary on film, and it truly didn't matter if he was covered in man, zone or bracketed with safety help over top. I've said it several times, he reminds me a ton of what [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] (consensus No.1 2026 TE in Tennessee) looked like when he was in eighth-grade. Cornwell told me back in November that was 6-foot-5 and 185-pounds and I can't wait to see what he officially measures in at some time soon. He's destined for some big things.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19717047/65186506f5615017c0e9bfe4u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1030085"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":1139778,"_player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Maximus' last='Curry'] is a wide receiver prospect that has been on our radar since he was in the sixth-grade. The son of a 15x Mr. Olympia (international body building competition) Maximus is starting to find that same success as his father, just on the football field. He suited up for Blackman Middle School this year, a team that was absolutely dripping with next-level talent, and helped them to the Rutherford County championship game. Despite coming up short in the double OT thrilled, Curry continued to solidify that he is one of the tops in the state with an All-Conference nod. Closer to home, Curry also cleaned up the awards for Blackman Middle School winning the following awards, Mr. Reliable, Defensive Player of the Year, Best Defensive Back and the Ball Hawk. Now, three of those awards are for the defensive side of the ballu002du002dbut I love him as a slot receiver because he's tough as nails and takes as much pride in his blocking than he does in catching the ball. It should be noted that Curry also came away with the MVP award at the Prep Redzone Next Middle School Camp in Tennessee, this past January.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwIvkb3usbO/?next=%2Flds57%2Ftagged%2Fu0026amp;hl=dau0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1031890"],"_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":"Farragut's [player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs'] is a wide receiver prospect that looks to be following in the footsteps of his older brother and cousins for the Admirals. Braylen is the younger brother of Jaden Gibbs (WR, entered the portal from UT Martin) and cousin of Isaiah Gibbs (RB at UT Martin) and Elijah Gibbs (RB at Indiana Wesleyan)u002du002dall of which suited up for the Knox County mainstay. Out of the three older relatives, Braylen's skill set is strikingly similar to his older brother Jaden, who was a three-star coming out of Farragut High School in 2019. For little cousin Braylen, he was a big reason for the Admirals unblemished 20-0 record and two MAC titles over the last two seasons. Part of a talented receiving corps, Gibbs repeatedly showed off the ability to make big plays. He's an extremely advanced route runner for this stage and can make defensive backs look foolish at times. He demonstrates a high football IQ and understands when to break off a route and how to work back towards his quarterback if he's under duress.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19717770/6548fd1d2352620a404e5a56u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1094311"],"_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":"Rockwood Middle School had a big 2023 season, winning the Roane County title before falling in the East Tennessee Conference Championship Game. One of the best looking prospects on that team, and obviously in the state, tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1094311' first='Michael' last='Gibson'] is one I really like. Without official measurements, size has to be taken with a grain of salt, but he's listed at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds and was a force on the field. Like his pitch and catch partner, his quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1094289' first='Aiden' last='Amonett'], Gibson also plays basketball at an advanced level and was selected to the Anderson/Morgan/Roane County All-Star Game. Right now he may be a little bit of a tweener (WR/TE) in terms of his body composition, but if he starts to hit the weights hard, I think the future is crazy bright for him as a pass-catching tight end.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cyo4TaqLlxz/u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1031949"],"_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":"As I mentioned above in [player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs']' write up, this 2028 class of future Farragut Admirals did not lose a game during their seventh or eighth-grade seasons, going 20-0 and grabbing back-to-back MAC titles during the run. While Gibbs was one of the playmakers on the outside, [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] was another one that really stood out to me. At 6-foot-1 and 160-pounds, he's an extremely long prospect that was simply more athletic than his competition. What really separates Johnson, who also played free safety, was his acceleration and body control. Even on 50/50 balls that caused him to break stride, elevate and adjust to catch, when he came down he got to full speed faster than the defensive backs he was just tussling for position against. His older brother Jett currently plays baseball at Texas Au0026amp;M, which tells me the D1 genes are in his makeup. He's on the thinner side right now but is starting to put on some noticeable muscle. When all is said and done, if he continues on this trajectory, Johnston could be the highest ranked WR/DB in this special group.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19718002/6519eb5b5b47890808bc6536u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1190214"],"_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":"Three-sport athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1190214' first='Brody' last='Keeton'] of Liberty Creek Middle School is in the waning months of an absolutely stellar middle school athletics career. While he's also a shooting guard on the basketball court and a high jumper and sprinter on the track, Keeton shines brightest on the football field. Liberty Creek finished with a ho-hum 4-4 overall record on the year, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The Wolves lost three games by less than a touchdown and oddly enough, still finished second in the East Division by going 4-1 against their side of the county. He was an All-Sumner County selection as a wide receiver during both his seventh-grade year,  and this past season as an eighth-graderu002du002dthe only wideout in the county to accomplish such a feat. At 5-foot-10, 150-pounds with above average speed, he was moved around a decent amount and used in various ways. Whether it was slants, jet sweeps or even the deep ball, Keeton was a special player.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw-NJVTgyR0/?img_index=7u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1027749"],"_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":"Staying in Sumner County, the third and final tight end in Tier 1 is none other than [player_tooltip player_id='1027749' first='Sam' last='Keith'] out of T.W. Hunter Middle School. You don't win back-to-back Sumner County championships without standout football players on both sides of the ball like Keith. Going hand-in-hand with the back-to-back County titles, he was also named All-County in each of the last two years. The Buccaneers had a tremendous team that saw 13 athletes make All-Conference, including the team's starting running back, fullback, multiple wide receivers, quarterback and even u003cemu003eanotheru003c/emu003e tight end. I say this because Keith's film doesn't smack you in the face with big plays like other kids in Tier 1 because there were a lot of mouths to feed, but he consistently did his job on every play. For my money's worth, Keith is also the best inline blocking tight end in Tennessee for this class of 2028; He understands positioning and hand fighting for control at an advanced level. Don't sleep on him defensively either, because he can get after the quarterback too.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18037050/65665f59da514b0c8cd539b0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1190048"],"_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":"Of all the ride receivers listed in Tier 1, [player_tooltip player_id='1190048' first='Owen' last='Knight'] is the only one I can see bumping down inside to become a tight end. For that reason specifically, I think the potential for him to become a significant next-level prospect as playmaking tight end is very real. As far as I know, there are official measurements on Knight, but he's listed at 6-foot-2 and 150-pounds, both of which seem on the lower end via my naked eye. On film, there's no denying he has a big height advantage over others on the field at this point and he uses it well. The All-Conference selection was just one of the weapons in the arsenal of County Player of the Year, [player_tooltip player_id='1038808' first='Reece' last='Reynolds'] at quarterback. I'm in favor of bumping him inside right now because of his size and ability to tack on yards after the reception. Ideally he picks up his straight-line speed a bit and gets more physical when tasked with blocking. There's a good amount of raw talent here and with proper development, his ceiling is high.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1075754"],"_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":"Heading out to West Tennessee for the first of our last two wide receiver/tight ends in Tier 1, Northview Middle School's [player_tooltip player_id='1075754' first='Ja'khi' last='Parr'] is a prospect that I'm very high on coming out of the middle school ranks. Parr is an exciting prospect that used speed, vision and body control to earn a West TN All-Star Game selectionu002du002done of four from Northview. The 6-foot, 140-pounder was lined up in various spots during the season but looked at home in the slot. Due to his speed and quickness, he had more than his fair share of runs or short passes that turned into something because of his ability to run. Jetsweeps, End-arounds and even direct handoffs were nothing out of the norm for Parr this season, as he did his part to help Northview capture the 2023 West Tennessee Small Conference Regular Season Championship. Parr is very thin at this point, and spending some serious time in the weight room will help him put on some muscle in order to help buffer the beating of a varsity season.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16571902/65d3f5ce6e8bfa03a4c92368u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1183231"],"_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":"Dyer County, and Three Oaks Middle School specifically, is the home of the super-talented [player_tooltip player_id='1183231' first='Jaiden' last='Sebourn']. In the neighborhood of 6-foot-2 and 155 pounds, Sebourn was a clear standout for the Choctaws in 2023, as he was named the Team MVP, Wide Receiver of the Year and earned All-WTAC honors. An obvious choice, he was also selected to play in the West Tennessee All-Star game in November. Following along on social media, it appears Sebourn has not rested on this post-season accolades and is keeping the pedal down with Team Impact 7v7 this spring. Like several other receivers here, the weight room and track will only make him better as he gets ready for the next four years.rnrnFilm: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17699037/65cbba3a90eebd0544ad7504u0022u003eu003cstrongu003e8th Grade Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f352abb3b73"} /--> <!-- 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 is a ton of great sub-varsity talent in Tennessee at every position. Having spent a lot of time evaluating in this state, I can confidently say that there are kids are who listed as defensive backs or running backs, that will become better wideouts over the next four years. On the contrary, there are some wideouts on this list that will become better defensive backs or running backs. With that said, not everybody can be listed in that top tier. The wideouts in Tier 2 are very close to reaching that top tier in the 2028 class and should be considered extremely talented prospects. 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>- Whitthorne's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193691' first='Kingston' last='Booker']</strong> is a 6-foot-2, 160-pound prospect who stands out on the football field, but is an even better basketball player. Before being named an All-County performer and Team MVP on the hardwood, he was part of a great core of 2028 prospects that lead the Tigers to a Maury County title on the gridiron. Watching him on film he screams future wide receiver to me with his length and ability to snatch the ball out of midair, but Booker's stats show he can get it done wherever he lines up. He finished an All-County player with three passing touchdowns, four receiving touchdowns, five interceptions and a team-high 10 pass defelections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Houston Middle School went 8-1 this past season and wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown']</strong> was one of the key contributing factors for that record and the success. Brown uniquely combines a physical style of play with a flare of finesse on the outside. At 6-foot and 170-pounds, he's built extremely thick in his lower half which made him tough to bring down after the catch. Working together, Brown, Tier 1 quarterback Conor Day and ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1093180' first='Jiles' last='Bryant'] were a three-headed monster for the Mustangs. While I do like him as a receiver and he put up some big numbers, he's also a tough kid on the defensive side of the ball, where his physical nature can bet unleashed a bit more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180148' first='Crew' last='Chance']</strong> out of Christ Presbyterian is a good watch on film. He's listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds but I think that's a little bit of a stretch, based off the naked eye. Without actual measurements it's hard to tell, but I'd put him in the 5-foot-8 range right now--which is ideal for the slot. The first two names that comes to mind when I watch him play are NFL vets Wes Welker and Randall Cobb. Both give up some size but make up for it with strength, precision and smart play. For what it's worth, he also took some handoffs as a running back this past season, so seeing time in the backfield can't be ruled out either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A two-time Tennessee Future Stars selection, Rocksprings Middle School wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1032080' first='Kobe' last='Grigsby']</strong> is a receiver that has to be accounted for at all times. He's not the biggest prospect in the world right now--both shorter and thinner--but ya' can't hit what ya' can't catch. Grigsby has some of the best acceleration after the catch that you'll see out of a 2028 prospect in the state. He adjusts to the ball well while in the air and then can flat out fly after the reception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- With 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1027608' first='Deklan' last='Meisner'] heading to Concord Christian School it's the end of the magical connection between him and wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1028069' first='Haynes' last='Hawkins']</strong>. Hawkins will stay the course and head to Bearden High School in the fall and brings a ton of playmaking ability with him. A Tennessee Future Stars selection last year as a seventh-grader, there was a big advancement in his skill set. I previously thought of Hawkins as more of a possession receiver, but his eighth-grade film shows he's increased his speed significantly. Keep an eye on this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>Chris Hood Jr.</strong> emerged as the go-to wide receiver for Havenview Middle School, as the Tigers reached the Memphis Shelby County Interscholastic Athletic Association (MSCIAA) title game this past season. Hood Jr. had a great connection with his quarterback and fellow 2028 standout, [player_tooltip player_id='1037760' first='Curtis' last='Shields III']. He's very thin right now and will need to work hard to add weight and strength to get ready for the varsity lights, but he's a legit deep ball threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093181' first='Graham' last='Kesner']</strong> out of Briarcrest Christian is a tight end prospect that has had a productive middle school career. Also a standout on the basketball court and National Honor Society inductee, Kesner is a muscled up prospect that is stretching out a bit, now up to 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds. Kesner and his quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] formed quite the duo this season, as the two both had record-setting years. If Kesner can continue to grow taller, he's a got a shot to be a really good tight end beyond high school. He has better hands then some of the receivers in this write up, plus his speed and athleticism are more than on point too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The second Knox Doss wide receiver in this write up, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1190052' first='Christian' last='Reid']</strong> was tough to keep tabs on this past season. With County Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='1038808' first='Reece' last='Reynolds'] at the helm and fellow wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1190048' first='Owen' last='Knight'] needing to be accounted for too, Reid was able to exploit a ton of mismatches using his speed. He's certainly on the shorter side, but the All-Sumner County selection used the combination of speed, strength and elite ball skills to consistently torch teams who were forced to cover him with a linebacker or safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of several prospects from Oakland Middle school to be an All-Rutherford County selection this year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090839' first='Davion' last='Smith Jr.']</strong> was the lone receiver to earn a nod. Smith Jr. was <em>the</em> deep ball threat for the reigning County champs, as he used his length to create adequate separation. A smooth route runner with good quickness, he used long strides to blow past defensive backs with their eyes too locked in on the backfield. Once there was the slightest window down field on the third level, it was a wrap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906095' first='Beckham' last='Stokes']</strong> out of Gibbs has proven to be a dynamic playmaker throughout his middle school career. In last year's annual Future Stars Game tilt between Kentucky and Tennessee, he was up and away the favorite target for the victorious Vols. Stokes can be moved around a lot because of his speed and is also a threat in the return game. Here's the best way I can describe Stokes for you: When you're playing basketball and you're dog tired back on defense, he's the kid on offense who never stops moving around in order to get open for the ball. Constant motion and effort.</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 wide receivers/tight ends in this tier are all significantly more talented than the majority of incoming freshmen in the state–<strong>please, do not get it twisted.</strong>&nbsp;Whether they're better in the slot, taller guys running fly routes, or maybe even a tight end, they are all very talented and would be prospects I would “rank” if I were going that route. The pass-catchers listed below aren't necessarily doing something&nbsp;<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='1086455' first='Akeem' last='Cox'] | Lexington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of several Lexington Middle School Minutemen selected for the West TN All-Star Game, Cox scored on a long kick return in the game. He gives up size but has some afterburners to make up for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086329' first='Charles' last='Eaves'] | Henderson County North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tall wide receiver that needs some sharpening, but comes with a lot of raw ability. The future Scotts Hill Lion passes the eye test right away and was selected for the West TN All-Star Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brooks McIntyre | Sequatchie County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a workhorse wide receiver for the three-time defending County Champions this year. Was used in motion a good amount this year and has some good size to go with his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188608' first='Kaden' last='McNeal'] | Ensworth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A smaller wide receiver, McNeal is one of the most electric 2028s in the state. Whether it be in the return game or at receiver, there aren't many that can stay with this kid for too long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1192931' first='Brian' last='Mugisha'] | Eagleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mugisha is a taller, longer prospect out of Eagleton College and Career Academy in Maryville. I'd like to see a bit more of him, as he's looked good for the Ktown Ducks 7v7 team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North'] | South Doyle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North is another Ktown Duck 7v7 prospect that I really want to see more. At 5-foot-11 and 155-pounds, also claiming a 4.8 in the forty, he looks really impressive in the limited film I've seen of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1035896' first='Daybrein' last='Owen'] | Gresham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Tennessee Future Stars selection a year ago, Owen is a big receiver at 6-foot-2 and only getting taller and bigger. Strikes me as more of a possession receiver and red zone threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='989275' first='Houston' last='Payne'] | Father Ryan Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tight end that also plays tight end, he flashes periods of dominance at both positions. Also an All-District performer in basketball, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092637' first='Messiah' last='Ward'] | Northeast Middle School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward for a key member of Northeast Middle's championship season in 2023. A starter in the West TN All-Star Game, he also hauled in a pass and broke away for a touchdown in the contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tier 4: The Watchlist</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Athletes listed alphabetically by last name</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The receivers/tight ends 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 guys 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 watched their film after I submitted this list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donovan Balino | Portland West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Bridges | Knox Doss</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Geno Carver | Lexington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Chandler | Dyersburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565624' first='Carter' last='Charapata'] | Chattanooga Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eli Cornelius | West Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591149' first='Keirus' last='Cox'] | Austin-East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caplan Crews | Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088647' first='Wyatt' last='Davis'] | Dresden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Gerber | Robertsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835474' first='Anderson' last='Glover'] | Farragut</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088664' first='Luke' last='Hepler'] | Hillcrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davie Hoover | Chattanooga Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trace Jackson | Robertsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Jaynes | White House</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Johnson | Knox Doss</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1035729' first='Preston' last='Kaforey'] | Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gage King | Northview Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088644' first='Tanner' last='Lamb'] | Dresden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryheem Lee | West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aven Mitchell | Sevier County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='370612' first='Nathan' last='Mock'] | Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037697' first='Webb' last='Ogden'] | Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Peacock | Station Camp</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088641' first='Russell' last='Ragan'] | Lake County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker Richmond | Hillcrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peyton Smith | Northeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088084' first='Ghakari' last='Thomas'] | McKenzie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ollie Wimsatt | T.W. Hunter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Westbrooks | Oakland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Whittington | Austin-East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braison Wisinski | White House-Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->