Scouting The Class: #TN2025 Receivers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our in-depth look at each position group inside the #TN2025 class, here we dive into the wide receivers. This is a crop that isn't as deep as years past but still has plenty of talented ball players that have potential to reach the P4, D1 and FCS levels.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eastern region of Tennessee received a big boost to their stock of receivers when the #1 ranked wideout in the state, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson'] </strong>made the transfer over to Baylor from his time down in Memphis at Collierville High School. The new Red Raiders pass catcher brings tons of tools and upside to the field that can develop into a go-to target on the collegiate gridiron. As of now, Dodson is set to play his college ball at the University of Tennessee after a recent commitment to the Vols last month.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dodson's addition out East definitely makes the region look better, especially at the top but there are a few others guys to mention, worthy of college looks. One guy to pay attention to moving forward is Farragut senior wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185015' first='Robbie' last='Jacobs']</strong>. This 6'0 receiver is an unknown right now but has the chops to see his recruitment take-off. Jacobs can run! He is a perfect option for the slot and someone that can take a short catch into a long gain.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New addition to McCallie, 6 '4 receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207515' first='Hunter' last='Glasgow'] </strong>is a big dude that moves well, providing a big target for his quarterback that can work deep down the field. His addition for the Blue Tornado is huge as McCallie needed a possible go-to target and Glasgow could provide just that. South Doyle senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102358' first='Tamarian' last='Tipton'] </strong>is an intriguing talent that I have pinpointed for tight end in college but he still has enough athleticism and ball skills to be considered for X or Y on the college level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hunter_glasgow/status/1769439086907961805?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hunter_glasgow/status/1769439086907961805?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking for a sleeper prospect at this position for not just the East TN region but the entire state, look no further than Alcoa pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783023' first='Luke' last='Cannon']</strong>. Standing 6 '2 with length and a great body, Cannon has shown flashes of brilliance during his HS career and upside for the next level, especially two years ago where he dominated in the Tornadoes state title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361235' first='Britton' last='Barrett'] </strong>(Maryville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213957' first='Will' last='Kelley'] </strong>(CAK) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209527' first='Darin' last='Shannon'] </strong>are three under the radar products that have college skills but have yet to see their recruitments take-off. Barrett does hold a verbal offer from UT-Martin at the moment and I believe it's warranted as the Rebels pass catcher is a steady performer who runs good routes while sporting outstanding hands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelley is a big bodied guy that fits well in the red zone. His physicality and ability to work through traffic and come down with the pass is impressive. He sports good hands too but if he can add increased speed, you could see his stock go into a positive direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shannon is a productive guy that fits very well in the slot and was a key piece in his team's run to the D2-Class AA title game last season. The Bucs senior two-way player looks to be set for a breakout senior year this Fall as the team's go-to target on offense and a sleeper Mr. Football candidate to pay attention to throughout the coming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out of all those guys mentioned above, Wartburg Central senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1124542' first='Landon' last='Quinney'] </strong>is the top returning wideout in yards received for the 2024 football season. The Bulldogs top college prospect and offensive weapon, Quinney is a good athlete that runs deep routes while providing soft hands. Added weight and speed is needed for this guy to turn into a bonafide college guy but the ball skills are there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":837426,"width":"341px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/74-Britton-Barrett.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-837426" style="width:341px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The depth at the receiver position for the #TN2025 class resides right here in the Middle Tennessee region where you already have seven prospects sporting college offers and several others with the talent, waiting on their first opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top you have a trio of slot receivers and athletic playmakers that can be game changers on the college gridiron. Pearl Cohn teammates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='865611' first='Donovan' last='Higgins'] </strong>are two of the best overall playmakers in the state with both sporting similar but different skill sets.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kinnard is your undersized but athletic, versatile offensive weapon that can be used in a variety of ways from lining up in the slot or using him in the backfield at running back. His quickness and ability to separate are key reason's why he is considered one of the best slot receivers in the state. Higgins has a little more size but is not as quick, however he is fast with more polish for the wideout position. He sports great hands as well making him a dependable guy to look at on 3rd downs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'] </strong>could be considered by some as the top slot receiver in the state for the #TN2025 class. His ability to get open, create separation and find the end zone quickly are why college coaches are after him with some big time programs beginning to take notice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1199968,"width":"294px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/bhubbard.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1199968" style="width:294px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625142' first='Neo' last='Clifton'] </strong>had to miss a good chunk of the 2023 season but he put enough on tape that place among himself among the Top 10 in the state at his position. This is a big bodied guy that can work on the outside in college as well as present a strong option in the red zone. BGA rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002764' first='Arnett' last='Hayes, Jr'] </strong>is coming off a big, breakout junior year where he produced a 1,000 yards on the season, putting himself on the map as a legit college recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the point where we start talking about those under the radar guys who have college abilities but have yet to breakthrough. The first guy to mention here is Tullahoma wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215424' first='Khani' last='Johnson']</strong>. Holding an offer already from UT-Martin, Johnson is an electric playmaker that has the speed to break loose towards the end zone any time he has the ball. He does need to keep adding more weight but you can't teach speed and Johnson has it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall County senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] </strong>is another small town playmaker that is more quick than fast, sporting the ability to break away from his defender with his quick and find open space down field. He too needs more body mass but the natural playmaking abilities are there. If you want straight line speed, Blackman wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207785' first='Jayden' last='Guy'] </strong>is your man! Undersized with weight and under the radar, Guy has jumped on my radar based on his film where he shows the ability to quickly separate from his defender and get open.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamson County has multiple top level receivers returning for the 2024 season with Brentwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219420' first='Clayton' last='Merrill'] </strong>being one of them. The Bruins slot receiver has some excellent quickness and route running abilities that I see fitting well on the college level. He must continue gaining more size but the skills are good and the upside is strong as well. Ravenwood has another senior stud returning to go along with Hubbard and that's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390640' first='Max' last='Kimpel']</strong>. This 6 '2 wideout is more of a possession style pass catcher that uses his body well to shield off defenders then uses his strong hands to bring in the pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White House senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142025' first='Kenneth' last='Holt'] </strong>is a name to pay attention to once we get to the Fall football season. This guy is tough, a gamer that can run and provide big play abilities to your receiving corps. Much of the same can be said for Kirkwood wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269237' first='Gavyn' last='Hunter']</strong>. The Cobras senior fits best inside at slot but can also provide great work on special teams as a return man and a gunner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page slot receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='408917' first='Maclean' last='Copeland'] </strong>is one of the best return men in the state, so his value alone on special teams should warrant college looks. If he can develop at receiver this senior year, Copeland's stock could rise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1228901,"width":"426px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mcopeland-crop-1696x1114-1711831975.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1228901" style="width:426px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackman senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr']</strong>. and Gallatin two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111030' first='Jeremiah' last='Williams'] </strong>are two way under the radar guys that need big college camp season's and senior years to take their games to the next level. Both have college abilities and traits but need to continue building their skill set and speed to become the kind of players they must be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As of now at the time of writing this piece, the Western part of the state doesn't appear as deep as the rest of Tennessee but it is top heavy with wideouts sitting on the radars of Power Four, D1 and FCS level coaches. The top guy out West and one of the best in the state for the #TN2025 class&nbsp; is Sheffield senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466266' first='Radarious' last='Jackson']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing about 6'3 190 pounds, Jackson brings great size to the field along with the ability to turn a short pass into a long gain. His speed and ability to break away from his defender is special along with his size that presents a problem in the red zone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1226506,"width":"392px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/IMG_7543.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1226506" style="width:392px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quickly rising up the charts inside our receiver rankings is Trinity Christian Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466267' first='Brayden' last='Waller']</strong>. This Jackson area prospect has been on our radar for a while now, especially after producing 1,000 yard plus seasons over the last two years but he is taking his game to another level this off-season. Definitely keep an eye out on Waller over the coming months as I feel he is on the verge of exploding on the recruiting scene.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a quiet off-season thus far from Bartlett wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829101' first='Malachi' last='Butler'] </strong>but this guy is talented and someone we should hear more about over the coming weeks. Coming off a solid junior campaign, Butler is a big boy that is tough to handle for smaller defensive backs. His size alone presents problems but the Panthers wideout can move too and if he adds more speed to his arsenal, Butler could see his recruiting take-off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two under the radar but talented receivers to know about are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540017' first='Derrick' last='Miller'] </strong>from Houston and St. Georges senior wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='341251' first='Amir' last='Wilson']</strong>. Miller is a baller, someone that may not be the biggest on the field but he plays big. He sports some of the best hands in the state while having good straight line speed to get behind his defender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is someone many may not know about right now but the dude can play. Sporting good height at 6 '1 with length and a good frame to pack on more weight, Wilson is a fast, smooth running guy that sheds defenders well then is able to break loose, using his speed to become a deep threat.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the #TN2025 receiving class, it's a solid group with multiple guys sporting the potential to develop much further this off-season and boost their stocks tremendously. It's all on them however and how they wanna go about their business to see their college dreams come true.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I do expect this group to become more appealing and deeper as the next several months go on with a Fall football season at their feet to push their recruiting forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospect-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2025&amp;position%5B%5D=WR&amp;commitment=">#TN2025 Wide Receiver Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1228905,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/malbutler.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1228905" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->