#PRZTN Gamechangers: Spring Showcase MVP’s

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Out of all the prospects in attendance at yesterday's combine, these eight players earned top honors as MVP's and it was done against strong competition in front of college coaches that might have pushed their stocks into a positive direction. </h2>     Quarterback (Co-MVP's)   ‘27 [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] - Collierville/'27 [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron'] - Riverdale   - A pair of rising sophomores walked away with Co-MVP honors at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase in Collierville passer [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] and Riverdale quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron']. This honor was definitely earned as both guys had to fight off other talented signal callers to be called “MVP”. Santibanez immediately looks the part when stepping onto the field while sporting a big right arm with good mechanics and the strength to push the ball down field. He was a calm, cool customer throughout the day as well. The presence along with the arm talent is special and I could easily see Santibanez become one of the more pursued quarterbacks from the #TN2027 class.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1792370733928403297 </div></figure>   Cameron had a steady performance from beginning to end where he tested well during the early portion of camp then proceeded to display excellent arm talent during positional work and 1 on 1's. Possibly the biggest trait that pushed Cameron towards MVP honors was his accuracy and ability to place the ball on time with his deep ball. Plenty of work must be done for both Cameron and Santibanez but the talent and tools are there to become top recruits down the road.    - - - - -    Running Back   [player_tooltip player_id='1257456' first='Josiah' last='Featherstone'] - Red Bank   - Featherstone was a late addition to the Spring Showcase but he came in ready to compete and performed very well as the Lions offensive weapon walked away as MVP for the running backs. Displaying a combination of power, speed and vision, Featherstone had a well balanced performance on Sunday showing why he is a back to watch this coming Fall and someone that could rise in our next updated rankings. What I think earned this Chattanooga area back the MVP award was his quick feet during positional work and the ability to catch the ball and create separation during 1 on 1 competition. This is a versatile back that fits more of your “3rd down” ball carrier role with the ability to break the big one or excel as a pass catcher out of the backfield.    - - - - -    Wide Receiver   [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] - Marion Co.   - Possibly the most impressive overall player in attendance yesterday, Pickett had a banner day, displaying outstanding natural athleticism along with the ability to become a big play threat at wide receiver. The Warriors senior kicked the day off well by testing in the “Top 3” percent at his position then looked crisp and smooth during his positional work. Where Pickett took MVP honors was during 1 on 1's where this East Tennessee talent dominated and was near unguardable. Defensive backs had a hard time keeping up with his speed and sudden movements off the line. Pickett easily got behind defenders and created silly separation that provided quarterbacks a wide open target to throw at. His performance on Sunday not only pushed me towards placing Pickett at wide receiver but also boosted his stock towards possibly becoming a “Top 50” in-state recruit.    - - - - -    Offensive Line   ‘26 [player_tooltip player_id='1136472' first='Daniel' last='Cepicky'] - Columbia Academy   - Coaches and scouts better start getting to know this Mid-Tennessee big man that made his presence known in a big way on Sunday where Cepicky manhandled opponents while walking away with line MVP honors. A massive dude with big hands and wingspan, Cepicky was not only one of the better O-linemen during testing but proved to be one of the best pass blockers during 1 on 1 competition as well. This is a good athlete for his size that moves well laterally and once he gets his hands locked on, it's over for his opponent. Cepicky has a “dawg” mentality that loves playing physical and manhandling players. It will be interesting to see how he progresses over the coming year as I could see Cepicky developing at right tackle but at worst, he moves inside and becomes a mauling offensive guard.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DFootball71/status/1792324168752750840 </div></figure>   - - - - -    Defensive Line   ‘26 Tobja Walters, Jr - Oak Ridge   - Nobody could block this East Tennessee product at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase on Sunday. Walters, Jr was an absolute beast that showed me the ability and upside to play on the Power Four level one day and that's because of his physicality but mainly his maturity. If you are looking for someone that knows how to get-off the line fast and use his hands, Walters, Jr is your guy. Consistently during 1 on 1 competition, no offensive lineman could get a handle on this guy as his combination of power, speed and hand work was too much to deal with. The Wildcats rising junior only stands about 6 '1 but Walters, Jr more than makes up for it with his nimble lower base and mature game play. The offers may not be there right now but they will be as this Knoxville area prospect will be a Top 5 defensive lineman for the #TN2026 class.   - - - - -    Linebacker   [player_tooltip player_id='939778' first='Gavin' last='Schaffer'] - Brentwood Academy   - Well built physically with the look of a true middle backer, Schaffer took his stock to another yesterday at the PRZTN Spring Showcase where this Nashville native proved to be more than just a hitter but a good athlete too. Schaffer did well during testing but showed in positional work and 1 on 1's his ability to change directions and stay on path with his receiver. His coverage abilities were a pleasant surprise, which to me makes Schaffer a more appealing linebacker because he was already stout stopping the run. He had to hold off others to take MVP but it was well earned with a consistent showing from beginning to end. If Schaffer can continue stacking good performances like this over the summer, he will rise up the charts with our rankings while boosting his stock further within the college coaching circle.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Gavin_Schaffer1/status/1792399853324242962 </div></figure>   - - - - -    Defensive Back   [player_tooltip player_id='1279842' first='Jacob' last='Sharp'] - McMinn Co.    - Possibly the most pleasant surprise of all MVP winners, Sharp came away as the top performer for the defensive backs on Sunday after a consistent showing from testing into 1 on 1's where Sharp was outstanding with his man to man coverage skills. The Cherokees senior two-way talent displayed technique sound coverage abilities along with the speed to possibly keep him on defense in college with his best potential coming inside at nickelback. What stood out the most about Sharp to me was his competitive nature and willingness to go against anybody, including some bigger receivers that he did just fine against. It will continue to be an uphill battle for Sharp due to his size but this is a competitor that would bring nice versatility to either side of the ball and special teams.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TheJacobSharp/status/1792536402707591616 </div></figure>