#PRZTN Spring Showcase Preview (Defense/Ath’s)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Before all the action gets started tomorrow at Oakland High School, learn about the defensive talent as well as some of the "Athletes" expected on hand right here w/ our Spring Showcase Preview. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Before the end of the #PRZTN Spring Showcase, our defensive line competitors might turn out to be the best position group of all at this year's combine as I see some depth, talent and upside residing with several expected attendees. It's a nice mix between veterans and underclassmen along with some high level potential edge rushers and beef up the middle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mt. Juliet defensive <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] </strong>has signed up for this Sunday's showcase and if he attends, he will easily be the top edge rusher in attendance. The 61st overall ranked prospect by #PRZTN, Fiorita has some of the best burst in the state with room to grow and develop much further. Another edge rusher to know about for Sunday is Lewis Co. under the radar senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1542383' first='Corbyn' last='Harris']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers 6 '4 210 defender is someone I honestly don't know a lot about but after watching his film, I can see some upside for college with how Harris gets off the line and quickly gets into the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the senior class, several guys have my eye, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206484' first='C.J.' last='Wyller']</strong> (Baylor), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219406' first='Braydon' last='Coffelt'] </strong>(Marion Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102506' first='Cedarrein' last='Kelly'] </strong>(Westwood) and under the radar Lebanon defensive end, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282475' first='Dawson' last='Carson']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BYardfitness/status/1790568603978174806","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/BYardfitness/status/1790568603978174806 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wyller is a tad undersized but powerful with good bend and the ability to play the edge or move inside. Coffelt is someone I'm quite interested to watch due to his versatility to play defensive end or maybe even inside linebacker. Coming up from Memphis, Kelly is looking to take his stock to another level and I feel like he could by displaying increased burst and speed off the snap. Carson doesn't have a lot of buzz to his name right now but could start building it this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving to the interior, three guys have my attention in Alcoa defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1189145' first='Jamir' last='Turner']</strong>, McKenzie versatile lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102507' first='KD' last='Cunningham'] </strong>and East Tennessee native and Jefferson Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295058' first='Israel' last='Hurd']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner is a well put together young man that could be on either side of the line. Cunningham sports a strong motor with active hands that also has pass rush skills that can both work the edge and interior. It may be a last minute deal to see Hurd perform on Sunday as he is dealing with an injury but if he does, the Patriots senior might turn out to be top camp performer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The underclassmen don't appear to have much depth on paper but could surprise come Sunday. Three guys to keep an eye this weekend will be Oak Ridge defensive tackle <strong>Tobja Walters, Jr</strong>, Sequatchie Co. defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540022' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] </strong>and Soddy Daisy edge defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother']</strong>. All three of these guys have the potential to reach the next with Walters having the biggest upside right now to possibly reach D1 status.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect some guys off the radar for Sunday to jump up and surprise and not only place themselves in the mix for MVP honors but also boost their recruiting stocks with strong camp performances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1249278,"width":"399px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/kdcunningham-crop-762x501-1713374233.jpeg?w=761" alt="" class="wp-image-1249278" style="width:399px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All regions of the state will be well represented this weekend with several high caliber prospects expected to be in attendance. The senior class will be headlined by three linebackers that are currently ranked inside the #PRZTN Tennessee Top 250. Those three are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen'] </strong>from Cookeville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170987' first='Kavion' last='Yancey'] </strong>out of Hamilton and talented but under the radar Antioch senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102518' first='Quortez' last='Gilbert']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen comes to camp with some buzz and an opportunity to push his stock further as he looks to display his ever developing coverage skills as well as his range. He will definitely be one of the top testers while competing for top MVP honors. You can pretty much say the same for Yancey, who has landed some FCS offers of late and could bring in even more with a stellar performance at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbert is someone that has been on my radar for a while and someone I like on film as a potential multi talented backer that fits best inside but can provide a pass rush to the backfield. His ability to run and test well but also perform adequately during 1 on 1's should boost Gilbert's stock in my book and collegiate coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overton linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1280297' first='Wesley' last='Howard'] </strong>is a sleeper to watch on Sunday. Standing 6 '2 200 pounds and still learning the position, Howard has put together a strong off-season thus far, developing his coverage skills and adding speed to his lower base. If he tests well, Howard could be in contention for MVP honors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving to the underclassmen, we have multiple guys here that are not just talented but have a shot to play college ball one day. Two names to really pay attention to this weekend are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] </strong>out of McCallie and Station Camp linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261313' first='Ryland' last='Keefe']</strong>. Both of these juniors bring nice physical traits to the table along with versatility to do a variety of things on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1278830,"width":"253px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/gabeabercrombie.webp?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1278830" style="width:253px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abercrombie has mainly played safety throughout his high school career but is making the transition to linebacker and it might be the move needed to spark up his recruitment. Keefe is a big dude at 6'3 225 that provides the size and skill set to handle both middle backer or rush the backfield at edge. These are two guys I expect to not only test but perform well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few other backers worth noting for Sunday include Collierville junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111006' first='Ben' last='Buckhold']</strong>, MUS tackler <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='926958' first='Jackson' last='Hood']</strong>, Beech rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1280293' first='Andy' last='Brock'] </strong>and Lewis Co. defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray']</strong>. All four of those guys are true middle backers that each show upside at stopping the run. Whoever busts through with strong testing numbers could push themselves ahead of the others when it comes to recruiting.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This doesn't appear to be the strongest position group on paper but I'm sure somebody will step up and surprise this weekend to become a prospect I and others must follow and cover moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Backs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Winning MVP honors for the defensive backfield will be up for grabs at Oakland High School this weekend as I can see multiple different guys putting together strong camp performances to potentially earn top honors with the underclassmen possibly holding the upper hand.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking through our prospect list for Sunday, two seniors stand out immediately in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore'] </strong>from Beech and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1071176' first='Isaiah' last='Williams'] </strong>out of Brentwood Academy. Both of those guys are currently ranked inside the Tennessee Top 250 with the potential this Summer and Fall to boost their stocks even further. I believe both guys are destined for the FCS ranks but Moore has a chance to play his way into a D1 opportunity due to his athleticism and size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1155192,"width":"386px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Isaiah-Williams1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1155192" style="width:386px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class is where the best upside may reside. Several guys set to attend have my attention and could sneak up to be the best performer at camp. Mt. Pleasant defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] </strong>is the first guy that comes to mind as he is someone I've watched a good bit of this off-season and I like what I have seen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a tall and long cover corner prospect that shows good long speed and the ability to dip his hips and change directions well. Blackman defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark'] </strong>comes from an athletic family, so I expect the Blaze junior to not only test well but show good athletic skills during 1 on 1's. Coffee Co. safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283295' first='Caiden' last='Warren'] </strong>is someone many may not know much about but he is on my radar and the guy can run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jumping down to the #TN2027 class, several guys here are on my radar to watch closely as potential D1, FCS college level guys. <strong>Landen Love </strong>could be the next great defensive back to come out of the Alcoa football program but is he a corner or safety? Not sure but Love is talented and it will be interesting to watch him move and perform this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Red Bank sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287488' first='Cayden' last='Loveless'] </strong>and Collierville defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Erik' last='Walden, Jr'] </strong>are two long and athletic defensive backs that show upside on film to potentially develop at cornerback in college but at worst can become rangy safeties on the back end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Athletes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The biggest mysteries and unknowns surrounding players at this weekend's event are the “athletes”. This collection of players have a variety of skills that translate to multiple positions on the playing field but have yet to establish themselves. As we head into the Summer camp months, this weekend's showcase should help the cause and help prospects take steps forward with their progression.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the guys that are already on my radar to watch on Sunday are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142019' first='Jackson' last='Tate'] </strong>(Sequatchie Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1080185' first='Noah' last='Spencer'] </strong>(USJ), <strong>Dawson Wiliford</strong> (Concord Chrst.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285442' first='Branson' last='Turnbow'] </strong>(Upperman), First Assembly junior <strong>E.J. Spencer</strong>, Roane Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606161' first='Taeshaune' last='Hamilton'] </strong>and recently Miami Ohio offered and Riverdale sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'].&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tate has been a busy guy this off-season developing his game and he has the skill set to excel both at receiver or safety in college. Same can be said for Spencer, who might see his biggest upside be fulfilled at linebacker. Wiliford is someone I know little about but very interested to see how he moves and performs this weekend alongside other talented prospects. Turnbow has the look of a college safety to me but maybe offense is his calling and I'll get a chance to determine that on Sunday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Assembly has a strong crop of underclassmen with Spencer being one of their top guys. A natural athlete with good size and ball skills, the Crusaders junior has a chance to develop nicely at either receiver or defensive back. Hamilton is a physically well built young man that has the look of a running back or middle backer on the next level. Fuqua is built almost in the same way with probably a little more athleticism that leans towards the possibility to play safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1278882,"width":"314px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/jacktate.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1278882" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->