#TNHSFB Season Preview: Top Receiving Corps

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">For the coming Fall football season, several programs across the state are deep with talented pass catchers but which teams will have the best collective units for the 2024 football year? Find out here!! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Baylor Red Raiders&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson']</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219421' first='Cameron' last='Sparks']</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923654' first='Ben' last='Darnell']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839499' first='Alexis' last='LeClerc']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Zane Restelli</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206185' first='Kaiden' last='Dewey']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206186' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Red Raiders would have had a top tier receiving corps this Fall regardless but the addition of Dodson gives this group tremendous depth and star power. He is a #1 target and game changer on the outside that will take up a lot of attention and make others better. Complimenting him are two tight ends in Sparks and Darnell that provide different skill sets but both are playmakers. Sparks is a Top 10 recruit that brings versatility as he can stretch out wide at receiver or play down at tight end. The X-Factors this season should be the play of LeClerc and Dewey. These are two speedy wideouts that should be excellent compliments in the slot. Dewey in particular is a name to watch for moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1155147,"width":"393px","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/Alexis-Leclerc.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1155147" style="width:393px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Brentwood Academy Eagles&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625142' first='Neo' last='Clifton']</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219407' first='Kolbe' last='Harmon']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102360' first='Luke' last='Robison']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889222' first='Garrett' last='Cyphers']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last season was a tough road for the Eagles receiving corps as they had to deal with injuries and a new offense but this year should be different as everybody looks healthy with another off-season under the belts of improvement. The leader of the receivers will be Clifton, a big, physical pass catcher that can be dangerous in the red zone. He will be joined out wide by two-way talents Harmon and Jointer along with two slot wideouts in Robison and Cyphers. The guy with the most potential out of the group is rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman']</strong>. The 6 '1 playmaker has all the tools Power Four programs are looking for and could be the difference maker the Eagles staff is looking for to turn things around on offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Ravenwood Raptors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390640' first='Max' last='Kimpel']</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238986' first='Patrick' last='Sullivan']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287024' first='Cy' last='Longley']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='855575' first='Crews' last='Kelly']</strong>, (TE) <strong>Drew Parker</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Raptors have a Top Ten #TN2026 quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] </strong>and he will have a bevy of targets to throw to over the next two years. Led by MTSU commit and one of the top slot receivers in the state, Hubbard presents a lot of problems for opposing defenses due to his speed and route running.&nbsp; His senior counterpart is Kimpel, a possession style receiver that should see more targets this year due to defense's focusing on Hubbard. Ravenwood has a nice group of tight ends that can be good safety blankets this season with Sullivan, Parker and a young stud in the making with Gutting. Longley and Kelly are the heir apparents that will gain snaps this season with a chance for one or both to breakout as that third receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Pearl Cohn Firebirds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='865611' first='Donovan' last='Higgins']</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1148636' first='Isaiah' last='Thomas']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>K.J. Hoskins</strong>, (WR) <strong>Zion Brown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Firebirds head into the 2024 season looking to repeat as 4A champions and a big factor behind reaching that goal will be the play of their receiving corps. They have two of the more explosive wideouts in the state with Kinnard and Higgins leading the way. Kinnard is an electric ball player with break neck speed. Higgins can run too but presents more polish as a pure receiver. Those two playmakers will be the focal point on the Firebirds offense but they will need some help. Thomas is a talented safety blanket at tight end that can breakthrough in a major way this year and push himself into the college ranks. Several others will be expected to step up into bigger roles and two guys that I believe should contribute are sophomores <strong>K.J. Hoskins </strong>and <strong>Zion Brown</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":650885,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/FiXTonwXwAUW1pD.jpeg?w=913" alt="" class="wp-image-650885" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Germantown Red Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264564' first='Jaden' last='Jones']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309130' first='Cameron' last='Ledlow']</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='461255' first='Yasir' last='Muhammad']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113841' first='Tre'von' last='McGory']</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Red Devils may have the most explosive offense in the state with the combination of their backfield and this deep receiving corps. A trio of seniors lead in the way with Jones using his speed to work in the slot, Ledlow an under the radar talent that can breakout this season and Muhammad, a two-way talent that can use his speed to stretch the defense. Those three should be good enough for most teams to excel but the Red Devils have even more talent behind them. McGory may be the most talented prospect within the receivers due to his big play, explosive abilities. Rogers is an athletic tight end that can be placed in a variety of spots. Germantown is loaded at the skill position this year with the parts to help them finally breakthrough for that elusive 6A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Green Hill Hawks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219336' first='Aaron' last='Mattingly']</strong>, (TE/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856164' first='Ayden' last='Sadler']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Dylan Hawks</strong>, (WR) <strong>Luke Pfeiffer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Everything on the Hawks offense this season begins with Mattingly, an All-State level performer that can beat defense's in a variety of ways. Standing 6 '5 210 pounds, Mattingly is an athletic guy for his size that can run, so you can place him out wide or work him in the slot. Much of the same above can be said about Sadler. The rising junior is a versatile pass catcher that can flex out wide and do tons of damage in the slot. He can also stretch the field, so look for this guy as a breakout star in the Fall. Hawks and Pfeiffer are two guys that have big opportunities this year to step forward into bigger roles and contribute in a major way due to defense's focusing on Mattingly and Sadler.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Blackman Blaze</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207785' first='Jayden' last='Guy']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr'], </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227615' first='Jackson' last='Zeltner']</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783176' first='Kari' last='Dixon']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If the Blaze can find their guy at quarterback, he will have plenty of options to throw at this Fall with a few guys sporting upside for the college level. Guy is a speedster that is breaking out on the recruiting scene right now with recent offers from Memphis, MTSU, Vanderbilt and others. He is complimented nicely by Dragoo, Jr, a possession style receiver that has sneaky speed but the body to take on physicality and still make the catch. The unknown to watch for this Fall is Oduor. He is the best physical looking wideout inside the Blaze receiving corps that shows excellent upside for the D1, possible Power Four level. Zeltner and Dixon are two rising juniors that fill out the receivers well and should take on bigger roles in 2025.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1138159,"width":"373px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/24-John-Dragoo-Jr.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138159" style="width:373px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Farragut Admirals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185015' first='Robbie' last='Jacobs']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301404' first='Landon' last='Collins']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301398' first='Grant' last='Fields']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Max Garfield</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292338' first='Aaron' last='Heatherly']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a disappointing season by Farragut's standards, the Admirals are looking to bounce back this year with an offense that has the chance to be high scoring, led by their receivers. Farragut has a nice 1-2 punch at wideout with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185015' first='Robbie' last='Jacobs'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301404' first='Landon' last='Collins']</strong>. Jacobs is your speedster that gets off the line well then creates good separation while Collins is a bigger guy with natural athletic abilities that uses his body well to shield off defenders. I expect those two guys to produce but they will need help and that could come from a variety of guys, including two underclassmen in Garfield and Heatherly. If the Admirals offense and all these pieces come together, Farragut could have one of the better offenses out of the East Tennessee region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Boyd Buchanan Buccaneers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209539' first='Jayden' last='Moore']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209527' first='Darin' last='Shannon']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209535' first='Hudson' last='Wamack']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='213946' first='Sabastian' last='Jones']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the more under the radar receiving units for the 2024 season are these Buccaneers with three veteran wideouts returning and guys that can reach the college ranks with breakthrough senior years. All three receivers have versatile skill sets that bring different traits to the playing field. Moore is the big play guy among the group that also shows the ability to make tough catches in traffic. Shannon is a consistent performer that runs good routes and shows outstanding hands and concentration. Wamack is a perfect option for the slot where he uses his precision and speed to get behind defenders. The Bucs made the D2-Class AA title game last year and they could return with these receivers and one of the best offenses in the Chattanooga region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Alcoa Tornadoes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219408' first='Eli' last='Owens']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783023' first='Luke' last='Cannon']</strong>, (QB/Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783053' first='Eli' last='Graf']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Anybody who thinks about Alcoa immediately goes to Owens. The future Michigan Wolverine has some of the best hands in the state while presenting a physical body and the ability to work the intermediate routes or stretch the field. His presence alone makes the Tornadoes offense formidable but they could be even better with contributions from others. One guy who could really step up and finally make a name for himself is Cannon. Two years ago, this 6'3 wideout was the championship game MVP but last year, he went dark. If he can finally form into the kind of receiver we saw back in 2022, Cannon might find his way onto the college level. Graf could be playing quarterback this year but his future in college sits in the slot. Dean is an up and coming star to know and someone that could step into that third receiver starting role.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":909842,"width":"248px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Jamir-Dean-27.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-909842" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11. Oak Ridge Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866773' first='Trenton' last='Javins']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331829' first='Will' last='Pressley']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Adam Washington</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Ja'Rell Jemerson</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- By the end of the 2024 season, these Wildcats may have the best receiving corps out of the greater Knoxville region. Oak Ridge has a deep and talented core this year with two guys already sitting on the college radar with several others strong contributors beside them. Pressley is one of the fastest wideouts from the #TN2026 class, who have the build and ball skills to reach the D1 level. Howard is a stud in the making, already landing offers from Tennessee and Kentucky while gaining interest from many others. Those two should be the go-to targets this year but if the Wildcats offense wants to be more dynamic, Javins, Washington, Jemerson or Sharpe must step forward into lead roles. One thing I know is that depth and talent is there for Oak Ridge to have one of the best crops of pass catchers in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12. Beech Buccaneers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466263' first='KaJuan' last='Harris']</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800802' first='Xavier' last='Bynoe']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369787' first='Tyler' last='Campbell'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This last spot was a tough call to make but I had to lean towards the Bucs, especially with the addition this off-season of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore']</strong>. His future in college may sit best on defense but Moore is a good athlete that can excel at receiver, giving the Bucs a nice compliment to work in the slot. His work will be critical as most defense's will be focusing their attention stopping Harris. Standing 6'3 190 pounds, Harris is a big guy that runs well while having a big radius to throw at. The unknown to most but a guy to watch this Fall is Hillsboro transfer, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369787' first='Tyler' last='Campbell']</strong>. Sporting good ball skills and speed, Campbell has a chance to make a difference this Fall and push himself into college status. Bynoe is a good sized receiver that just hasn't found his footing yet but maybe this season, that will change. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Receiving Units to Follow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lipscomb: </strong>(TE) <strong>T.J. Briggs, Jr</strong> (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170988' first='Cam' last='Blivens']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604378' first='Cam' last='Fowler']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207515' first='Hunter' last='Glasgow']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Schneider']</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1091839' first='Landon' last='Smotherman']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104288' first='Caleb' last='Pharr']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Valley: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125380' first='Hudson' last='Makuch']</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Halls: </strong>(TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219379' first='Drew' last='Ross']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Tres Scates</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294979' first='Jarrell' last='Chandler']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Doyle: </strong>(WR) <strong>Marquail Patterson</strong>, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102358' first='Tamarian' last='Tipton']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White House-Heritage: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557110' first='Aric' last='Lopez']</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118589' first='Dason' last='Springer']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284143' first='Bryson' last='Maddox']</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Braylan Hayden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":837514,"width":"411px","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/Oliver-Bender.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-837514" style="width:411px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->