Blue Cross Bowl: Underclassmen Stock Report

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We had plenty of chances to evaluate up and coming talent here in the Volunteer State w/ nine games down in Chattanooga last week and these ten players are the one's who stood out & pushed their recruiting stocks forward. </h2>      Earning game MVP for the 5A title game, Newman continued to push his stock further with a strong performance on the big stage where he took down a previously undefeated Page football club. The Smoky Bears sophomore quarterback played with outstanding poise beyond his years, looking very comfortable during a pressure packed contest. He made several clutch throws throughout the game, including multiple passes in the red zone that resulted in touchdowns. Newman also handled the pocket well. When pressure was on him, he kept his eyes down field while using his feet to stave off the pass rush. The great thing about Newman is that he has two years left at Sevier Co., so he should only get better from here.    - - -    Nobody at the Blue Cross Bowl last week probably had a bigger breakout showing than this Mid-TN ball carrier who set a championship rushing game record with 336 yards along with four touchdowns in the Lions win over BGA. Patterson was a man among boys in his title game where the Wildcats defense could not find an answer to stop him. The Lions junior running back showed outstanding balance and vision in this game along with deceptive speed. Patterson is faster than some may think as he showed it on multiple occasions where he busted loose for several long runs. It will be interesting to see how his recruitment goes in the off-season because this guy is simply a “ball player” that consistently produces at a high level.    - - -    The Eagles earned their second ever state championship last Thursday with Ward being a big reason why. Many in attendance had their eyes on the Eagles quarterback but Ward proved to be the difference maker that pushed his team into the winner circle. His power, speed combo in the backfield proved to be too much for Columbia Academy's defense to handle. This is a big dude running the ball that once he gets running downhill, Ward becomes very hard to stop. The Eagles junior already holds a few offers in hand but can continue boosting his stock further with strong off-season work at developing his agility while increasing his speed.    - - -    The Tornadoes earned their 10th straight 3A title in Chattanooga last week with Jones being a major piece in those efforts. This sophomore two-way talent helped put Alcoa ahead in the first half with multiple touchdown runs, bringing that power to the field that complimented the athletic running style of [player_tooltip player_id='783053' first='Eli' last='Graf']. Jones is a physical specimen at running back that showed nice vision and that extra gear to push through the pile, finding positive yards. He also flashed on defense at linebacker, where Jones could have a future in the college game. Next year during his junior season could be the proving ground to see what level this East TN ball carrier will land at but for the moment, Jones certainly boosted his stock after performing well on the big stage.    - - -    Helping pave the way for Graf and Jones was this 6 '8 junior offensive lineman that has a lot of tools and traits that translate well to the college game. There was a lot of running done in the Tornadoes 3A title game behind Crow as he did a good job of getting off the snap fast and driving his man into the second level. When called upon, Crow also did a solid job of pass blocking and keeping defenders away from his quarterback. This Tornadoes big man has the size and athletic upside to become a highly recruited player in the near future but more development must happen throughout the off-season. His work at the Blue Cross Bowl definitely helped his cause. Keep an eye on this East TN offensive lineman over the coming year as I could see Crow blow up in the recruiting game.    - - -    Opening holes for a state record rushing performance, Bryant was a key cog up front that consistently drove his man off the ball to pave the road towards a state title. This rising junior is someone I and others need to pay attention to moving forward as Bryant has the size and athletic skill set to become a highly recruited O-lineman sooner than later. The Lions big man did a nice job of getting off the snap fast and into his defender before he could gain any ground while also doing good work with his pass blocking. This is a limber guy that can bend and move his feet but will need more time in the weight room packing on the size before he forms into his ultimate body. Don't be surprised if you see the college offers start floating his way over these next few months because Bryant is that good.    - - -    This past season was a breakout year for this sophomore linebacker and I believe his best football is yet to come. Newman brings great size, length and position versatility to the football field along with the potential to one day reach the college game. He was one of the Smoky Bears most consistent performers from the 2024 season and it continued last week in their 5A title win. On several occasions, Newman flashed excellent instincts and range along with the ability to play in pass coverage. Standing 6 '5 195 pounds, Newman has the look of a future edge linebacker that can rush up field but also drop into space to play pass. He will need time gaining more weight and overall size to continue filling out but I definitely like the tools and upside here with this East TN talent.    - - -    Taking home Blue Cross Bowl MVP honors, Tutt continued to show why he is a top level recruit coming out of our #TN2026 class but also how much of a gamer he is. The Patriots junior prospect performed like he was determined to win a state title as it showed with his running on offense and his instinctual, viscous hits on defense. Tutt's future in college should be on defense where his range and ball hawk tendencies can be on full display but the more I see him at running back, the more I think he could play there as well.. He has a nose for the ball and a knack for making big plays at the right times. That showed last week in Chattanooga where I feel he boosted his stock further as a potential “Top 20” in-state prospect.    - - -    Keep eyes out for this Red Raider defensive back as he could be one of the biggest stock risers throughout the coming off-season. That statement is made after a strong junior season as well as showing up big during last week's D2-Class AAA championship game. Theodore produced multiple big ways at the Blue Cross Bowl, displaying his natural athletic abilities as well as his potential for the D1, possible Power Four stage. He is a versatile player that could develop at several positions but his biggest upside resides in the secondary where he could possibly develop into a lockdown cover corner. His height, length and lower base agility says that could happen in college. Expect to see Theodore's stock explode over the next few months and turn into one of the top secondary prospects in the state.    - - -    Even though his Pirates team took defeat at the Blue Cross Bowl, Cooper was a definite standout that showed potential for the next level. Handling the quarterback position for his squad, Cooper produced both touchdowns on the day using his legs and speed with his ability to run being a game changer. He won't be behind center in college but Cooper's speed will give him a shot at other positions. The Pirates rising junior has good height and length to go along with that speed to potentially develop at receiver or somewhere in the secondary, potentially cornerback. Cooper is still young, so he has plenty of time to continue developing but I definitely see the upside with a future on the college stage for this Chattanooga area prospect.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/IMG_3172.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1575479" style="width:383px;height:auto" /></figure>