Post Signing Day Best Available (Off. Skill)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The first signing day has come and gone but we still have some talented in-state players left to be had. Looking towards the 2nd signing day in February, below are the best offensive skill players we have left from our #TN2025 class. </h2>     Quarterback   - The top of the quarterback recruiting board has been signed but we still have a few developmental signal callers left that could be worth a look on the next level. Our top ranked quarterback available is Lipscomb Acad. senior [player_tooltip player_id='219425' first='Tav' last='Shaffer']. The Mustangs passer had a solid senior year but probably not the one he or his Mustangs coaches would have liked as Lipscomb finished the 2024 season at 3-7.    Shaffer is a talented passer with good size (6'2 215), solid mechanics and the arm power to push the ball down field. He does need more time to refine his game but I could see a last minute FCS offer come his way. Knox. Catholic senior [player_tooltip player_id='139272' first='Jayden' last='Neal'] had to miss the majority of his senior year and if he hadn't, the Fighting Irish quarterback might be signed already. Out of all the passers left, Neal may have the most polished game, ready for the college level.    Father Ryan quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1150055' first='Joseph' last='Derrick'] had a breakout senior year that pushed himself up our rankings and into the eye of college coaches. Standing 6 '2 185 pounds, Derrick has college size but it's his right arm and football intelligence that put him on the college radar. His game may have to begin on the low level of college ball but Derrick has the chops to transfer higher over time.    Two under the radar signal callers that I like and believe have college upside are [player_tooltip player_id='466230' first='Trey' last='Frazier'] from West Ridge and state champion quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1400354' first='Brody' last='Whittaker'] from MASE. Frazier may have as much upside as any quarterback left from our senior class where he brings athleticism, size and a talented right arm to the playing field. All Whittaker did this season was put up big numbers while playing a consistent brand of football. His performance was a big reason behind the state title run for the Phoenix and a senior campaign that should have warranted bigger interest.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/bwhittaker.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1584423" style="width:292px;height:auto" /></figure>   Anderson Co. senior [player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'] is someone I probably need to rank higher, especially after watching him exclusively at the recent East vs. West All-Star game. The Mavs senior passer is bigger than first thought but also showed me anticipation and timing with his passes and arm strength that is good and will only grow stronger on the next level.    Other Available QB's: [player_tooltip player_id='219427' first='Houston' last='Hicks'] (Boyd Buchanan), [player_tooltip player_id='1192882' first='Stephen' last='Nieves'] (Columbia Acad.), [player_tooltip player_id='1177637' first='Grant' last='Troutman'] (Collierville), [player_tooltip player_id='279486' first='Sam' last='Evitts'] (Sequatchie Co.), [player_tooltip player_id='445181' first='Mitchell' last='Carey'] (DCA)   - - - - -    Running Back    - Our crop of ball carriers for the #TN2025 cycle was deep with most of the top guys signed and ready for college ball but we still have a few guys remaining that deserve more looks. The top guy left on the board is Oakland running back [player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill']. Having to share the backfield with fellow college guys, Hill didn't have the big season his talents show but trust me, this guy can play. The Pats senior provides versatility as an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and a threat in the return game that should appeal to college coaches.    Once committed to Davidson but now back on the open market, [player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis'] sits as an available “Top 100” ranked prospect by #PRZTN that should be signing with someone once we reach the month of February due to his upside within the college game. This Maryville ball carrier had a breakout senior year where he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 26 touchdowns while also continuing to show upside as a pass blocker and receiver out of the backfield.    Lipscomb Acad. senior [player_tooltip player_id='301396' first='Andrew' last='Patterson, Jr'] is a talented young man that has flown under the radar for sometime now but has the abilities to make his mark on the next level. At one time in his recruitment, the Mustangs running back held multiple college offers but for one reason or another, Patterson remains available for the taking and someone worthy of more looks through this final recruiting stretch.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/apattersonjr.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1584427" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></figure>   Recently playing safety at the East vs. West All-Star game, Cookeville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1201020' first='Thomas' last='Johnson'] is an intriguing talent that has the size and athletic skill set to potentially develop into a starter on either side of the ball. For me, I personally like Johnson best on offense where his physical running style can make a difference on the next level and I feel his best football is ahead of him with continued development.    Behind the top four mentioned above, we have a grouping of running backs that all show the abilities to make their mark on the college game, including several guys that I feel like should be taken more seriously. Notre Dame senior [player_tooltip player_id='976043' first='E.J.' last='Carter'] was one of the hottest recruits from his position coming into the 2024 season but after having to miss the year due to injury, this Chattanooga ball carrier remains available with his speed and quick feet being game changers.    Covington senior [player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith'] may be one guy mentioned here that you see a spike in his recruitment over the next two months. After winning Mr. Football this year while producing a big season, Smith has seen interest increase but has yet to see those offers arrive. This dude can play and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chargers ball carrier running it on the D1 level one day.    Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='937072' first='Connor' last='Wheeler'] (Powell), [player_tooltip player_id='219347' first='Jonmikael' last='Crudup'] (Mt. Juliet) and [player_tooltip player_id='1002753' first='Montae' last='Baldwin'] (Columbia Acad.) are three highly productive ball carriers that have been bell cow backs throughout their careers, sporting upside to contend for snaps on the college level. These three have some limitations but also have a skill set that can develop further with continued teaching.    Other RB's Available: [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera'] (Sevier Co.), [player_tooltip player_id='848834' first='Skylar' last='Thomas'] (Jefferson Co.), [player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'] (Haywood), [player_tooltip player_id='814799' first='Gavyn' last='Nelson'] (Brentwood), [player_tooltip player_id='1257456' first='Josiah' last='Featherstone'] (Red Bank), [player_tooltip player_id='466231' first='Isaiah' last='McGill'] (Hunters Lane)   - - - - -    Wide Receivers    - Our crop of receivers wasn't the deepest this cycle but it was still talented with several guys available for the taking. Within the top six ranked receivers by Prep Redzone Tennessee, two are still on the open market with [player_tooltip player_id='466267' first='Brayden' last='Waller'] from Trinity Christian and breakthrough BGA senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1002764' first='Arnett' last='Hayes, Jr']. These two pass catchers are legit and two guys I know are D1 capable due to their size, speed and natural athletic abilities.    Waller has done nothing but produce at a high level since becoming a starter during his sophomore season. He has also gotten better each year, developing his skill set worthy of bigger looks. The Lions senior has received several FCS level offers throughout his senior year but nothing has stuck, leaving Waller sitting on the open market.    Hayes, Jr had a big junior year but backed that up with another strong campaign throughout the Fall season where the Wildcats senior led his team in receiving yet again while earning a spot in the East vs. West All-Star game. This pass catcher may have as much upside as any in-state senior we have with his best football days ahead of him.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/ahayes.webp?w=508" alt="" class="wp-image-1566509" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coming off a solid performance at the East/West game, Houston wideout [player_tooltip player_id='540017' first='Derrick' last='Miller'] is one of the best remaining slot prospects in the state that plays bigger than his size. The Mustangs pass catcher is a dynamic athlete that has a second gear in the open field along with a fearless demeanor. This guy is a big play threat waiting to happen, so whoever Miller signs with could be getting a steal.    Another big play guy to watch over the next two months is Blackman receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1207785' first='Jayden' last='Guy']. Sporting some of the best speed from our senior class, the Blaze pass catcher burst onto the scene during the summer months then proceeded to have a solid senior year that did boost his stock but Guy has some learning to do with his route running before he makes an impact on the college game.    Tullahoma senior [player_tooltip player_id='1215424' first='Khani' last='Johnson'], Marshall Co. wideout [player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] and Farragut pass catcher [player_tooltip player_id='1185015' first='Robbie' last='Jacobs'] are three talented, under the radar prospects that have the proper skill sets to contend on the college level. Johnson has the most upside of these three and possibly of all receivers remaining. The Wildcats playmaker is one of the fastest pass catchers from our senior class that can turn a short gain into a possible touchdown anytime the ball touches his hands.    Jones is a consistent performer that has produced big numbers for his Tigers team throughout his career. This past Fall season, Jones produced over 900 yards receiving while scoring 18 touchdowns. He is a sure handed receiver that can do a variety of things on the playing field. Jacobs is another speedster that is still developing but has a good skill set that translates well to the college game.    Two underrated receivers that aren't getting too many looks right now but should be are [player_tooltip player_id='881378' first='Bishop' last='Adeniyi'] from The Webb School and McCallie senior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1207515' first='Hunter' last='Glasgow']. These two receivers bring excellent size to the field along with the ability to run good routes while sporting excellent hands.    Other WR's Available: [player_tooltip player_id='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr'], (Blackman), [player_tooltip player_id='341251' first='Amir' last='Wilson'] (St. Georges), [player_tooltip player_id='1209539' first='Jayden' last='Moore'] (Boyd Buchanan), [player_tooltip player_id='1273609' first='Tyreque' last='McCarver'] (Smyrna), [player_tooltip player_id='390640' first='Max' last='Kimpel'] (Ravenwood), [player_tooltip player_id='1522557' first='Derrick' last='Smith, Jr'] (Fulton)   - - - - -    Tight Ends    - Some of the best offensive talent available resides with the tight ends. Our top ranked player at this position in [player_tooltip player_id='219421' first='Cameron' last='Sparks'] remains on the open market but that should change in January when the Baylor pass catcher announces his decision while in attendance at the Army All-American game. If Sparks would have fully embraced developing at tight end from the jump, he would already be committed and signed but his desire is to compete at receiver in college, so here we are with his college decision up in the air.    At one time throughout our scouting process of the #TN2025 class, Green Hill tight end [player_tooltip player_id='219336' first='Aaron' last='Mattingly'] sat inside our “Top 20” but after missing his senior year due to injury, the Hawks big man saw his ranking slightly decrease while also placing his college status in limbo.    Mattingly is one of the better overall, true pass catchers we have within our senior crop and maybe as much upside of any offensive talent in the state. He is tall and long with a great frame to pack on more size while also having the speed to outrun defenders. The Hawks senior is a “unicorn” style receiver that can be utilized in a variety of ways, so I see a lot of value moving forward with Mattingly.    Davidson Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='466271' first='Wes' last='Harper'] is another versatile tight end that brings a variety of traits to the playing field. A smart, savvy ball player, the Bears pass catcher has the ability to block in-line while also working the slot or potentially in the backfield as an H-Back style receiver. His senior year definitely boosted his stock but Harper still sits on the open market, looking for a home.    Sitting way under the radar is Knox. Halls tight end [player_tooltip player_id='219379' first='Drew' last='Ross']. A multi-year starter that has gotten better each and every season, Ross had his best year yet this Fall where he showed increased speed along with filling out his frame much further. He has been picking up some NAIA offers of late but Ross is an FCS level talent that is being overlooked.    Franklin big man [player_tooltip player_id='1102361' first='Wils' last='Jackson'] and USJ senior [player_tooltip player_id='1126011' first='Mills' last='Terry'] are two highly talented tight ends with excellent potential but sit under the radar due to both needing more time to develop into their bodies. Jackson is one of the more athletic guys we have at this position with the ability to flex out wide. Terry recently landed an offer from Dayton, so his recruitment may be taking off and I see why because this West Tennessee talent has tremendous ball skills that translate well to the college game.    New to Tennessee for the 2024 season, Brentwood senior [player_tooltip player_id='833720' first='Landon' last='Okla'] provided a safety blanket on offense that was used in a variety of spots. His versatility to play in-line, flex out into the slot and play in the backfield should be appealing qualities for multiple college programs and he's still available for the taking.    Other TE's Available: [player_tooltip player_id='1306269' first='Brooks' last='Foster'] (Father Ryan), [player_tooltip player_id='1102358' first='Tamarian' last='Tipton'] (Knox. Catholic), [player_tooltip player_id='1266862' first='Fletcher' last='Shirley'] (MBA), [player_tooltip player_id='1269236' first='Knox' last='McLean'] (CPA), [player_tooltip player_id='1557142' first='Luke' last='Oliver'] (Summit), [player_tooltip player_id='1291713' first='Matthew' last='Rice'] (Siegel)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/mterry.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1584431" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure>