#TNAllStar: East vs. West Top Performers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Out of all the top players in attendance last week at the TNFCA All-Star event, these ten players stood out the most from their performance during practice and into the actual game. </h2>     Game MVP    This future Austin Peay Gov defensive back had an outstanding ending to his high school career as Morton was targeted early on by the East team and he made them pay with two interceptions, one pick six and several other pass breakups. The Eagles secondary playmaker was outstanding in this game, showing coverage and speed in man to man play while also displaying good instincts in zone defense. Morton is signed to Austin Peay and the Govs staff was on hand to see what they have coming their way and that's a potential lock down cover corner that could fight for playing time the moment he arrives on campus.    - - -   Off. MVP    Coming off winning Mr. Football in the D2-Class AA ranks, Spencer continued his strong senior year in the East vs. West game where the Bruins athlete ran 10 times for 110 yards while producing several big runs on the day. His work for the West offense proved to be a game changer in this contest as Spencer put his team in position several times to find paydirt. What stood out the most was his speed and vision. Spencer also displayed nice physicality throughout the game as well. He showed traits versus good competition, proving that he is worthy of competing on the college stage. Harvard recently extended an offer but don't be surprised if other FCS level programs get involved here soon.    - - -   Co-Def. MVP    One of the biggest standouts for me during this All-Star event was Byrd. His work off the edge during the East vs. West game proved to be a difference maker in his team's 37-27 victory. Throughout the entire game, Byrd was an active performer that used his bend and quickness off the snap to get into the backfield and disrupt the East offense. The Cobras senior defender produced one sack on the night but looking back through the film, he might have produced two while also causing havoc on several other plays. Byrd does need more time to fill out with his body but the raw, natural pass rushing tools are there. Whoever signs this Mid-TN pass rusher could be getting a steal because I feel Byrd's best is definitely ahead of him.    - - -   Co-Def. MVP    One of the biggest surprises coming out of the East vs. West game was the play from Mitchell. The Tigers senior defensive lineman was a highly active performer throughout the All-Star game where he flashed an excellent motor and a pursuit towards the football. His relentless game play was tough to deal with in this game as West O-linemen had a hard time handling Mitchell's physicality at the point of attack. The Tigers senior lineman also did solid work versus the run game as he set the edge well then got off the block to either make the play or force the ball carrier inside. Mitchell is still in pursuit of college offers and I think his work in this All-Star game should help further his stock as one of the more underrated D-linemen coming out of our #TN2025 class.    - - -    Watson might not have walked away with “MVP” honors but if any player helped their recruiting stock in this game, it was this Chattanooga area playmaker. Throughout the week of practice and into the game itself, Watson was one of the top playmakers from either team that had a knack for creating big plays and doing so in a variety of positions on the offensive side of the ball. The Pounders senior wideout might be a tad undersized but the guy plays a fearless brand of football with the eagerness to go toe to toe with any defensive back willing to guard him. Watson is fast with quick feet and stronger than you may think. He is a perfect option for the slot but could become your best return man as well. His future in college is undecided at the moment but whoever lands this guy, may be getting an absolute steal.    - - -    Coming off an appearance in the 6A title game, Miller continued his strong postseason play in Clarksville where this Memphis area wideout was one of the better pass catchers in the East vs. West game and one of the top overall playmakers. The Mustangs receiver didn't produce a touchdown but Miller put his team in position to score several times with multiple big catches, using his athleticism and speed to get into the open field. East team defensive backs had a hard time keeping Miller in front of them. His ability to get off the snap and into his routes quickly should be a key trait that appeals to college coaches. I believe this undersized receiver would be a good addition to someone's roster and a guy that could develop further into a potential D1 guy down the road.    - - -    During an All-Star event with multiple college level prospects, Ledlow showed up big on game day and displayed talents that could be developed further on the next level. The Red Devils pass catcher proved to be one of the better playmaking wideouts in the East vs. West game that produced several clutch catches, including a first half touchdown reception that showed off his game changing speed. Ledlow is a talented young man with several tools and traits that translate well to the college game. His size and speed combo are two of them. Defenders had a tough time keeping him in front during this All-Star event due to his ability to get open and use his speed to run past defenders. It will be interesting to see what happens with Ledlow because he proved to me on Saturday that he is worth a bigger look by college coaches.    - - -    Out of the four quarterbacks competing in the 2024 East vs. West game, I thought Hensley looked and played the best, showing excellent command of his offense while throwing some beautiful balls throughout the contest. The Mavs senior signal caller is a calm, poised performer behind center that handled the All-Star festivity with maturity and an understanding of what his coaches wanted him to do. He released the ball on time with conviction while also showing good accuracy and the ability to place the ball where it was needed for his receivers to make plays. Hensley is also a little taller than I first thought, meaning he has the size and developing arm strength to make it at the next level. I like how this guy handles himself on the field and I feel he would be a good addition to anyone's college quarterback room.    - - -    A recent signee to Austin Peay University, Bond had a coming out party throughout the entire week up at the East vs. West All-Star event. The Cougars senior defensive back was one of the more consistent performers throughout practice week then continued the strong play into the game on Saturday. Bond displayed excellent technique playing on the outside along with good speed that was able to keep pace with receivers. He also showed the willingness to come up in run support and make the tackle. I do see upside with him to play cover corner during his time at Austin Peay and potentially develop into a guy that moves into the portal one day and be recruited by some higher level programs. He still needs more work in the weight room but the tools are there to become a lockdown defensive back on the collegiate gridiron.    - - -    One of the more explosive playmakers in the East vs. West game was this Mid-TN wideout that used his blazing speed to make defenders look silly at times. Johnson is an athletic guy that got off the snap fast and into the open field quickly on several occasions throughout the game, proving to be a problem for opposing defensive backs. His speed separation was something that made you turn your head and a definite trait that translates well to the college game. Johnson is a little taller than first thought too, meaning he could work the outside or play the slot. The Wildcats senior could also become a dangerous threat in the return game due to his athleticism and speed. At this time, Johnson should be signed but he's available for the taking and a potential steal for whoever signs him.    - - - - -   Other Top Performers: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='795560' first='Austin' last='Howard'] - Bartlett, (OT) [player_tooltip player_id='808035' first='A.J.' last='Johnson'] - Page, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1102958' first='Nick' last='Owens, Jr'] - Green Hill, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='841237' first='Alex' last='Wallace'] - USJ, (DT) Rickshun Wilson - Whitehaven, (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1291188' first='Steven' last='Nelson'] - Rockvale   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/tnallstar.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1581181" style="width:412px;height:auto" /></figure>