#PRZTN Winter Showcase Preview (Offense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diving into our roster for this weekend's Showcase, here we look at the offensive prospects set to compete and some guys that stand out to us prior to the action on Saturday afternoon. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The off-season officially kicks off on Saturday with the Prep Redzone Tennessee Winter Showcase, live from Green Hill High School. Early numbers point towards a big turnout of talent from the offensive side of the ball being well represented with guys from our rising junior crop all the way into the #TN2028 recruiting class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at our registered attendees, the quarterback and offensive line positions appear to be the deepest and most talented with several top level names set to perform. The running backs and receivers have some talent but also several guys that are looking to make a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterbacks&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glancing over the backfield first, the #TN2026 signal callers will have some names in attendance, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] </strong>(Science Hill), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] </strong>(Briarcrest), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'] </strong>(Marshall Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1312859' first='Maddox' last='Giel'] </strong>(MUS), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353896' first='Jackson' last='Stroup'] </strong>(Gallatin) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner'] </strong>from Independence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clement, Tucker and Thompson are three guys that show to me on film the ability to potentially spin the ball on the D1 level one day. Clement has the size and arm to be a different maker in this combine, where he could position himself as a potential Top 10 ranked quarterback from our rising junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1507859,"width":"275px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/htucker.jpg?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1507859" style="width:275px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giel, Stroup and Horner have either the size, arm talent or athletic traits to boost their stocks tremendously throughout camp and into the off-season months. Horner is the most intriguing of the three due to his size (6'6 195 lbs) and powerful right arm. He needs work with his anticipation and timing but the physical talents are certainly there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two other seniors that come from small schools to keep an eye on this weekend are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1043649' first='Ethan' last='Bones'] </strong>from Clarksville Academy and Moore Co. signal caller <strong>Gavin Wise</strong>. Both these guys have skills but could use this big stage on Saturday to push their stocks much further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The underclassmen should be well represented as well. Station Camp junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535793' first='Colton' last='Overbey'] </strong>is a multi-year starter with smooth throwing mechanics and great poise behind center. Beech quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] </strong>has the college size along with nice athleticism that translates well to the college game. His performance on Saturday could take his stock to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming back home to Tennessee and to Melrose for the 2025 season, junior <strong>Thomas Heffner </strong>is a strong armed passer that has the physical look and big arm to become a standout performer this weekend. Rising juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] </strong>from Carter and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088646' first='Caleb' last='Sims'] </strong>from Gibson Co. are two under the radar prospects that show me on film upside and tools that can be developed for the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One more guy to mention is Davidson Academy junior <strong>K'Saun Barksdale</strong>. The Bears offensive talent plans to work at quarterback in this combine but he is such a good athlete that his potential may fit better at receiver or defensive back in college. His work on Saturday will show me and others if quarterback could be his future or not.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, this is a good quarterback group for our combine this weekend with an opportunity in front of them to push their stocks forward and put themselves on the recruiting radar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ball carriers set for this Saturday have a bunch of guys that sit way under the radar but could use this setting in front of college coaches and scouts to take their games and recruiting stocks to another stratosphere.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top two names headed into this combine appear to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] </strong>from Cornersville and Coalfield rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch']</strong>. These are two small town running backs that have produced a lot of yards so far throughout their careers but also have the tools to make it into the college game one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593302,"width":"302px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/huland.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593302" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Uland is a versatile back with good size and deceptive athleticism and speed while Bunch is a tad undersized but tough with outstanding vision. It will be interesting to see how these guys perform this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portland senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540047' first='Seth' last='Hackney'] </strong>and Henry Co. running back <strong>Diezel Ward </strong>are two guys I'm looking to learn more about during this combine. Hackney is a multi year that has yet to have his breakout moment while Ward is an unknown to me but is a well built young man that could boost his stock further with a strong showing at the Winter Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two underclassmen on my radar to watch for on Saturday are Brentwood Academy rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] </strong>and Baylor sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030608' first='Jack' last='Ferguson']</strong>. Last year at our combine, Ferguson had himself a good showing and I bet he will look to repeat with another strong performance. Sanders is an up and coming talent that should take on a bigger role this Fall. His work at our Winter Showcase should go a long way towards him establishing himself as a top back from the Middle TN region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Receivers/Tight Ends</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our pass catchers destined for the Prep Redzone TN combine this weekend looks to be a talented group with a nice mix of top names and some under the radar guys that could push their stock forward with excellent performances. The top guy set to attend Saturday is Lipscomb Academy and future Top 30 ranked receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170988' first='Cam' last='Blivens']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs rising senior had a breakout junior season where he led his team in receiving while making some college level type plays on a consistent basis. I'm excited to see how he works in person. I expect Blivens to compete for MVP honors with a top notch performance that may force college coaches to extend offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying with the senior class, three guys from our attendee list stand out to me as guys to follow this weekend. They would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580774' first='Carlos' last='Edwards'] </strong>from Memp. East, <strong>Shakim Atkinson, Jr </strong>out of Southwind and Nash. Christian wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1549102' first='Javin' last='Drewelow']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593304,"width":"279px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/jdrewelow.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593304" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards is an athletic, quick and versatile pass catcher that fits the slot role very well. If he can show separating speed and explosiveness at our combine, the Mustangs pass catcher could see his stock rise. Atkinson, Jr is someone I'm intrigued to watch as on film he shows nice athletic abilities that could work on the outside or in the slot. Drewelow became a go-to target for his Eagles state championship team this Fall. His ability to get open and bring in tough catches got him on the radar but he could take his recruiting profile even further with a nice showing at our Winter Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cookeville senior <strong>Caden Sisco </strong>sits under the radar right now but could be a guy to follow throughout the off-season months with a strong performance on Saturday. He brings nice size (6'3 185), length and deceptive speed to the playing field that will be fun to watch this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a bunch of unknowns at receiver with our underclassmen but three guys that immediately jump off the page to me are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] </strong>(Blackman), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565624' first='Carter' last='Charapata'] </strong>(Chatt. Christian) and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588776' first='Hudson' last='Smith'] </strong>from Nash. Christian.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oduor is a rising star that jumped on the radar in a big way this past season and seems poised for a breakout junior campaign. Charapata is an interesting case as he plans to work at receiver during the combine but my scouting has him pegged for safety. The Chargers sophomore is a talent to watch over the next three years as a potential college guy. Smith put up some good numbers as a freshman this past Fall, so he appears to become a top receiving target for his Eagles team moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tight end group isn't that deep for this camp but one guy to watch is Blackman sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078776' first='Derrick' last='Dragoo']</strong>. The Blaze two-way talent plans to work on offense for this camp but his upside may sit best on defense at linebacker. His work at tight end in this camp will go a long way towards seeing if he stays on offense or defense for his Blaze team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593307,"width":"270px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/ddragoo.webp?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1593307" style="width:270px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A lot of the star power in this camp comes from the offensive line. It's a solid group headed to Mt. Juliet this Saturday with McMinn Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth'] </strong>being the top name. The Cherokees interior O-lineman is one of the best at his position from the #TN2026 class and is coming off an excellent junior season that squarely put him on the radar of D1 and Power Four coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of people on hand will be excited to watch Goforth perform but he won't be the only big man to keep eyes on throughout the combine. Alcoa has a pair of O-linemen in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'] </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'] </strong>that have the looks of future college guys, so it will be interesting to see how those two perform.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising senior class should be well represented at our Winter Showcase, especially on the interior. Among the top names to follow this weekend include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866772' first='Elijah' last='Young'] </strong>(Oak Ridge), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1302528' first='Mitch' last='Todd'] </strong>(Forrest), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315658' first='Isaiah' last='Bishop'] </strong>(Columbia Cent.) and Maryville senior guard/center <strong>Nash Stinnett</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593311,"width":"281px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/eliyoung.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1593311" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Todd and Bishop are two beefy O-linemen that handle tackle for their respective teams but fit best in college at guard. Young and Stinnett are future college centers. Both those guys have a lot of experience from the interior against high level competition. Their work on Saturday should go a long way towards getting themselves on the college radar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with Watts from Alcoa, the O-linemen underclassmen have several guys with excellent potential for the next level, especially MTCS rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale']</strong>. The Cougars big man has already picked up a few offers and could land more after a stellar performance this weekend at the Winter Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two intriguing juniors I'm interested in watching this weekend are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] </strong>from Tyner Academy and Upperman O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566197' first='Parker' last='Cox']</strong>. These two may turn out to be two of the better athletes we have on the O-line from this camp and two prospects that have the physical traits and makeup to one day become college guys.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three other O-linemen that are on my radar for Saturday are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294325' first='Durgan' last='Ragland'] </strong>from Hardin Valley, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180940' first='Caleb' last='Langley'] </strong>from Lipscomb Academy and talented sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588842' first='Grant' last='Vinson'] </strong>out of Cookeville. Those three are underclassmen that are key guys on their team's O-line and should be three big men to know about moving forward as eventual college prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593312,"width":"284px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/bhale.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593312" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->