Small Town Hidden Gems (Offensive Prospects)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Most people will look at the top guys in this state but we have several prospects that sit under the radar from small areas here in Tennessee that have college upside and would be worth a longer look, including these guys mentioned below! </h2>     #TN2026 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones'] - Unicoi Co.    - One of the better dual threat quarterbacks coming from our rising senior class is this East Tennessee product that is currently sitting way under the radar. If you look over his junior film, Jones shows a nice skill set behind center that does translate to the next level due to his ability to breakaway from defenders on the run while also sporting nice mechanics and solid arm strength to push the ball down field with his arm. Playing at Unicoi County, many coaches may overlook Jones but this dude can play and he has a lot of experience as the team's starter since his sophomore season. He is a definite Mr. Football sleeper candidate for this 2025 season but also a guy that could breakout with strong performances throughout the summer camp season.    - - - - -    #TN2026 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] - South Pittsburg   - The Pirates have consistently put out college level talent throughout the years and Buckner is a prospect that fits the bill as the next guy from this 1A program to reach the next level. Playing both running back and safety for South Pitt, I foresee Buckner translating best in college in the backfield where his speed and vision can be game changers. This past season when the Pirates reached the 1A title game, Buckner was a major force in the team's success because of his playmaking abilities running the ball.  I think if Buckner was competing within a higher classification, you would be hearing his name on the recruiting trail a bit more but development must continue and a strong performance this summer in camps may boost his stock further.    <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TNL_FNR_HSH/status/1854174290574295256 </div></figure>   - - - - -   #TN2026 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter'] - Sycamore   - Going into the 2025 Fall football season, Hunter returns as one of the biggest producers of rushing yards in the state as this War Eagle ball carrier has been toting the rock since his freshman year. Sporting good size with excellent speed and a second gear, this Mid-TN running back has the skill set and talent that would work on the college gridiron. Playing at a small school like Sycamore, Hunter has yet to see his recruitment take-off, which means he must hit the college camp scene hard this summer and work at turning some heads. This is a talented runner that also brings the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield while potentially providing good action on special teams as well. Hunter may need to play the long game when it comes to adding offers but I think he will in time and find a spot to succeed on the college stage.    - - - - -    #TN2026 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] - Cornersville   - If you follow Twitter and keep up with our in-state scouting, you will know about this Mid-Tennessee running back but coming from a small town, Uland has to get himself out there to be seen and so far, he's doing a good job of that. The Bulldogs rising senior is a true hidden gem that has the size, talent and mental mindset to reach the college stage and excel one day. Uland is a multi talented young man that runs hard with excellent feet and enough speed to make a difference. He is also an outstanding pass catcher that you could line up in the slot. Pass blocking is another trait I can see Uland developing nicely as well as he gets bigger and more developed. I really like how this guy goes about his business and his dedication to development and I think he would be a steal for whoever decides to sign him.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hunter_uland2/status/1892581780927963259 </div></figure>   - - - - -    #TN2026 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='244591' first='Eli' last='Bell'] - Forrest   - A versatile prospect that could work some in the slot, Bell is a natural athlete that brings a variety of traits to the playing field that could be utilized well on the next level. The Rockets rising senior is one of the better pass catching running backs we have from the #TN2026 class while also sporting the speed to be a game changer from the backfield. Bell had to miss most of his junior season due to injury and his absence was sorely missed. He can be a difference maker due to his explosiveness and speed. Bell also has solid size along with a frame that can pack on more weight in a college weight system. Coming from a small area in Middle Tennessee, Bell will need a big summer camp season and breakout senior year to turn some heads but the dude can play with possibly his best football days ahead of him.    - - - - -    #TN2026 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] - Loretto   - Recently landing an offer from North Alabama, Reynolds is already on the recruiting scene and it's warranted because this Mid-Tennessee pass catcher is highly talented with upside to develop further. Sporting a physical body/frame with good arm length, the Mustangs senior receiver can do a variety of things out wide that present problems for opposing defenders. Reynolds can run and uses that speed to get in and out of his breaks quickly then turns on a second gear to breakaway, He also has outstanding hands and an excellent vert that allows him to bring in tough, contested catches. I also think he provides value on special teams as a potential return man or gunner. I think as more college coaches go through his junior film, the more interest and offers will flow his way.    - - - - -    #TN2026 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] - Westview   - Coming off a highly productive junior season that saw Joy become the team's top offensive playmaker, this West Tennessee product heads into the off-season months as an under the radar guy that brings a lot of versatility to the offensive side of the ball. The Chargers offensive talent may have the most physical body/frame of all receivers within the #TN2026 class. Joy is well put together and he knows how to use his physicality to shield off defenders and breakaway from contact. Some of his best work is done after the catch where Joy turns into a running back where tacklers have a hard time bringing him down. Overall speed may be the one thing holding some schools back from offering but I believe it's good enough and Joy is too talented to not find a role on offense and excel.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HuskerVol/status/1860158345644310869 </div></figure>   - - - - -    #TN2026 (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1319000' first='Jaylen' last='Stolz'] - Northview Academy   - The tight end crop for our rising senior class doesn't appear to be too deep this season but one guy to keep an eye on over the off-season months is Stolz. This East Tennessee pass catcher had a strong junior campaign where he stood out as the team's most dependable target that could work the intermediate routes while also showing the ability to work down field. Stolz doesn't have the ideal college tight end size (6'3 225) but he is big enough along with the athleticism and tough mentality to develop nicely on the next level. As long as he continues to work on his agility and speed along with adding more weight, I think Stolz could have a breakout senior year that puts him on the radar for several FCS programs.    - - - - -    #TN2026 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1588825' first='Austin' last='Morrow'] - Waverly Central   - One of the true hidden gem big men from our #TN2026 O-line class is this Mid-TN product that shows on the film the potential to possibly play some tackle on the collegiate playing stage. Standing about 6'4 270 pounds plus, Morrow has the size needed and a frame that can pack on more weight to eventually become a solid pass blocking tackle on the next level. His film shows excellent footwork and the lower base agility to handle the pass rush along with good arm length to keep defenders in-check. I see versatility with this Mid-TN lineman as well. Morrow has the athleticism, bend and frame to potentially play guard, center or tackle on the collegiate playing stage. He needs the off-season to develop his body and game but I like the upside here. Morrow is definitely under the radar but a hidden gem with I feel his best football days ahead of him.   - - - - -   #TN2026 (OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1182697' first='Collin' last='Abston'] - Rockwood   - Being from a small school like Rockwood, this East Tennessee O-lineman has done a good job of getting himself out on social media and into camps over the past few years but still sits under the radar headed into his senior recruiting season. Holding an offer in-hand already from UT-Martin, Abston is looking to grow that list with work this off-season that displays his deceptive lower base athleticism and gritty play in the trenches. The Tigers big man anchors well against the rush while also displaying a nice get-off, paving the way for his ball carriers. Abston only stands about 6'2 but he weighs around 300 pounds and he handles the size well. He will need to perform well during summer camps and take his game to another level this Fall to boost his stock but I definitely think Abston can do so.    <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CollinAbston77/status/1878515403984421215 </div></figure>