Music City Mayhem 7v7: Day One Standouts

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smyrna High School is the setting for the #PRZTN Tournament where a lot of prospects had breakthrough performances on Saturday, including the guys mentioned below, who stood out in a variety of ways, helping boost their recruiting stock.</h2>     (Note - There was a lot of top players on Day One that I was not able to see but the guys mentioned here are the one's I did. Look to Sunday for further coverage for potential during the Music City Mayhem 7v7 Tournament)   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1150057' first='Ryan' last='Wirtzfeld'] - Webb School (NPA)   - Saturday at the Prep Redzone Tennessee Tournament was the first time to really examine Wirtzfeld in person and I was quite impressed. I liked the way he commanded the offense but more so, he made several accurate passes throughout the day, showing anticipation behind solid arm strength. Wirtzfeld is a lefty passer with solid mechanics that can be tweaked a tad to push his game further but I like the overall skill set from this Mid-Tennessee product. His performance on Saturday will certainly boost his stock when it comes to our upcoming senior rankings.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/IMG_5769.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1643697" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1208297' first='Zayden' last='Walker'] - Marion (AR) - (AR Elite)   - Walker might have been the most impressive quarterback I saw on the day. Standing about 6'3 180 plus pounds, this Arkansas native came into Middle Tennessee and put on a stellar display of arm power, accuracy and timing along with the ability to scan the field and find the open receiver. The tools that Walker brings to the field screams college potential and I wouldn't be surprised to hear about coaches showing interest in this guy soon because I like the upside here. Walker does need to continue adding more strength and weight but pure passing skills are definitely there.    - - - - -    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] - Marion (AR) - (AR Elite)   - A physical specimen at running back, Ward is an impressive looking prospect from the backfield that showed me college upside on Saturday. This guy has the physique that makes him hard to tackle but at the #PRZTN 7v7 Tournament, Ward displayed the ability to run routes and make tough catches with defenders draped all over him. On several occasions in the red zone, Ward made several clutch receptions that produced either first down gains or touchdowns. He is tad shorter than I thought but his physicality and athletic skill set makes him a very recruitable prospect for the D1 level.    - - - - -    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1528452' first='Joshua' last='Bolden'] - Davidson Academy (Mid-TN Wolfpack - Silver)   - One of the top overall performers on Saturday of the #PRZTN 7v7 tournament was this Mid-Tennessee wideout that produced several big plays throughout and showed why he may be one of more underrated talents coming out of the #TN2026 class. Bolden was difficult to cover due to his speed and explosive running style but would finish strong as well with several big time receptions. The Bears receiver only stands about 5 '8 but he plays much bigger with a fearless attitude and an outstanding vert that would travel well into the college game. His performance on Saturday definitely boosted his stock in my eyes and someone I will keep watching over the next year.    - - - - -    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1643694' first='Samuel' last='Goode'] - Ezell Harding (Mid-TN Bandits)   - His Bandits team had some struggles throughout the day but Goode was one standout for them that flashed several strong plays. Standing almost 6 '0 with solid arm length, Goode is an intriguing talent that showed the ability to get open while also displaying strong hands on a consistent basis. His best work came out of the slot where he was able to find open creases in the defense, providing his quarterback a clean target to throw at. Goode has an athletic skill set that could work at defensive back as well. Saturday was a good day for this Nashville area prospect where he definitely boosted his stock.    - - - - -    (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] - Brentwood (Bruins Gold 27)   - A two-way prospect for his Bruins team, Emerson had a solid performance on Day One of the #PRZTN Tournament where he consistently got himself open due to his speed and solid route running. This Mid-Tennessee prospect was one of his team's most dependable targets. I don't remember seeing Emerson drop too many passes. He showed excellent hands, providing his quarterback a safe target to throw to and depend on, especially on third downs. I'm still evaluating this guy as I do like Emerson for both receiver and safety but his work on offense definitely helped his cause to stay on the offensive side of the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/IMG_5794.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1643698" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1643688' first='Chris' last='Peters'] - Riverdale (Mid-TN Wolfpack Blue)   - This Murfreesboro area two-way talent was a big performer during his team's 3-0 start to the #PRZTN 7v7 Tournament where he made big play after big play, including a few clutch receptions in the red zone. Peters is a natural athlete with good size and arm length along with the versatility to honestly excel in college at either receiver or safety. Defenders had a hard time keeping up with Peters due to his speed and ability to get behind the defense. I may like his upside best at safety where his range and speed could allow him to become a major playmaker from the secondary.    - - - - -    ‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1207086' first='Kameron' last='Riley'] - Marion (AR) - (AR Elite)   - Throughout the day's action at Smyrna High School, Riley proved to be one of the better slot prospects we have at the tournament and someone to keep an eye on moving forward. What stood out the most about this Arkansas native was his ability to get open, find open creases in the defense, consistently make catches then turn up field. Riley is a smart and savvy wideout that understands how to read the defense and get himself open on a consistent basis. He is undersized but Riley plays fearless with the understanding of his role and what he must do to help his team succeed. I really like the way this guy plays, so it will be interesting to see how he develops over the next two years.    - - - - -    ‘27 [player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin'] - Chatt. Prep (Chatt. Wolfpack)   - Boykin had a standout performance on Saturday where he proved to be his team's top go-to target that came through with several big time receptions. This Chattanooga native had a stellar day and a semi breakout performance in front of his peers on Saturday that certainly boosted his overall stock. What I liked most about Boykin was his ability to adjust to pass and come down with some tough receptions. His work in the red zone proved to be a game changer where he produced a few scores. Continued work in the weight room must be done by Boykin but the athletic skill set he brings to the field was quite impressive that could translate well to the college game.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/1000001095-crop-3226x2118-1742721997.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1643704" style="width:380px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    ‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] - Oakland (NPA)   - A young wideout to keep an eye on down the road is this Mid-Tennessee product that showed some of the best speed from the slot position throughout the day's action, Tritch is an athletic guy that gets off the snap well then explodes into routes with ease. He is a tremendous option for the slot that can work the intermediate routes while also supplying the ability to work deep as well. The Patriots up and coming receiver has a mature feel for the game this early in his career that speaks volumes to me. I believe he will only get better as he continues to mature and develop into his body, where Tritch could eventually turn into one of the better slot prospects from his recruiting class.    - - - - -    (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1621991' first='Maurice' last='Smith'] - Oakland (Mid-TN Wolfpack Blue)   - Over the past two weeks, Smith has seen his recruitment take off by landing a few offers but those opportunities have come for the offensive line. On Saturday at the #PRZTN Tournament, this Murfreesboro area big man continued to show why he could develop into a tight end on the collegiate gridiron by showing off his ability to shield off defenders and bring the ball in with his outstanding hands. Smith is a big dude that uses his body and physicality well. He is a great option in the red zone where his athleticism and size becomes a problem for defenders. If he can continue to enhance his agility and speed, Smith may have a shot at playing tight end in college.    - - - - -    (Ath) Albert Gooden III - Lawrence Central (IN) - (Team Blueprint)   - One of the more physically impressive athletes I saw on Day One was this Indiana high school product that brings a versatile skill set to the playing field. Gooden handled roles on both sides of the ball for his Blueprint team where he lined up in several areas on offense and hauled multiple clutch catches while displaying good coverage on defense. His natural athleticism and versatility could honestly translate well to several positions in college, which include receiver, running back or linebacker. Gooden will certainly be someone I watch on Championship Sunday to gain a better scouting concept because I really like the upside here and the potential on the college stage.    - - - - -    ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='441618' first='Jeremiah' last='Dent'] - Marion (AR) - (AR Elite)   - Possibly the biggest standout to me on Saturday was this Arkansas native that showed off a true versatile skill set that would work well at multiple positions on the next level. Dent is an explosive runner that became a problem for opposing defenders on Day One as they couldn't keep up with him nor find a way to slow him down. Doing most of his work at receiver, Dent proved that he is a dynamic ball player that could be utilized in multiple ways on offense but at what position in college will that be? I could see Dent developing at either slot receiver or running back. He has the game to excel at both positions in college and become an elite offensive weapon.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/20250322_122713-crop-3226x2118-1742721240.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1643700" style="width:363px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (LB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'] - Haywood (Bags Lab)   - One of the bigger standouts and surprises to me on Saturday was this West Tennessee product that did most of his work on offense but the athleticism that Brooks displayed excites me about his potential in college at linebacker. The Tomcats senior was his team's go-to target on offense where his size and speed proved to be a problem for the opposition. Brooks is a tall and long athlete with a great frame to pack on more weight moving forward. He is such a good athlete that I can see the upside at linebacker and him becoming a game changer on the collegiate stage. This guy will definitely be someone I continue to follow over the coming months as I love the upside residing within this #TN2026 linebacker.    - - - - -    (LB) Markel Lansden - Lafayette (Ga) - (Chatt. Wolfpack)   - Handling the middle linebacker role for his Chatt. Wolfpack team, Lansden had a stand out day where he showed outstanding athleticism and agility in coverage along with the ability to make big plays. On several occasions throughout the day, Lansden made plays on the ball, knocking down a few passes and picking off one. He was also on the spot consistently to make the stop and hold the opposition to short gains. Lansden looks the part too with room to pack on more size and develop himself into a legit college prospect. I like the game here from this Peach State native and his upside on the next level.    - - - - -    (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer'] - Siegel (Mid-TN Wolfpack Blue)   - Tons of upside resides here with this Murfreesboro area defensive back that has the look, physique and size of a future college guy. Jennifer displayed those traits and game play on several occasions throughout the day where he locked down his side of the field, making things difficult for opposing receivers. This guy is a natural athlete that could excel in college at cornerback but at worst, could slide back to safety and become an outstanding center fielder. Jennifer is truly a hidden gem right now that has put forth a strong off-season thus far to place himself on the college map and with continued performances like he had on Saturday, coaches might start paying attention sooner than later.    - - - - -    Others of Note …..   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] - Beech ‘27, (QB) Rocco Universal - McCallie, (QB) Cayden Sanders - Haywood ‘27, (WR) Jamarion Burns - Jackson South-Side ‘25, (WR) Gage Welch - Soddy Daisy ‘25, (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='783176' first='Kari' last='Dixon'] - Blackman, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='480839' first='Brock' last='Taylor'] - NCS   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/20250322_151259-crop-3226x2118-1742721493.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1643702" style="width:423px;height:auto" /></figure>