Post Music City Mayhem Stock Risers (In-State Edition)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last weekend in Smyrna, Tennessee at the #PRZTN 7v7 Tournament was a great chance to evaluate talent and see which guys had put in the work to further develop their craft. These prospects below are the ones we felt took their recruiting stocks to another level and positioned themselves to eventually obtain offers. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1150057' first='Ryan' last='Wirtzfeld'] - Webb School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's strong competition this year within our QB class to place among the top half but I think Wirtzfeld did some good work last weekend at the #PRZTN Tournament to help his cause. This lefty signal caller showed excellent poise and decision making along with accurate passing throughout the action as well as improved arm strength. Wirtzfeld isn't the biggest guy at 6'1 202 pounds but he stands strong in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield. I believe he helped his stock last weekend with some impressive play but the work must continue as Wirtzfeld is placed alongside a strong #TN2026 group that have multiple Power Four and D1 prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] - Beech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last weekend in Smyrna could have been the breakout moment this Mid-Tennessee quarterback needed to push his game and stock further down the road. Phillips had his best off-season performance yet by leading his Mid-TN Wolfpack team to a 4-1 record while showing off some strong decision making and accurate passing. The Buccaneers junior quarterback has steadily improved throughout the off-season by developing his ability to read the field and put the ball on time for his receivers to make plays or score. There is plenty of work left to go for Phillips, especially in the weight room but I like the tools he brings to the field along with the upside to reach the college stage one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1648265,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/IMG_0032.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1648265" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] - Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Leading his team to the #PRZTN 18U Tournament championship game, Dixon had himself a good weekend in Smyrna as he displayed excellent abilities that translate well to the college game. Where I think this Memphis area quarterback helped his stock the most was his ability to forget about a bad throw, even an interception and bounce back to generate scoring drives. He seemed to learn from his mistakes and continue marching forward, displaying excellent arm talent and the poise throughout some critical game moments. Dixon throws a pretty ball with good arm strength that will improve with more maturity. This guy is already viewed as a potential Top 10 guy at his position but certainly helped his cause last weekend to push his status even further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1528452' first='Joshua' last='Bolden'] - Davidson Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly nobody at the #PRZTN Tournament boosted their stock more than this Nashville area pass catcher that made play after play, displaying excellent ball skills and the ability to beat his man deep down the field. Bolden had a sensational performance last weekend against some good talent that showed me that while he is undersized, this senior wideout has the chops to make his way into the FCS, possible D1 ranks. This guy plays bigger than his size with an outstanding vert, some strong hands and the speed to get past his defender. Bolden can work outside if needed but his upside in college works best coming out of the slot. It will be interesting to see how his recruitment goes but this guy is a baller than simply knows how to play the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] - Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Emerson has been on my radar for a while, especially after his performance at our Winter Showcase but last weekend in Smyrna was some of the best work I've seen yet from this Williamson County two-way talent. The Bruins playmaker was nearly unstoppable from the offensive side of the ball where he did a good job of getting behind the defense and coming down with some tough receptions. Emerson was a fearless competitor that played well through physicality, showing strong hands and excellent concentration. His performance at the #PRZTN Tournament was a good launching point for Emerson and his off-season march towards making a name for himself and pulling in college opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1718474' first='Elijah' last='Waters'] - Ridgeland (Ga)/Red Bank</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Soon to be a senior playmaker from our #TN2026 class, Waters was an impressive pass catcher at the #PRZTN 7v7 tournament that used his height, length and speed to establish himself as a game changer that many defenses did not have an answer for. This guy was a mismatch problem for smaller defensive backs and a red zone threat that consistently came up with big catches. Waters is an intriguing talent that has the look and size of a potential flex tight end but showed enough speed to remain at receiver in the college game. It will be interesting to see how he continues to develop his body and game over these off-season months because I can see college upside with this Chattanooga area receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='851938' first='Cameron' last='Wade'] - East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Most of my scouting evaluation has Wade pinpointed for the offensive side of the ball in college but last weekend in Smyrna, this #TN2026 athlete did a lot of good work on defense that showed upside for that side of the ball as well. The Eagles senior playmaker did some good work in the secondary where he used his athleticism, agility and speed to keep receivers on lock and force the opposing quarterback to look elsewhere. Wade has the athletic profile to honestly develop at defensive back but I still like his game best on offense. What he did however was open my eyes towards being used in a variety of ways on the next level, which makes him more valuable as a prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1648266,"width":"277px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/IMG_5760-1.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1648266" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] - Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There is another Merrill coming out of the Brentwood football program that stood out last weekend at the #PRZTN Tournament as one of the more sure handed receivers we had in attendance. Working mainly out of the slot, Merill had himself a good weekend as he displayed excellent route running along with nice speed and the ability to come down with tough receptions. The Bruins junior wideout proved to be one of the more dependable pass catchers we had at the tournament where I definitely think Merrill boosted his stock as one of the top slot receivers coming out of our #TN2026 recruiting class. Look for this guy to have a breakout junior season as the Bruins potential top offensive target and one of the better receivers from the greater Nashville area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] - McCallie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I truly believe that Abercrombie had one of the better standout defensive performances from last weekend's #PRZTN Tournament that helped boost his stock in multiple ways. This Chattanooga area linebacker is a multi talented guy that showed some of his best coverage work I've seen this off-season and that's an area he has focused on a lot to become an even better well rounded prospect. Abercrombie is an athletic guy that can do several things on the defensive side of the ball from playing in coverage, rushing the passer or handling the middle against the run. His continued development working on his agility and ability to play in space will certainly boost his stock and become more appealing to college coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer'] - Siegel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Probably nobody helped their stock more at the #PRZTN 7v7 tournament than this Murfreesboro area defensive back. Jennifer used his 6'1 185 pound frame, his long arms and athleticism to lock down his side of the field, making several plays on the ball, including a big red zone interception. The Stars senior defender has the look and size of a college guy and I feel he still has room to grow with his overall development. Jennifer has the potential to handle several roles within the secondary, including playing outside at cornerback. The way he performed in Smyrna last weekend showed the upside and why college coaches need to take a longer look at this talented defensive back with his best football days ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;<br><strong>Other 7v7 Stock Risers: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646051' first='Rome' last='Duncan'] </strong>- Brentwood, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin'] </strong>- Chatt. Prep, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] </strong>- Oakland, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621991' first='Maurice' last='Smith'] </strong>- Oakland, (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078776' first='Derrick' last='Dragoo'] </strong>- Blackman, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'] </strong>- Haywood, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138121' first='Kyrie' last='Gainor'] </strong>- Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1648268,"width":"367px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/20250322_132621-crop-3226x2118-1743354203.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1648268" style="width:367px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->