#TN2026 D1 Sleepers (Offensive Prospects)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We are deep into recruiting season with plenty of in-state guys gaining offers and watching their stocks soar. The prospects mentioned below are highly talented w/ D1 abilities but have yet to see those kind of offers slide through, however in time, I believe they will!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] - Science Hill: </strong>The offers may not be there yet but Clement shows the arm talent to eventually get onto the D1 radar. Sporting great size (6'4 200) with clean mechanics, this East Tennessee passer has put forth a strong off-season campaign thus far that has put him on the college radar. He has the physical tools and traits to compete on the big stage but college coaches have yet to pull the trigger. Maybe they will soon!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153810' first='Taylor' last='Hasselbeck'] - Ensworth: </strong>Coming from a football family, Hasselbeck put together a strong junior season that showed his abilities and upside to compete on the next level but the offers have yet to arrive. If you want a cerebral quarterback with clean mechanics, an easy throwing motion and a great feel for the game, Hasselbeck is your guy. He may need to hit the camp scene to gain the eluded offers but I can see the D1 upside within this Mid-Tennessee passer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] - BGA: </strong>Coming off a breakthrough junior season, Marable has yet to see his recruitment take off but I believe it could be the time we reach college camp season. The Wildcats rising senior is one of the top dual threat quarterbacks from our #TN2026 class that has D1 potential due to his athleticism, size and developing arm talent. If he can continue working on his body and arm strength, Marable may eventually see those D1 options come through.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] - Briarcrest Chrst.: </strong>If there is one quarterback that can boost his stock significantly this summer and into the Fall football season to become a potential D1 guy, it's this Memphis area passer. Tucker has a big arm along with good size that translates well to the next level. He is also a strong worker with a good football IQ that I feel will only expand as he gets older. If he puts in strong work this summer at college camps, I would not be surprised to see a D1 program get on board with this guy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634274,"width":"313px","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/thasselbeck.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1634274" style="width:313px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] - CPA: </strong>There could be several college coaches that look past Patterson due to several factors but this guy is a true “football player” that consistently produces while playing at a high level when the stage is big. A physical runner with outstanding balance and vision, Patterson is a bell cow back that is durable with enough speed to make a difference. I think he would be a steal for several D1 programs out there looking for a 3-down ball carrier.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1405419' first='Ethan' last='Kellum'] - BGA: </strong>Kellum made a big impression throughout his 1st year with the Wildcats last Fall where he brought balance, power and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This rising senior running back is well put together physically with good open field speed and the willingness to run over opponents. This is a talented ball carrier that does sport D1 abilities and I think could see his stock soar after the spring recruiting period and summer camp season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106238' first='Michael' last='Hassell'] - FRA: </strong>Two offers from Eastern Ky and ETSU have already come in for Hassell but I feel with further development and additional weight, this Nashville area ball carrier could emerge into D1 status. What makes me think that way is his natural athletic abilities and speed. Hassell runs fast and he does a good job of finding open space due to his quickness and vision.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] - Tullahoma: </strong>One of the more sleeper style prospects in this article is this bruising but speedy back that has produced a lot of yards thus far for his Wildcats team. Johnson is a low centered, well balanced back that sports a nice combination of power and speed. I truly believe he could become a potential starting back on the D1 level one day. He may have to hit the camp scene and prove his speed before the offers come in but if he does, keep an eye on this Tullahoma ball carrier.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634283,"width":"356px","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/marjohnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1634283" style="width:356px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receivers/Tight Ends</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman'] - Page: </strong>Sporting nice size and big hands, Aukerman has the physical traits needed to compete on the D1 stage. The Patriots rising senior has yet to be the #1 guy at receiver but this Fall season will be his chance to become that player and take his stock to another level. Starting the path begins this off-season where Aukerman will need to increase his speed while showing out during college camp season. If he can develop his craft further, I can see D1 schools getting on board with him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] - Loretto: </strong>This guy is a hidden gem from a small town that has big stage energy. Reynolds is a dynamic athlete at receiver that can separate from his defender while also having the physical strength to make tough, contested catches. The Mustangs rising senior already holds an offer from North Alabama, so he's on the radar but may need to prove his worth during college camp season to pull in the D1 interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] - Walker Valley: </strong>Sporting great physical size and big hands, Eulo has the look of a potential D1 guy. This East Tennessee wideout had a solid junior campaign where he led his team in receiving and showed off the upside to eventually become a highly pursued prospect. The biggest thing that may have coaches holding off their interest is his speed. Eulo can run but he may need to prove that in camps and if he does, I wouldn't be surprised to see D1 schools gain interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper'] - Alcoa: </strong>If you want a fast riser that may move up the charts over these off-season months, it could be this East Tennessee pass catcher. Cooper is an athletic guy that does some of his best work after the catch. The Tornadoes receiver has good size (6'2 170) and quick feet in short spaces that allow him to break free towards the end zone. I like the potential here and I think college coaches will too the more they look over his junior film.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1111039' first='Aiden' last='Bolden'] - PCA: </strong>Bolden has focused most of work on the basketball court but if he dedicated enough time to the gridiron, this Murfreesboro tight end could develop himself into a D1 prospect. He is a natural athlete with a physical body, frame that translates well to the next level. Bolden is a talented young man that may be a better college football prospect compared to his work on the basketball court. He would need to camp and put together a strong senior year to get on the D1 radar but I think he has the abilities to do so.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634284,"width":"310px","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/cayaukerman.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1634284" style="width:310px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1621929' first='Baker' last='Correll'] - Dobyns-Bennett: </strong>Spending time in the film room looking over O-linemen, Correll shows a variety of traits that would translate well to the college level and even possibly the D1 stage. The Indians interior mauler sports a physical body and frame that can pack on more weight as well as the athleticism to handle both guard and center. He explodes off the snap well then uses his strength to push men back. Correll has a good bend too. I think he could be a guy that jumps up the charts with strong work during camp season this summer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1588081' first='J.B.' last='Hoehn'] - Lausanne: </strong>A wide framed guy that plays a physical brand of football, Hoehn is an under the radar prospect that could sneak onto the D1 radar with continued off-season development. I like the way he competes on the line and stone walls his opponents. Hoehn has strong hands which allows him to keep defenders in-check or drive them off the ball. The Lynx O-lineman needs to enhance his athleticism and if he does, D1 schools could come calling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='866783' first='Jared' last='Bafford'] - Oak Ridge: </strong>Bafford is already making some noise this off-season as a potential D1 guy and if he continues to increase his athleticism, this East Tennessee O-lineman could watch his stock soar. The Wildcats big man had a breakout junior season where he displayed versatility across the line along with the power and footwork to consistently drive his man backwards. The size, arm length and lower base mobility is there for Bafford and I think coaches will enjoy what they see from him when they get him in camps.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(T/G) [player_tooltip player_id='889088' first='Jordon' last='Shaw'] - Stewarts Creek: </strong>Much development is needed this off-season for the RedHawks O-lineman but I can see traits and upside with Shaw that shows D1 potential. Standing 6 '5 280 pounds with good arm length, Shaw has the physical abilities to become a right tackle or guard prospect on the college stage. He is a raw athlete that needs to work on his balance and overall lower body agility and burst to reach the D1 stage but I think in time, Shaw can get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OG) [player_tooltip player_id='1588851' first='Daniel' last='Payne'] - Brentwood Academy: </strong>This is a guy that may be way under the radar but after looking over his junior film, I can see glimpses in his game that show D1 abilities. Payne is a wide bodied mauler that moves very well for his size and once he locks on, he finishes with violence. From a run blocking standpoint, Payne could one of the best in this area for the #TN2026 class. He does need to work on his bend and footwork but if he can develop those areas, I wouldn't be surprised to see D1 coaches interested.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634288,"width":"317px","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/jorshaw.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1634288" style="width:317px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->