#TN2027 Quarterback Watch List

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking to the future, our rising junior quarterback class looks to be solid with some guys sitting at the top, destined for the P4, D1 ranks while some others need time to develop but show upside to reach the college level. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Power Four/D1 Certified Talent&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Beginning the process with scouting our rising junior quarterbacks, early on it looks like a solid class with multiple guys at the top of the board holding big time offers and heavy interest from others. It has a chance to grow much deeper as well over the coming year as plenty of guys we will talk about below should develop and mature to become highly recruited prospects in time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right now, we have a battle for that top spot. Our scouting currently points towards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305768' first='D.J.' last='Hunter'] </strong>from Bearden, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] </strong>out of Antioch and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>from Sevier Co. competing to be our top ranked signal caller for the #TN2027 class. All three of these guys are talented passers with physical attributes that translate well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunter recently took himself off the recruiting board by pledging to the Kentucky Wildcats. A big reason why he is headed to the SEC is because of his powerful right arm, his clean mechanics and natural athletic abilities. The Bulldogs quarterback still has room to grow as well, so the future could be bright for Hunter in the Bluegrass State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bringing a lot of arm talent to the gridiron, Adams is a multi-year starter that has already landed several high quality offers and many more will arrive over time because this Mid-Tennessee quarterback is highly skilled. The Bears junior needs to add more weight while also continuing to learn his passing progressions but the ceiling is quite high for the Mid-TN product.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off leading his Smoky Bears team to a Class 5A state title last Fall, Newman has seen his stock soar over these off-season months and I believe it will only grow as more coaches dive into his tape. What Newman brings to the field is great size, high football IQ and leadership as well as excellent arm talent. The Smoky Bears have a great shot to repeat as champions this season, especially with Newman at the helm.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1537556,"width":"238px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/cnewman2.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1537556" style="width:238px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>High Level Potential</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Just beyond the top three mentioned above sit a large group of passers that have the upside to reach the D1 level, even possibly the Power Four stage with continued development. Work on the field and in the weight room is needed for these guys but I can definitely see the potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The East Tennessee region looks stacked for the #TN2027 class. Hunter and Newman above lead the way but they better watch their backs because guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] </strong>(Knox. Catholic), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167467' first='Will' last='Jones'] </strong>(Maryville) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] </strong>from Farragut are right on their heels.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartholomew is a strong armed passer that shows good zip on his passes along with nice poise in the pocket while keeping his eyes down field. Much of the same can be said about Hobson. The Admirals quarterback brings great size to the field along with a big arm that can make all the throws. Jones looks to be one of the best dual threat signal callers we have from our junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the East region, college coaches need to start paying attention to Silverdale quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne']</strong>. The Seahawks 6 '3 190 pound junior brings a lot of strong physical traits to the playing field that should flourish over the next two years and beyond. He has size, arm talent and a deceptive athletic skill set that should work well on the college level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two greater Nashville area quarterbacks that show big time potential are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] </strong>from Brentwood Academy and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] </strong>out of Pearl Cohn. Neither of these guys have yet to breakout on the recruiting trail but that should change soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1537564,"width":"260px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/ljfunk.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1537564" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins is headed into his first year this Fall as the starting guy for his squad and I'm expecting some big things out of him. The Eagles junior may prove to be one of the better pure passers we have from the #TN2027 class by season's end. Funk had a strong debut last year as a sophomore but I can see more levels out of him moving forward. The Firebirds quarterback is a dual threat guy and one of the better runners from this group but also shows good mechanics and arm strength that will only continue to improve over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once we reach this time next year, Collierville junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] </strong>may prove to be one of top prospects from the #TN2027 quarterback class. This guy is a natural athlete that has great size and a big arm that shows good zip while showing the occasional exceptional accuracy and timing. There is much to learn for Santibanez but the raw talent and high ceiling is definitely there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of potential, CPA rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1652877' first='Jack' last='Van Orman'] </strong>is a guy to know about and follow this Fall season. Standing 6 '3 190 pounds, the Lions quarterback looks to be the guy behind center with a shot at boosting his stock significantly due to his talented right arm. It will be interesting to see how he performs and helps put his Lions team back in contention for back to back state titles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking under the radar a little bit, two East TN quarterbacks to keep eyes on this Fall are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] </strong>from Carter and Cleveland senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630212' first='Kason' last='McGowan']</strong>. The Hornets had a tough year in 2024 but Sparks was a clear standout. He has some arm talent that shows college potential. Sparks may also have some of the best mechanics within our junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGowan currently holds an offer from North Alabama and looking over his film, I can see why. This is a confident passer that throws the ball on time along with solid arm strength that should only improve as he continues to hit the weight room.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1660408,"width":"269px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/kmcgowan.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1660408" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Developmental Prospects But Talented</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- While these guys mentioned in this section may be a step behind the others at the moment, it doesn't mean potential doesn't reside here with several sporting the upside to take their recruiting stocks to whole other level. This portion of the article shows the depth within the #TN2027 class that could grow even deeper over time, especially with multiple guys having the opportunity to breakthrough this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Robertson signal caller <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>looks to be one of the better dual threat guys we have from the junior class and he is a multi-year starter that has already won a bunch of games. What may keep college coaches away is the fact that Young is only 5 '11 180 pounds but this guy is a baller with a great feel for the game and the pocket.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big potential resides inside Independence junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner']</strong>. Standing 6 '6 205 pounds, the Eagles junior has all the physical traits needed to contend for a starting spot on the collegiate level but Horner needs to continue working on his mechanics and overall passing knowledge to get there. What helps his cause too is the fact that Horner can run. If the quarterback position doesn't work out, I could see this Mid-TN product developing into a college tight end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USJ rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] </strong>is a talented passer that has yet to take over the lead role for his Bruins offense but that should change this coming Fall season. I had the chance to watch this West TN signal caller spin it this Spring during a 7v7 tournament, where I was impressed with his powerful right arm that showed nice zip and solid accuracy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the Mid-TN region, we have a group of quarterbacks in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902986' first='Hudson' last='Holman'] </strong>(Pope Prep), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] </strong>(Webb Sch.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] </strong>(Beech), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] </strong>(White House-Heritage) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535793' first='Colton' last='Overbey'] </strong>from Station Camp that may be lacking in some areas but show talent and tools to earn themselves a spot on the collegiate playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1537560,"width":"241px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/xmurray.webp?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1537560" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holman gained a lot of experience last year as the Knights starter and he performed quite well. He is a tad undersized but shows good poise in the pocket along with solid accuracy and timing. Bradley is a talented thrower that is simply lacking time under center for his Feet team. He has yet to become the main starter but I see strong talent with Bradley and upside for the next level. Much of the same can be said about Phillips. The Buccaneers rising junior is biding his time behind the team's senior starter but has the size and arm talent to develop into a potential college guy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray already has a few season's under his belt as his team's starter and showed a good feel for the game with the ability to make throws in and outside the pocket. He is undersized but a gamer that knows how to get the job done. Overbey has spent a lot of time behind center for his Bison team, starting as a freshman and providing game breaking abilities from his quarterback position. This junior lefty is a crafty ball player that tends to make big plays but to push his game further, continued work with improving his arm strength must happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chatt. Prep rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] </strong>from Knox. Central are two dual threat quarterbacks that flash college upside on film but need continued work in the weight room and development on the field to fulfill their potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is a natural athlete that brings a creative style of play to the field along with good arm talent. He needs to continue adding more strength while tweaking his mechanics but I can definitely see his college upside. Long is an intriguing prospect. Standing 6'2 170 pounds, the Bobcats junior has decent size while showing arm talent on film that should improve over time. What I like most about Long right now is his gamer style mentality and leadership.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going through our #TN2027 quarterback class, early on, it looks like a solid group that can be improved throughout the coming year. There are several guys beyond the top group that have college traits but need more time to develop before they become a formidable talent on the recruiting trail.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I do think our current senior class is more talented and deeper at the moment but that could eventually change. It will be interesting to see how this junior class develops as many written about above are starters across the state with traits that translate to the college game, including several guys who I think will contend for Mr. Football honors over the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other QB's to Know: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932844' first='Ben' last='Singleton'] </strong>- Creek Wood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] </strong>- Clinton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] </strong>- Kirkwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104293' first='Blake' last='Waldorf'] </strong>- Watertown, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659346' first='Peyton' last='Lingerfelt'] </strong>- Sullivan-East, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646456' first='A.J.' last='Wynn'] </strong>- David Crockett, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535803' first='Raoul' last='Jones'] </strong>- Mitchell, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] </strong>- Henry Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617016' first='Easton' last='Davidson'] </strong>- Cookeville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] </strong>- Cornersville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'] </strong>- Springfield, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207141' first='Marcus' last='Cameron'] </strong>- Blackman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] </strong>- Heritage, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin'] </strong>- Smith Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1660410,"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/3/2025/04/austinjones.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1660410" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->