Inside The Rankings: #TN2026 Athletes

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This position group is very talented with several prospects listed below sporting not just college upside but the potential to work their way into the D1 ranks. I see multiple players below that could become household names by the time we reach mid-way through the 2025 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Top Ten&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] - Jackson North Side (24th overall/1st ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A dynamic prospect with track level speed, Smith takes the top spot among the athletes due to his outstanding upside on the next level that will more than likely come on the Power Four stage. The Indians two-way prospect has nailed down upcoming official visits with Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia with all four schools having different opinions on Smith. Some view him as a playmaking wideout while others like his potential on defense at either cornerback or safety. This West Tennessee product has the capabilities of excelling on either side of the ball. Smith does have a slight frame right now but the weight will be added over time. I really like the upside here with Smith and his future on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] - Lausanne (27th overall/2nd ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we head into summer camp season while looking at his current offer list, Rodgers is one of the more underrated talents out there from our #TN2026 class that has Power Four potential dripping all over him. This Memphis area prospect is a natural, dynamic athlete that could develop and excel at either receiver or safety in college while providing strong play on special teams. Rodgers can run too, showing explosive flashes and sudden body movements that allow him to make game changing plays. It's possible that big time programs have yet to get on board because they don't know what he is on the college level but that shouldn't matter because Rodgers is legit and still coming into his own as a prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] - East Hamilton (56th overall/3rd ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Haywood is a true hidden gem that I see D1, possible Power Four potential with as this Chattanooga area prospect has the upside to develop and excel in college at either receiver or defensive back. When you turn on his junior film, what you see is a quick twitch, athletic guy that can be a home run hitter on offense but I feel his best potential may be on defense. The Canes senior two-way talent has the body style and game play of a potential cover corner in college. Haywood has excellent feet and easy moving hips that allows him to transition well and stay on path. He does need more weight and time to develop but the raw athletic traits are there to develop nicely on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Jadenwrld23/status/1867992290788262024","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jadenwrld23/status/1867992290788262024 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1476160' first='Luke' last='Thompson'] - Franklin (69th overall/4th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly some of the best upside out of our “athlete” category comes from this Williamson County two-way prospect that has big potential for either receiver or safety on the college level. The Admirals senior two-way talent has good size and length with a frame that can pack on more size but what has tons of schools interested is his speed. Thompson is a blazer that can separate at receiver and close fast at safety. His ball skills translate well for either side of the ball. So far through his recruitment, Thompson has landed mainly all D1 offers except for Tennessee but I feel he could be on the verge of officially breaking out into Power Four status.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] - Anderson Co. (86th overall/5th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Most schools right now are recruiting Leavell for receiver and I can definitely see that but I can also see this East Tennessee product developing at defensive back as well. That's the kind of athlete this new Anderson Co. two-way prospect is and how good he could be on the collegiate playing stage. Over on offense, Leavell is a deep threat that can get behind defenders while on defense, the Mavericks senior shows the possibility of handling snaps at cornerback but would probably fit best at safety. His value stretches into special teams where I can see Leavell becoming an outstanding gunner. The work he does this summer in camps as well as his senior season will dictate a lot on where Leavell might end up in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621991' first='Maurice' last='Smith'] - Oakland (106th overall/6th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some of the best college potential coming from our “Athletes” position hails from this Murfreesboro area product that could be developed at multiple positions in college. Smith is a big dude with athleticism and great arm length that could bode well at offensive tackle but after watching and working with this guy during the off-season, playing tight end is a possibility as well. The Patriots big man is that athletic with room still to grow into his skill set and his body. Buzz has begun to grow strong with Smith over the past two months where he landed several D1 offers and interest coming from many others. His camp work will be key but so will his senior season when it comes to boosting his stock and his overall recruitment.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1904346939883200676","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1904346939883200676 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr'] - East Nashville (157th overall/7th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A dynamic playmaker with big time speed, Fuller, Jr is an interesting talent that does fit receiver very well but I can see a scenario where some college out there may like this Nashville based prospect for defense. His ability to run is a key factor in possibly developing in the secondary at either corner, nickel or field safety. I do feel however his best upside resides on offense where Fuller, Jr can become a good option in the slot that can take handoffs out of the backfield or reverses. More time on the field developing his game and time in the weight room is needed for Fuller, Jr to become the kind of prospect I feel he can be but the raw athleticism and speed are definitely there to make an impact in college one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300097' first='Kaiden' last='Dewey'] - Baylor (160th overall/8th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- So far during his time at Baylor, Dewey has had to play a backseat role to others but when given the opportunity to shine, this two-way talent has shown up, displaying college upside at either receiver or defensive back. A compact frame with an explosive lower body, Dewey is a multi-talented prospect that has the skill set to excel on either side of the ball with maybe his best upside coming at slot receiver. The Red Raiders senior is the kind of prospect that can push his ranking higher with a breakthrough senior year. I expect Dewey to step into a key starting role this Fall and potentially establish himself as a top tier slot prospect that also brings versatility to the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326260' first='Brody' last='Rogers'] - Knox. Halls (187th overall/9th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a highly productive junior season where he led his Red Devils team in receiving, Rogers is an intriguing prospect that is built like a linebacker but has the athleticism to excel at a skill position on the next level. I do eventually think that Rogers will develop into a college linebacker but you can't look past his work on the offensive side of the ball. The Red Devils athlete shows some of the best hands in this class along with the ability to bounce off tacklers and keep going down field. Rogers is a savvy gamer that shows up big on a consistent basis. I can see a scenario where specific college staffs like this East Tennessee product for offense but in the end, I feel his best days on the next level will be on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/prepxtra/status/1857602473071931487","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/prepxtra/status/1857602473071931487 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854380' first='Judah' last='Smith'] - Baylor (188th overall/10th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Much like his teammate mentioned above, Smith has had to bide his time with the Red Raiders but this coming Fall could finally be his time and his opportunity to show off his college potential. Well built physically with a compact frame, Smith has a unique skill set that could develop and grow at multiple positions. I think his future in college will be on offense. The Red Raiders senior is built like a running back that's competing at slot receiver. He is a good pass catcher that uses his speed to get into the open field, so I can see Smith remaining at receiver moving forward but I could also see someone liking his upside better for running back. This Fall season will be interesting to see how Smith develops and if he is able to boost his state ranking.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=ATH">#TN2026 Athlete Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Five …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284148' first='Simeon' last='Graham'] - Jackson South-Side (190th overall/11th ATH): </strong>By the end of the 2025 season, Graham could be a guy that creeps up within our rankings towards the Top 100. The Indians two-way prospect has great athleticism and college size that could translate to the next level at either tight end or edge linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611645' first='William' last='Jones'] - Briarcrest Chrst. (194th overall/12th ATH): </strong>Well built physically with good overall size and long arms, Jones shows upside to develop in college at either receiver or safety. I think his game, size and skill set fits well on the next level at either position. This dude can run too, which helps his cause at raising his stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648124' first='Gage' last='Smith'] - Lawrence Co. (197th overall/13th ATH): </strong>When you turn on this guy's film, you see some big time potential. Smith is a small town two-way prospect with great size (6'3 195) and nice ball skills that work on each side of the ball. I could see a college falling in love with his upside at receiver while others like his work at safety.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305812' first='Bishop' last='Starling'] - Ensworth (204th overall/14th ATH): </strong>Speed is the calling card here with this Nashville based prospect. Starling is undersized but makes up for it with his instincts, playmaking abilities and speed. I see this guy more as a slot receiver, gadget guy but Starling does show a skill set that could work in the secondary as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648112' first='Elijah' last='Fitts'] - Upperman (211th overall/15th ATH): </strong>Fitts is a true hidden gem that brings physical game play to the field along with versatility to excel on either side of the ball. The Bees senior is well built with nice arm length and great instincts. This guy is a technician too that simply plays a competitive, clean brand of football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670637,"width":"305px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/efitts-crop-1435x943-1746808274.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1670637" style="width:305px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Athletes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630984' first='Roman' last='Gibbons'] - Sevier Co. (242nd overall/16th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1658485' first='Cordarius' last='Johnson'] - Milan (263rd overall/17th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] - Upperman (265th overall/18th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1602182' first='Aiden' last='Bell'] - Portland (266th overall/19th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219648' first='Rayene' last='Chiha'] - Webb Sch. (267th overall/20th ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] - Powell (275th overall/21st ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588104' first='Jamin' last='Bean'] - Germantown (277th overall/22nd ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This coming Fall season could be the breakout year Gibbons needs to boost his stock. I like the upside here with this East Tennessee talent as Gibbons has good size for either receiver or safety and he can run; Johnson is another lower ranked guy right now that I could see raising his stock by the end of the 2025 season. The Bulldogs senior is a natural athlete with an agile lower base that shows explosive flashes from either side of the ball; A multi-year starter for his Bees squad, Phillips is a smart and savvy ball player that plays a consistent brand of football. He is a ballhawk in the secondary but may turn out to be a better college running back; Bell shows a lot of upside due to his natural athletic abilities, size and track-like speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Feet have several college quality prospects with Chiha being one of them. This two-way prospect brings good size to the field (6'0 180) and speed that could work well at receiver or safety. He is still learning how to play those positions but the potential is definitely there; The Panthers have a very interesting prospect in Rodgers, who plays quarterback for his team but I and college coaches view him as an eventual tight end or edge rushing linebacker. Bean should be in store for an important role this Fall as one of the Red Devils top receivers as well as a small piece within their secondary. This two-way senior is also a key contributor on special teams as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 300</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670642,"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/3/2025/05/rgibbons.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1670642" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->