#TN2027 Receiver/Tight End Watch List

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Both positions look very talented headed into the 2025 season with multiple guys destined for the big stage. The receivers are top heavy but growing while the tight end class has the potential to be elite with further development. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receivers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The pass catchers coming out of our #TN2027 class looks strong and it's a group, especially at receiver that shows star power at the top but also depth that will continue to flush itself out over the next two years. There is much to learn about the receivers moving forward but early on, I like the potential here with the upside to become one of the best position groups from our junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several options when it comes to contending for the top overall receiver spot but right now, Brentwood Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] </strong>appears to be the top guy. The Eagles junior brings a nice combination of athleticism, size and speed to the playing field along with outstanding hands and body control.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675750,"width":"282px","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/kbowman2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1675750" style="width:282px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting right behind him, are several high quality, Power Four and D1 guys that will continue to see their stock soar over the coming months. Some guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Tae' last='Walden, Jr'] </strong>have already started to his recruitment blow up. The Collierville wideout has heavy interest and offers from some major programs and it's due to his upside to become a go-to target in college from the “X” or “Y” positions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackman wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] </strong>is dripping with potential. Standing 6'3 195 pounds, the Blaze pass catcher brings outstanding physical traits to the field along with good speed and some of the best hands in our junior class. This guy's ceiling is very high and he is still tapping into that upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three guys with big time potential that mainly work out of the slot are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] </strong>from Alcoa, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118087' first='Eli' last='Ferguson'] </strong>out of Brentwood Academy and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851938' first='Cameron' last='Wade'] </strong>from East Nashville. All three of these guys have seen their recruitment's take off and I expect heavy interest to continue flowing their way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dean is a two-sport star that is still forming into his body while enhancing his game but the tools are definitely there to play on the biggest stage of college football. Ferguson is a compact framed guy that separates well at the top of his route and uses his quick feet to find open slots in the defense. Wade brings big time speed to the gridiron. The Eagles junior is an explosive guy that can take short passes and turn them into big gains.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently under the radar but highly talented with D1 upside is DeKalb Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons']</strong>. Standing roughly 5'11 170 pounds, the Tigers receiver is ultra athletic with tons of potential for the slot. Lyons gets in and out of his breaks quickly then displays excellent hands and body control through contact.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest wideouts we have from the #TN2027 class is McCallie junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260316' first='Loia' last='Isamila Diasse-Valade']</strong>. This native Canadian is a blazer that gets into open space and down field quickly. He is a track guy and that speed definitely shows up on film. Lipscomb Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1410131' first='Lexton' last='Baskin'] </strong>had a somewhat breakout year last season where he led his Mustangs team in receiving but there are definitely more levels to his game. Baskin is still growing into his body and developing his craft but shows nice D1 upside, especially coming out of the slot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding slot talent won't be hard for college coaches as our junior class is full of high upside players that are currently under the radar but shouldn't be too much longer. Besides those mentioned above, four other slot options to know about are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1568969' first='Warner' last='Hart'] </strong>from MBA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] </strong>out of McKenzie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] </strong>from Brentwood and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597636' first='Terry' last='Jones'] </strong>out of Northeast.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675751,"width":"261px","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/jmerrill.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1675751" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart is a twitchy guy that shows mature route running and the quick feet and speed to create good separation. Brown is coming off a very productive sophomore season that saw him produce over 1,200 yards receiving. It's possible that Brown takes over quarterback for his Rebels team but for the college level, I like his upside best at receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off adding his first offer from UT-Martin, Merrill looks the part of a slot guy and performs like one as well. The Bruins junior is a sure handed route runner that gets in and out of his breaks quickly then comes up with some tough receptions. There is much development left to go for Jones but I like the raw athletic tools out of him and his potential to develop into a dynamic slot receiver on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodpasture wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] </strong>is a tall, long, big bodied guy with a wide radius that presents an offensive threat in the red zone. He does need to enhance his speed to help his stock but the ball skills and size are there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two other big bodied guys that can work the outside but also the slot are GCA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] </strong>and MUS receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666739' first='John' last='Painter']</strong>. This 6 '2 long armed receiver shows good route work on film along with a good understanding on how to find open, soft spots in the defense. Painter is a physical guy that plays well through contact but also willing to block. His game may fit best outside but the Owls wideout can work inside if needed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like it was mentioned above, the slot is deep for the #TN2027 class. Another grouping of prospects to keep eyes on moving forward include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] </strong>(Nash. Christian), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646491' first='Branson' last='Newberry'] </strong>(Science Hill), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905296' first='Fletcher' last='Fields'] </strong>(BGA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1393974' first='Ethan' last='Farhat'] </strong>(Farragut), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe'] </strong>(Anderson Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582369' first='Wyatt' last='Ayers'] </strong>(Columbia Acad.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580774' first='Carlos' last='Edwards'] </strong>out of Memphis East.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grigsby is a broad shouldered, sure handed pass catcher that is coming off a highly productive sophomore campaign that placed him on the map as one of the better slot guys coming out of the Mid-Tennessee region. Fast is the first thing that comes to mind when looking over Newberry. This 5'11 receiver gets off the line and into open space quickly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563077,"width":"251px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kgrigsby.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1563077" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fields is a versatile piece that is undersized (5'7 165) but plays much bigger. The Wildcats junior is your gadget guy that can take handoffs, work in the slot or do damage in the screen game. Farhat does good work getting up the middle of the field and getting behind defenders. He needs more body weight but I like the ball skills and upside. Much of the same can be said about Sharpe. His move to Anderson Co. from Oak Ridge should help himself in multiple ways when it comes to his development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Boykin can hit the weight room hard while continuing his strong off-season progression with his craft, his stock could rise into one of the better slot options in the state. Last season was a nice coming out party for Ayers where he displayed good speed, the ability to get open and strong hands. Edwards is a name to watch for the future. He flashed strong potential at times last season but now into his junior year, this Memphis area prospect should be stepping into a bigger role.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other WR's to Keep Tabs On: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592212' first='Deonte' last='Ward'] </strong>- Henry Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906617' first='Eric' last='Ginther'] </strong>- Station Camp, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566147' first='Fletcher' last='Kent'] </strong>- McCallie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597007' first='J.J.' last='Sackie'] </strong>- Knox. Central, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906618' first='Levi' last='Isen'] </strong>- Brentwood Academy, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812471' first='Trevor' last='Gilliam'] </strong>- Bolivar Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tight Ends</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our current senior tight end isn't carrying the numbers or talent like year's past but our upcoming junior class is a different story. The depth doesn't show at the moment but it should be this time next year. What the #TN2027 tight ends currently have is a solid core of legit Power Four, D1 and FCS level quality guys that are either already on the recruiting scene or will be in the near future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no question who the top tight end is within our junior class and that's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] </strong>from Oak Ridge. Holding 20 plus offers in-hand already, the Wildcats pass catcher has tremendous upside for the college game as he catches the ball and runs like a receiver but has the body to develop further as an in-line blocker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1277903,"width":"281px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/mhoward.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1277903" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fighting for second place will be a battle but we have several strong options competing for that spot. Besides Howard, possibly the most gifted and talented tight end prospect we have in this class is Ensworth junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567070' first='Kingston' last='McCrary']</strong>. This 6'5 long and lanky pass catcher is dripping with potential. McCray is more of a flex tight end that plays like a receiver with the versatility to line up in multiple spots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting'] </strong>looks like the next stud tight end prospect to come out of the Raptors program. Sporting great size (6'5 215) with a frame to pack on more weight, Gutting is a physical guy that runs well (Can get faster) while displaying excellent hands and concentration. Sequatchie Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'] </strong>is another big bodied guy that is more of your in-line style tight end that can occasionally flex out. The Indians big man can increase his speed, which will boost his stock but the blocking is already on point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting under the radar at the moment is MBA tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582353' first='Brayden' last='Atwood'] </strong>but this guy is legit and a budding star that should start to make a name for himself this Fall. The Big Red pass catcher is one of the better athletes from his position that sports strong hands and the ability to run. Atwood is more of a flex tight end right now but he is a physical guy that is willing to block.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] </strong>is a talented but long term big payoff prospect that needs further development but the tools are certainly there. The Cobras junior is still forming into his body but has great size (6'5 225) along with the athletic traits to be a dual pass catcher that can in-line block or flex out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The East Tennessee region looks strong in 2027 for the tight end class. Howard leads the way but behind him are guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260422' first='Brady' last='Lewis'] </strong>(Bradley Central), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292338' first='Aaron' last='Heatherly'] </strong>(Farragut) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604392' first='Brayden' last='Howard'] </strong>out of Knox. Catholic that have college abilities and the potential to make it to the D1 level one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675753,"width":"229px","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/blewis.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1675753" style="width:229px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis is tad undersized at 6 '3 but makes up for it with his 235 pound body and his ability to run and get open. The Bears junior is a natural pass catcher that shows off good hands on film along with toughness to make contested catches. He is willing to block too. Lewis is a hidden gem that should be in-store for a breakout junior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best is yet to come from Heatherly, especially this coming season where I expect this 6 '4 tight end to become a bigger focal point within the Admirals offense. Heatherly moves well, showing the ability to get open but is also a physical blocker that has room to grow with his body and game moving forward. Howard is a skilled pass catcher that has spent most of his career at receiver but translates best in college as a flex tight end. His best days are ahead of him, especially if he hits the weight room and packs on the needed size.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906623' first='Will' last='Copeland'] </strong>is a name to watch for this coming season. He played sparingly last year as a sophomore but is expected to step into a bigger role this Fall, where he should develop into one of the Mustangs top pass catchers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very talented tight end group with everyone mentioned above headed for the top three levels of college football (P4, D1, FCS) and the potential for some to go beyond that. I do see this group growing larger over the next year with others being added. If others do develop, this tight end class could turn out to become the best ever to come out of the Volunteer State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675752,"width":"254px","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/sgutting.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1675752" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->