TN2027 Rankings: Offensive Breakdown (TE/OL)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing to look at our newly updated junior rankings, here we go through the Tight Ends and the Offensive Linemen. Both these positions groups are highly talented with tons of Power Four, D1 guys with several others in these two positions, sitting under the radar with college potential. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our junior rankings have arrived! After months of scouting film and learning more about these prospects, we have made it to our Prep Redzone Tennessee Top 150. It was a long, in-depth process of breaking down highlights and watching these prospects develop over the off-season months to place themselves among the current top players across the Volunteer State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 150</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tight Ends&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2027 crop of pass catching tight ends might turn out to be in time the best we've ever had in this state. It's a deep and talented class that may have 10 plus guys destined for either the Power Four, D1 or FCS playing stage by the time they graduate. There are a few others that are listed at other positions right now that may develop over the next two years at tight end and make this class even deeper.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking the top spot among the tight ends is Oak Ridge junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard']</strong>. The Wildcats pass catcher is a natural receiver that runs well, showing the ability to consistently get open while sporting glue-like hands. Ranked 11th overall, Howard holds an offer from just about every Power Four School out there and should continue to build his stock with another highly productive season in the Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1298922,"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/3/2024/06/49-Malik-Howard.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298922" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still new to the football field, Collierville tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675675' first='Christian' last='Coleman'] </strong>(41st overall/2nd TE) is a budding star, dripping with potential. He isn't the most explosive or refined right now but the college size and ball skill are there to develop into a potential Power Four guy. Coleman spends a lot of time on the basketball court but if he focused more energy onto the gridiron, he may see his game and stock soar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another basketball guy that has tremendous potential for football is Ensworth junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567070' first='Kingston' last='McCrary']</strong>. The Tigers junior has yet to carve out a big role on offense yet but that should change this Fall. McCrary (59th overall/3rd TE) is a mismatch nightmare as he moves and catches the ball like a receiver but fits best in college as a flex tight end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This off-season has been big for Bradley Central tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260422' first='Brady' last='Lewis'] </strong>as he has developed himself nicely to push himself inside the top five of his position and present himself as a mismatch problem for opposing defenders. The Bears junior (68th overall/4th TE) is a tad undersized at 6 '3 but makes up for it with strong ball skills, great route running and the knowledge to find separation from his opponent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting'] </strong>(82nd overall/5th TE) brings college size to the field along with nice arm length and a frame that can pack on more weight. If he can increase his speed, Gutting might see his stock take-off. A guy sitting way under the radar right now but has tons of potential is MBA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582353' first='Brayden' last='Atwood']</strong>. The Big Red pass catcher (101st overall/6th TE) can run but also brings outstanding ball skills to the field that should allow him to shine as a flex tight end in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in next ranked 102nd overall and 7th among the tight ends is Sequatchie Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts']</strong>. Standing 6 '4 225 pounds, the Indians big man has the college size needed as well as a versatile skill set where he can develop nicely with his in-line blocking while also having the ability to stretch the field. Increased agility and speed for Evitts will go a long way with his game and recruiting profile.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Excellent potential resides inside the body of Kirkwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan']</strong>. The Cobras (103rd overall/8th TE) junior tight end is still growing into his body and developing his game but the raw talent is there along with size to become an every down tight end on the collegiate level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the same can be said for Pope Prep junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687170' first='Pierce' last='Thigpen']</strong>. Ranked 138th overall and 9th among the tight ends, Thigpen is a new addition to the Knights this Fall where he is looking to establish himself as one of the best pure pass catchers within his class. A big season could be on its way for Farragut junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292338' first='Aaron' last='Heatherly']</strong>. The Admirals (139th overall/10th TE) tight end has a nice combination of athleticism and power that could develop into a fine in-line blocker that should also be able to flex into the slot when needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just Missed The Cut: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604392' first='Brayden' last='Howard'] </strong>- Knox. Catholic, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904858' first='Tysen' last='Dorsey'] </strong>- Alcoa, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604375' first='C.J.' last='Simpson'] </strong>- Concord Chrst. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698266,"width":"249px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/kingmccrary.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1698266" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Linemen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Year after year, the offensive linemen in this state continue to be some of the best football prospects coming out of the Volunteer State and I don't expect that to change for our rising junior class. It's another highly talented crop that has the most ranked players within our current Top 150 at twenty five and it should grow even further when we update everything in the Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was honestly a tough call to make for the top overall offensive lineman as we had several strong options but in the end, I felt the best college upside currently resides with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker']</strong>. The Ensworth junior (15th overall)&nbsp; is a new addition to Tennessee but a strong one that plays a technique sound game along with bringing excellent size to the field that could work at tackle or inside at guard. Baker is a good athlete too that can improve even further in this area over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking 2nd among the O-line and 17th overall is Southwind big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer']</strong>. This wide based mauler could eventually take over the top spot with enhanced agility, bend and explosive game play. The Jaguars junior is a physical competitor with strong hands that does a good job of moving his man off his spot and driving him down field. Right now, I feel Keefer's game fits best inside but could develop himself enough to possibly handle right tackle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6 '7 305 pounds, Lipscomb O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866766' first='Weston' last='Hicks'] </strong>(19th overall/3rd OL) has the look of a college guy along with an athletic profile that could allow him to play tackle or guard in college. Even though Hicks is a big guy, he moves well, showing nice lateral agility and the ability to bend, get low and under his opponents pad level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698268,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/weshicks.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1698268" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true guard prospect that moves people with ease, FCS junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan'] </strong>(21st overall/4th OL) has seen his stock take-off over these off-season months as he's become a Power Four prospect that is continuing to gain interest due to his upside on the interior. Another true guard that is developing into a big time prospect is Southwind junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell']</strong>. The Jaguars big man (28th overall/6th OL) is a wide based blocker that eats up space but also has the athleticism to move his opponent off the ball due to his athleticism and natural power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best long term potential from our junior O-line class comes from East Nashville tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin']</strong>. Standing 6 '6 270 plus pounds, Martin (24th overall/5th OL) looks the part of a college guy but is also dripping with potential due to his natural athletic abilities to play left tackle on the next level. He is still developing but the ceiling is high with this Nashville based prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA teammates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] </strong>(29th overall/7th OL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158911' first='Isaiah' last='Bryant'] </strong>(39th overall/8th OL) form a powerful duo on the Lions O-line that both have Power Four, D1 upside along with sporting the versatility to develop at multiple positions across the front five. Hale has upside to play right tackle in college while Bryant could remain on the outside but have bigger potential sliding inside at guard.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If any college coach wants an O-lineman that plays with a mean streak and enjoys contact, White Station junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293357' first='Brayden' last='Washington'] </strong>may be your guy. The Spartans big man (40th overall/9th OL) is a good athlete that has mainly played tackle in high school but I feel his best upside in college resides inside at either center or guard. I think Washington is a serviceable O-lineman that could plug and play anywhere up front when called upon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two tackle prospects that I think will receive tons of recruiting buzz as the rest of the year goes on are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>(42nd overall/10th OL) from Silverdale and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695926' first='Princeton' last='Uwaifo'] </strong>(47th overall/11th OL) from Siegel. The Seahawks might have a Power Four player on their hands with Burger, who has outstanding size along with a nimble lower base that could land him at tackle in college. Uwaifu is still learning and developing his game but you can't teach size or natural power and the Stars big man has both.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1689803,"width":"284px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/lburger.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1689803" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better guard prospects we have from our #TN2027 class that many aren't talking about at the moment is Alcoa junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts']</strong>. The Tornadoes mauler (49th overall/12th OL) is a rock solid, physical competitor that moves well laterally, showing good athleticism but can also move men off the ball with ease due to his natural power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently transitioning over to offensive tackle, Brentwood big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'] </strong>(50th overall/13th OL) has tremendous college upside as a potential blindside blocker that brings athleticism, length and grit to the trenches. Munford junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins'] </strong>(53rd overall/14th OL) is the next stud to come out of the Cougars that has potential to possibly play right tackle on the next level but could develop into a mauling guard as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Multi-talented big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905243' first='Skyler' last='Smith'] </strong>(66th overall/15th OL) from CPA and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634767' first='London' last='Parks'] </strong>(106th overall/16th OL) out of Beech are two interior college prospects that provide athleticism and versatility up front to develop at multiple positions. Smith is still growing his body but I like his game best at center while Parks is someone that could play center as well but may turn out to be better as a quick guard that can get off the snap fast and pull himself into key blocks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melrose junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670074' first='Tracy' last='Shaw'] </strong>(107th overall/17th OL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566197' first='Parker' last='Cox'] </strong>(108th overall/18th OL) are two long term prospects that are still developing their bodies and game but bring a lot of upside to the football field that could translate well to the college level. I can see a scenario where both guys remain at tackle in college but because of their athleticism, handling interior positions is possible as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The remainder of our ranked offensive lineman are interior prospects that fit either guard or center on the collegiate gridiron. GCA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] </strong>(111th overall/19th OL) is a space eater that moves men off the ball with ease. If he can increase his agility and overall athleticism, DeLong could see his stock take-off and push himself inside the Top 15 for his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698281,"width":"352px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/wdelong.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1698281" style="width:352px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davidson Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Logan' last='Murray'] </strong>(112th overall/20th OL) is an intriguing prospect that has good film along with the college size to see a recruiting surge after a potential strong Fall season. Bradley Central has a nice piece up front in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580778' first='Timothy' last='Gay'] </strong>(116th overall/21st OL) that has deceptive athleticism along with strong hands that speaks toward him developing at guard on the college level with the possibility of maybe handling center as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page has a pair of interior prospects that cracked our rankings in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore'] </strong>(131st overall/22nd OL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] </strong>(145th overall/25th OL) that display on film good interior athleticism with the ability to move laterally and keep their opponent in front of them. Both are interior versatile where either guy could provide snaps at either guard position or center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical mauler that has really pushed his game to another level over the past year has been Shelbyville junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates']</strong>. The Golden Eagles big man (133rd overall/23rd OL) does a good job of anchoring and stonewalling his opponent but is also a good athlete that could handle all three interior O-line positions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briarcrest O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651712' first='Artie' last='Anderson'] </strong>(144th overall/24th OL) is a long term, potential big pay off player that is still growing into his body but sports a nice frame to add in more weight and become a more suitable prospect for the college game. The Saints junior is a good athlete that moves well laterally while also showing a nice punch, strong hands on initial contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just Missed The Cut: (G) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1306692' first='Alex' last='Sansom']</strong> - Chrst. Brothers, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1602208' first='Colt' last='Patterson'] </strong>- Hendersonville, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643231' first='Eli' last='Tolley'] </strong>- Anderson Co., (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932937' first='Neyland' last='Roe'] </strong>- Jackson Christian, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651714' first='Patrick' last='McCammon'] </strong>- Brentwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">#TN2027 Prospect Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1597261,"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/3/2025/01/20250104_175146-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1597261" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->