Class 1A Sleeper College Prospects

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everybody knows who the top players in the state are but how about some guys that may not be squarely on the college radar now but could by the end of the 2025 season? We got you covered here, starting with the prospects from the 1A level. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we inch closer to the 2025 season, we have prospects throughout this state that have already established themselves as college guys but there are others that have upside to reach the next level but somehow, sit under the radar for some reason or another. These players have a chance to push their stocks forward throughout the coming season and potentially get themselves on the map as legit college prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] - Coalfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Yellow Jackets lean on their run game a lot, which means Bunch should have the ball in his hands for most of the 2025 season and be given an opportunity to push his stock forward where he could play his way into a college scholarship. This senior ball carrier has a lot of experience with Coalfield but has yet to really have his breakout season. I think that comes this year, especially with the Yellow Jackets losing a lot of key players from the 2024 season and needing to lean on their returning veterans. All signs point towards Bunch becoming the team's top offensive weapon and if he performs like I think he will, finding a role on the collegiate gridiron is very possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs'] - Westwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you're ranked inside our current senior class Top 300, you're not much of a sleeper but Biggs heads into his senior season without an offer, so this West Tennessee product can be labeled underrated. As you look over his junior film, what you see is an athletic, quick and twitchy pass catcher that gets into his routes fast and creates separation with ease. Biggs also has excellent hands as he tends to catch almost everything thrown his way. If this Memphis area prospect played at a bigger program, recruiting interest would be heavier but hopefully after a possible standout senior season, college coaches will start to look harder at this highly talented receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1690576,"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/3/2025/06/woodbiggs2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1690576" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1599884' first='Nolan' last='Adams'] - Clay Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the more productive pass catchers returning for the 2025 season is this 1A receiver that had a monster junior season and if he puts forth the same numbers this Fall, college coaches have to start paying attention. Adams produced 75 receptions for 1,275 yards and 19 touchdowns last year and those numbers alone should have college programs looking his way but because he competes on the 1A level, the Bulldogs receiver sits without offers and under the radar. I like this kid and his upside for the next level. Adams has good size with the ability to separate along with some great hands. Another highly productive season might just tip the scales in his favor and force college coaches to start looking his way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1679513' first='Quasean' last='Black'] - Fayetteville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A breakout star for the 1A level is potentially this two-way Fayetteville prospect that shows me a physical frame with nice size and natural athletic abilities that would translate well to the college game. Early signs point towards Black being a major piece on both sides of the ball for his Tigers team this season. If he becomes a main focal piece on offense, he may place himself in contention for Mr. Football. While I foresee a big offensive season from Black, I think his work in the secondary might be what gets him to the college ranks. He is a versatile defender that plays well in the box, so nickel or boundary safety might be his calling on the next level. However he gets it done, a big senior year from Black may boost his stock and give him a chance to continue his football career in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1707981' first='Isaac' last='Petty'] - Moore Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Petty has been on my radar for multiple years now and shown flashes of college upside along the way but his senior year might be his best season yet and it needs to be as he searches for college opportunities. This two-way talent has good size for himself along with nice arm length and the athleticism to develop at either receiver or safety. His Raiders team is young in a lot of areas, so his play will be critical towards the team's success throughout the 2025 season. If Petty can put forth a highly productive season from both sides of the ball, it could make collegiate coaches look his way more. I see Petty being a D2 or lower prospect but someone that can excel on those levels then let the cards play out as they may.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1716325,"width":"215px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/ipetty.webp?w=533" alt="" class="wp-image-1716325" style="width:215px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1662846' first='Ryan' last='Toombs'] - McKenzie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Winning football games is something this West Tennessee talent has done for three years now but he heads into his senior year without much college interest but that could change after a strong Fall campaign. Toombs is a multi year starter and state champion that has a lot of experience under his belt along with plenty of snaps taken at center. Possibly a big part in the lack of college interest is his body weight. The Rebels lineman weighs about 245 to 250 pounds, so he is certainly undersized but he has the frame and arm length that would work on the college level. If a collegiate staff can see the upside in Toombs, I believe he could develop into a starting center and potential All-Conference guy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) Shooter Foster - Richland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top pass rushers returning for the 2025 season is this Mid-Tennessee product that could get onto the college radar with a breakthrough senior year. Foster is a max effort guy that competes hard, showing good work in stopping the run and getting after the passer. The Raiders senior is a physical competitor that does well at setting the edge and forcing the run inside. When he is left one on one, Foster usually beats his block and disrupts things in the backfield. I wouldn't be surprised if Foster produced double digit sacks this year. He is undersized for the big stage of college football but with enhanced agility, burst and speed, the Raiders defensive lineman can reach the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='284145' first='Jaqwan' last='Ellison'] - Dresden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- College-able linemen are hard to find on the 1A level but Ellison is one guy that has the abilities and size to get noticed. The Tigers senior big man is a multi year starter with a lot of experience and production but could possibly be walking into his best season yet. I see a breakout year on its way for Ellison as he won't face many O-linemen this season that will be able to stop his power. He stands about 6'1 280 plus pounds and he moves well too. Ellison could increase his athleticism and technique to become an even better looking prospect. This guy is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate on the 1A due to his potential to dominate on both sides of the line for his Tigers team this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) Qumarion Patterson - West Carroll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There is much to learn about this West Tennessee product throughout the upcoming season but his film work already shows me a prospect that could make his way into the college ranks, especially with a breakout senior year. What Patterson brings to the field is upside to handle cornerback in college but due to his athleticism, he could play a variety of positions within the secondary with maybe his biggest potential coming at safety. I do see flashes on film of Patterson being able to develop on the outside but I think a standout senior year may prove his worth at corner. Either way, I like the game of the War Eagles defensive back and I think college coaches should look deeper into this guy because his best football days could be ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1635622' first='Clay' last='Woody'] - Jo Byrns</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Athletic with a versatile skill set that could be developed on either side of the ball, Woody is a small town, small classification talent that could earn multiple college scholarships with a standout senior year. The biggest thing besides his low level of play that has kept the offers away is likely due to Woody's lack of size. The Red Devils two-way talent does have good height and length but is small in weight. This guy moves, runs well, showing good instincts and ball skills but needs to add more size to become more appealing to college coaches. If he can pack on the weight while putting forth a strong senior year, those elusive offers may come his way and give him a shot at extending his football career.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Others to Watch: </strong>(WR) <strong>Ja'Quan Benton </strong>- Oliver Springs, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142003' first='Alijah' last='Darnes'] </strong>- West Carroll,<strong> </strong>(DL) <strong>Dalandis Neely </strong>- Middle Coll., (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672075' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] - </strong>Oliver Springs, (LB) <strong>Mason Batten </strong>- McKenzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1716330,"width":"273px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jbenton.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1716330" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->