Underclassmen Stock Watch (Week Three)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our weekly look at top underclassmen performers, here we breakdown ten more prospects that raised their stock with high level performances during last week's action. All ten of these prospects are guys I see competing on the college stage one day but their development will dictate which level it will be at. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] - East Robertson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Indians are sitting at 3-0 right now with Young being a major factor behind the undefeated start. This junior signal caller is coming off his best game this year where Young was nearly flawless, going 8-9 passing for 268 yards and two touchdowns while producing another score on the ground. His dual threat abilities behind center make him an intriguing prospect for college offenses that work with mobile quarterbacks, who can run and throw it at a high level. Looking over his early season film, I see improved arm power with Young along with his body looking more filled out. I like the progression I'm seeing from the Indians quarterback and the potential to see his stock rise over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] - Melrose</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A first year starter for the Golden Wildcats, Heffner is already off to a fast start with his best high school performance yet coming last week in the team's 20-13 win over Bartlett. This sophomore signal caller already has the college size needed to compete on the next level but Heffner is showing the arm talent as well to potentially succeed on the big stage as well. Last week against the Panthers, Heffner threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns while displaying the calmness and poise to push his team to victory. A lot of natural tools are in-place for Heffner to develop into one of the better pass first, dual threat quarterbacks from our #TN2028 class that has a chance and possibility of one day reaching the D1 level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1884148' first='Markus' last='Cantrell'] - Pope Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Stepping into a lead role this year at running back, Cantrell has had a good start to his 2025 season where he is providing offensive balance and a big play threat coming from the backfield. This sophomore ball carrier is coming off his best high school yet where he rushed 30 times for 202 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead his team to a 34-21 victory over Columbia Academy. Cantrell is a strong and compact running back that is a little undersized with height but his power and vision makes up for it. He does need to continue enhancing his speed but I can see a college future with this Mid-Tennessee prospect with further development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1884155,"width":"314px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/mcantrell-crop-400x263-1757692814.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1884155" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] - Goodpasture</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the biggest stock risers from this early season is this Nashville area prospect that seems to be taking his game to another level and positioning himself as a heavily recruited guy. Leavell is beginning to realize his upside, especially last week where the Cougars wideout produced 201 yards receiving with three touchdowns. Leavell looks bigger and faster along with sporting more confidence in his abilities. He is a true outside receiver that brings great size and length to the field that could also develop nicely at safety as well. I'm very interested to see how Leavell continues to progress throughout the season because I see a lot of upside with him that could translate to the big stage of college football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1103458' first='Tavarco' last='Jackson'] - Melrose</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Jackson is a versatile prospect with college size that is starting to establish himself at receiver due to his physical abilities and overall upside. The Golden Cats junior has played several roles for his team throughout his career but finally appears to be settling in at receiver while also providing good play at safety as well. Last week against Bartlett, Jackson was a difference maker that produced two receiving touchdowns while also adding in 5 tackles and one interception on defense. Jackson already holds several offers in-hand but I'm interested to see where his recruitment goes because I can see bigger programs getting involved due to his progression being shown at receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1293357' first='Brayden' last='Washington'] - White Station</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though his Spartans team is struggling right now, Washington has been playing well and moving people up front with ease. This Memphis area O-lineman handles a few roles in the trenches for his team but for college, I like Washington best inside at guard where he can be a people mover that provides the occasional pass protection. Where it looks like the Spartans big man has improved is with his hand work and overall athleticism. Washington looks a little more agile compared to last year but also physical due to his added weight. This guy is a brawler, a mauler that loves the physical aspect of the game. Washington does need to keep working on his overall athleticism and bend but he's positioning himself as one of the top guard prospects coming out of our #TN2027 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] - Blackman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We don't have official stats from last week's action but according to his coaches, Stewart had possibly his best game of his high school career against Riverdale. The Blaze junior D-lineman was a force up front that did a great job of filling gaps and making plays versus the run while occasionally providing a pass rush. Stewart added more weight to his frame during the off-season and I can see it paying off. He is able to hold the point of attack better while also showing the ability to drive his blocker into the backfield. Stewart is a solid athlete too that I feel has another level to that aspect of his game. He is definitely helping his stock right now and Stewart can grow it further with continued strong play throughout the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1884160,"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/3/2025/06/jstewart-crop-370x243-1757693190.jpg?w=369" alt="" class="wp-image-1884160" style="width:305px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler'] - White House-Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Butler is a new prospect that jumped on my radar after “Week One” and he has continued to play strong football into last week where this Mid-Tennesse product had a strong game with 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and one sack. The Patriots junior has been very disruptive so far this season, providing a threat off the edge that can get after the quarterback or make plays versus the run. Butler shows on film a quick first step with broad shoulders that make things difficult for opposing blockers. He also has a body that can pack on more pounds to make him a more physical presence coming off the edge. This certainly is a prospect that I will keep tabs on moving forward as I see college potential with Butler.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'] - Bartlett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Early on this 2025 season, Clark has been one of the more impressive junior prospects I have followed this year and someone that should make a major jump within our updated Fall junior rankings. The Panthers linebacker has everything you want in a college prospect. He has size (6'2 210), athleticism and length and Clark can run too. He is fast to the ball, showing strong instincts against the run while also having the ability to drop and play in pass coverage. Development is still needed but the Panthers backer is dripping with potential. Clark has yet to see the offers come his way but that will change in time and I wouldn't be surprised to see it start happening sooner than later.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1591998' first='Ethan' last='Stacey'] - Father Ryan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been an active junior season for this Nashville linebacker that has taken his game to another level and performed consistently each and every week. Last week against McCallie, Stacey had a standout performance with 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Even though his Fighting Irish team took defeat, Stacey was a bright spot that competed hard and consistently placed himself around the football. When you turn on the film, you see the intelligence, the play recognition from Stacey that allows him to find the ball. He also looks a tick faster, a tick quicker, which helps his cause as a college prospect. There is more room for development but I definitely like the progression I'm seeing from this junior linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1884161,"width":"265px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/estacey.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1884161" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->