Top-10 Sophomore Prospects Remaining in the Playoffs

<p>The TSSAA playoff brackets now feature just 60 high school football teams spanning the entire state of Tennessee and the teams that have made deep runs to this point have some impressive underclass talent that have broken out into legitimate Division One recruits in their sophomore seasons.</p>   <p>As these top teams inside the state continue to make their pushes for a state championship trophy in their respective levels, these prospects in the 2028 class will be a large part of the success for their teams and will be key recruits to keep a watch on over the next two-plus seasons.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1.) Springfield Safety [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins']</h2>   <p>Cobbins is an athletic freak with all the intangibles that you look for in a high-impact college safety and that playmaking ability shows up on every single Friday night no matter the opponent. He holds elite size for the position and can accelerate out of his breaks at an impressive speed, which allows him to constantly make plays on the ball, both against the pass and run.</p>   <p>He is my personal number one recruit in the 2028 class among recruits in the state of Tennessee after being able to see some more play of each player this season and he will be hard to top. It is easy to see why he will have his choice of college program in a couple years, but right now his focus is on helping Springfield push for a state championship.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SocialDweebs/status/1989514752088051742?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2.) Battle Ground Academy Offensive Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial']</h2>   <p>There comes times when you see skillsets in a football prospect and know then and there that the potential is endless and that is the case with the sophomore tackle at BGA. At 6-foot-8 and with long arms, his length is impossible to work through and he has nimble feet to complement, always keeping himself in a favorable position.</p>   <p>He will need to continue to increase the assertiveness in which he plays with as he gets older and more comfortable being stuck on the island, but that should come with time. As that part of his game comes along, the national interest in his recruitment will continue to skyrocket.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1955684515839684851?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3.) Tyner Safety [player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards']</h2>   <p>Tyner has quickly become one of the best small school teams in the state yet again and this dynamic sophomore standout is a large reason why the Rams are in the hunt for a trophy this season and have put together impressive performances, even when facing teams thought to be better.</p>   <p>He is another safety that can handle any role and is just a total playmaker at the end of the day. The safety class in the state for this class is electric and Edwards adds another blue-chip prospect to the group.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ScenicCitySprts/status/1964165615872004569?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4.) Battle Ground Academy Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']</h2>   <p>Much like I said about his teammate in Dial, there are times you see size plus athleticism combinations in a prospect and any evaluator gets excited about the upside with the player and this versatile defensive lineman is another example of that.</p>   <p>Yes, I said versatile and yes, he is listed at 285 pounds. Within that <em>slender</em> 6-foot-5 and 285 pound frame is a lean, lengthy prospect that has the talent to beat any offensive lineman you put in front of him, high school or not. Now he is still learning quickly as this is his first year in a major role on the varsity team, but he is progressing at an impressive rate and has the best college programs in the country excited about his potential.</p>   <p>As he continues to understand the nuance of the game and maintain his advantage in the leverage battle, he has the potential to be as good as he wants to be at any level.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1971996498394337634?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5.) Baylor Tight End [player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein']</h2>   <p>Rein has been a "my guy" since I watched his highlights from Starr's Mill (GA) last season to prepare for what type of player that Baylor would be getting in their new tight end. I was not disappointed when I watched a near 6-foot-6 playmaker move at an impressively fluid rate and showcase the ability to pick up yards after the reception with ease as well as high point the football.</p>   <p>He comes from an athletic family and that natural movement ability has been on full display this season. As he continues to pack on weight to his frame and pick up on a lot being thrown his way in this offense, he will continue his rise as a national recruit.</p>   <p>Under the leadership of former SEC tight ends coach Erik Kimrey, he should develop into a solid tight end prospect that can be a real receiving factor, block hard, and create explosive plays. He could have a very similar development arc to former Baylor tight end Max LeBlanc, who is currently playing for Ohio State.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1961590366844395719?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6.) Westview Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson']</h2>   <p>Westview has surged back to being one of the premier small school teams in the state with an impressive core of playmakers on offense led by their standout sophomore signal caller Simpson.</p>   <p>While he does have some limitations in his stature, so did his old brother Ty Simpson who is now a Heisman trophy contender at Alabama, and it is not worrisome enough especially at this stage in his development. That lack of a huge frame does not hold him back however as he effectively pushes the ball around to his excellent playmakers.</p>   <p>As he continues to grow both physically and on the field, his stock will continue to rise as a prospect in the 2028 cycle.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TNGridironBlitz/status/1971731430519853485?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7.) Battle Ground Academy Receiver Max Curry</h2>   <p>Another BGA standout sophomore on this list, Curry is an explosive playmaker from the slot that has taken the next step forward this season to round out his game. He has a lot of things necessary in a slot receiver with his ability to win downfield, convert third downs, pick up yards after the catch, and be moved around the formation.</p>   <p>He has put it all together for a big season in an expanded role this season, hauling in 934 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on an average of 27.5 yards per catch.</p>   <p>Also coming from an impressive athletic family, he has shown the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in a variety of ways, including helping his team at cornerback this season. As he continues to grow both physically and in the nuances of the game, he will be another top prospect to watch in the state.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1971749747049554291?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8.) Baylor Offensive Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1704258' first='Dante' last='Wade']</h2>   <p>In a class that quietly features a plethora of big, athletic trench talent, I am going to call my shot to an extent on the younger Wade brother, who is in his first season at Baylor.</p>   <p>While he has just been rotated in here and there this season largely due to a veteran offensive line with two Power Four tackle commits, I was able to see him in the summer some as well, and the combination of size and athleticism is just unfair if he develops the right way at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds already. He will step into a <em>very</em> large role at tackle next season, but will be relied on to show up on the defensive line in the meantime.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DanteWade89/status/1980412618092523556?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9.) East Nashville Defensive Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips']</h2>   <p>East Nashville has loaded up on impressive trench bodies and that is a large (literally) part of the team success this season and something that gives me a level of confidence on them making a deep run. Perhaps the best of the bunch is Phillips, who is a massive nose tackle prospect that has the size, strength, and pushback ability to be a menace up front and sets the tone from the frontmost line of the defense.</p>   <p>He impressed me in warmups in the game I was able to see him in, trying to get in every possible rep of preparation with the coaching staff and it did not feel forced at all. That motor has led to him quickly developing as an anchor of their defensive line and will be an intriguing prospect to watch moving forward.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1966292106403577917?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10.) Beech Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr</h2>   <p>As I was watching Phillips in that game, another sophomore that stood out was Laster who is an explosive playmaker wherever he is positioned on the field in all three facets.</p>   <p>I like him best as a receiver/returner who offenses can move around the formation to use his home-run ability to create explosive plays for their team, while not sacrificing any blocking responsibilities to get him on the field, allowing him to play every single down.</p>   <p>In his first season on the varsity team at Beech, he has made his mark and will be an interesting prospect to keep tabs on moving forward throughout his process.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/1966312662381531637?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Prospects Primed to Take Next Step</h2>   <p>There are several other prospects in the 2028 recruiting class that are still playing in the postseason right now that have caught my attention over the course of the season and deserve mentions in this story as each player has their own strong case and honestly a large majority of these recruits, I just simply need to see how they do with a more significant role next season as a junior.</p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">RUNNING BACKS</span></strong></p>   <p>At running back, Page standout [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] is someone who will certainly begin to see offers come his way at some point in his high school career. He is a bowling ball of a running back that is tough to bring down and boasts solid acceleration that allows him to attack violently when given a crease. Blackman has their own running back with a sturdy frame that runs behind his pads and can pick up yards quickly with [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance']. D'Aerion McNealy has shown the ability to effectively slice through defenses with his timely cuts for Tyner.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/drew_toennies/status/1961250919690953082?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">RECEIVERS</span></strong></p>   <p>There are a handful of receivers that I am excited to see in larger roles next season that have the opportunity to keep building momentum ahead of potential breakout seasons next year. Damien Elder is rocking the number three at East Nashville and he has represented that number well with an impressive display of length, athleticism, and ability. He was a pleasant surprise at a game this year and I can not wait to watch him progress next season! [player_tooltip player_id='1586170' first='Gabriel' last='Cabell'] comes from an athletic family and is a track superstar. With his frame already similar to his older brother and Alabama commit Owen, you could make the case he might have the most upside. He is an exciting prospect that will absolutely become the alpha target in the offense next season at CPA. Other players such as [player_tooltip player_id='424660' first='Hank' last='DeGennaro'] (Baylor) and [player_tooltip player_id='1030094' first='JaVonni' last='Malone'] (Oakland) are physical receivers in run-first schemes that have stepped up when their teams have asked them to and should shine as juniors next season. [player_tooltip player_id='1030583' first='Brycen' last='Mitchell'] at Blackman is another intriguing prospect to keep tabs on.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/connersmith04/status/1966326143054667929?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LINEMEN</span></strong></p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon'] has been a massive part of the Oakland rushing attack with both his strong anchor and ability to pull from his guard position. If he grows a little bit more, he could become a very attractive guard prospect. [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris'] is an intriguing prospect at Pearl-Cohn along both trenches, but his potential is best on the defensive interior in my opinion. He is a tad undersized but has a strong and sturdy frame that allows him to not get pushed off his spot. CPA has a promising defensive lineman that has been rotated in with [player_tooltip player_id='989275' first='Houston' last='Payne'] and I will be excited to watch his progression to his junior season. [player_tooltip player_id='1181753' first='Makhi' last='Rodriguez'] is a massive two-way lineman for Blackman that is big, powerful, and has some natural athleticism.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/h56lywood/status/1984324896428892288?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LINEBACKERS</span></strong></p>   <p>Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'] has had a breakthrough season for Page and will be relied upon to take on a bigger role next season and should become a name known around the mid-state pretty quickly for what should be another strong Patriots defense. For Alcoa, outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'] creates a lot of havoc in the backfield as he sets a strong edge and harasses opposing offensive tackles.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/connersmith04/status/1989513338716655975?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DEFENSIVE BACKS</span></strong></p>   <p>Safety/STAR [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] of BGA has played brilliantly in his first year of significant varsity run and has quickly risen up my board for this cycle, catching my attention in a scrimmage vs Baylor in the summer and that momentum has carried over to the fall. After transferring to Marion County, defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills'] has broken out in his own right and is very much so an opportunist, who will create turnovers whenever he can. Whitehaven has relied on a lot of young talent to grow up fast this season and cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='855617' first='Andrew' last='Robinson'] has made plays.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/2028Drew/status/1961838280141357151?s=20 </div></figure>

The TSSAA playoff brackets now feature just 60 high school football teams spanning the entire state of Tennessee and the teams that have made deep runs to this point have some impressive underclass talent that have broken out into legitimate Division One recruits in their sophomore seasons.