Final Look at 2026 Class: ‘My Guy’ at each position

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the early signing period over, a large majority of the Division One level prospects from the state of Tennessee have now signed their letter of intent, and know which college they will be playing for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that being said, written content for the 2026 recruiting cycle is coming to an end (coverage will continue on Twitter/X).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After spending multiple years scouting the 2026 prospects across the state of Tennessee, here are some of “my guys,” showing my personal favorite under-the-radar prospect at each position in this cycle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southwind QB [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] (Austin Peay)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["480742"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693b9a02a568a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] is an exciting quarterback prospect with true dual-threat abilities, accounting for over 4,000 yards and 69 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is undersized, but has a lively arm with touch and accuracy that can fit the ball into tighter windows downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a rusher, he is explosive and shifty, which makes him incredibly hard to bring down and can extend plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin Peay is getting a dual-threat quarterback prospect that can make explosive plays happen when directing an offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NCS RB TJ Ward (Uncommitted)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693b9a02a56f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">TJ Ward is an intriguing tailback with the size of a linebacker and the athleticism to generate big plays on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has the size to be a bruising back and pick up tough yards between the tackles with enough wiggle and the plus athleticism to be a whole lot more than just that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the high school level, he has created several explosive plays and is tough to bring down when he gets going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior running back prospect is still available at the moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Page WR [player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman'] (Samford)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853120"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693b9d4675684"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman'] is one of the most underrated prospects in the entire state with his strong all-around skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has very good length with a strong frame to keep adding weight upon and is a fluid natural mover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has the athleticism and change of direction ability to be a factor at any part of the field including downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aukerman is a reliable target, hauling in the targets that get within his catch radius, which has made him invaluable on third downs and in other clutch moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is also a competitive and physical blocker, which produces strong results at his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samford got an absolute steal in this one and kept him despite a coaching change.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ensworth TE Eli Wilt (Western Kentucky)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309335"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693bbd3e3960c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eli Wilt is a long, athletic tight end prospect with good receiving upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a lengthy frame that offers a large catch radius for his quarterback to target and has the natural movement skills to consistently get open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His ability to get open, football intelligence to find and sit in open zones, and catch radius give him a strong projection as a security blanket in third down and red zone situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With programs rotating several tight ends in this era, Wilt should have a defined role at the next level, especially in a Western Kentucky offense that looks to air it out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alcoa OT [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'] (Texas Tech)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1366546"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693b9d4675705"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'] is an intriguing offensive tackle prospect with elite length and very good athleticism that should allow for him to be a productive right tackle at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a strong, lengthy frame that allowed him to anchor a strong Alcoa offensive line unit. As he keeps adding more weight, he will look right in place the minute he steps on the practice field at Texas Tech.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has good baseline athleticism and physicality that could pop at the next level with collegiate coaching at one of the best programs in the nation at the moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He popped at a Prep Redzone showcase this offseason, which got the momentum in his recruitment started, and he hasn't looked back since.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cookeville IOL [player_tooltip player_id='866469' first='Austin' last='Hoane'] (Cincinnati)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866469"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693b9d467575b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='866469' first='Austin' last='Hoane'] is a versatile offensive line prospect with good size, anchor and athleticism, making it easy to see why he quickly rose to being a Power Four commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-foot-4, he will have great length for a guard and will be very tough to get through with the grip strength and anchor he is working with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is exciting because be can stonewall defensive tackles in-line, but also get in space to work to the second level and seal a defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cincinnati has one of the better offensive line coaches in the country in Nic Cardwell and he should be excited about the potential that [player_tooltip player_id='866469' first='Austin' last='Hoane'] holds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bradley Central IDL AJ Westfield (Tulane)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["927765"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693ba35897ad0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">AJ Westfield is an exciting prospect that can play all over the defensive line and has a ton of potential to build upon at Tulane.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a strong frame with good size that he can keep adding to with great athleticism to generate pressure in the backfield at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a basketball background and that shows up with him being comfortable working in space as well and can attack any of the five offensive lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is big, athletic, and on a promising development arc with the potential to eventually be a transfer-up candidate as a versatile defensive lineman that can get after the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Houston EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] (Middle Tennessee)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620473"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693ba35897b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] is an attractive edge rusher with loads of potential due to his length, athleticism and high-level ability in pursuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His length and athleticism is a problem for opposing offensive lineman and as he begins to put pounds on that frame and add power to his arsenal, he will have a formidable baseline skillset to get after the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he is putting on the needed weight, he will need to develop more of a pass-rushing plan, but could play early as a designated pass rusher in third down situations to cause havoc in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This caliber of frame, length, and athleticism all in one player doesn't get past the Power Four level often and Middle Tennessee recognized that pushing until the end to flip him from Jacksonville State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Riverdale LB [player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] (Uncommitted)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1151463"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693ba842b3419"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] is a rock-solid linebacker prospect who holds a strong frame and is effective at working downhill to bring down ball carriers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has been the anchor of his defense from the second level with his ability to attack downhill and sure tackling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is an old-school type of inside linebacker that can fit rushing lanes and just keep finding the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee just offered him a PWO spot and he could provide what fellow local PWO inside linebacker Korey Smith has provided for the Blue Raiders, but within a bigger frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Greeneville CB [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] (Tennessee)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1181026"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693ba842b3480"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] is an exciting high-potential prospect who is a Power Four level talent on both sides of the ball, but projects best as a cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a good frame at six-foot and elite track explosiveness that will be harnessed at the next level to reach his potential at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A three sport athlete with high-level winning in each one, Anderson is a pure competitor who is a difference maker and will find ways to make plays for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has the very good length, elite explosiveness, and high-level ball skills to develop into a disruptive cornerback for Tennessee with the ability to be a high-impact special teams performer immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blackman SAF [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] (Chattanooga)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1589509"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693ba842b34dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] is an intriguing prospect with very good length and athleticism to pair with an all-around skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He took a major step forward in his first year at Blackman as a senior and could quickly become a high-impact FCS safety at Chattanooga.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has great length and athleticism that allows him to cover a lot of space with the ability to finish plays against both the pass and run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He should be able to be used around the back end of the defense with his size, range, tackling, and coverage ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chattanooga made a huge move to flip him from Mercer on signing day to keep him in-state and he could be the latest defensive back to transfer up from the team due to strong traits and performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->