Scouting Notes: East-West All Star Game

<p>Prep Redzone Tennessee was in attendance to cover the TACA Tennessee East-West All-Star Game today with a matchup that featured a strong group of talented senior prospects.</p>   <p>In most likely their final football outing before the college ranks, these players took the game seriously and it was a competitive atmosphere from start to finish.</p>   <p>The East squad pulled off the upset on a strong West squad, winning the game by a score of 22-16.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUARTERBACK</h2>   <p>The quarterback position was led by Appalachian State signee [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] (Upperman) who was unstoppable as a rusher in this game.</p>   <p>He showed his competitive nature as he put his head down as a runner in an event like this and went back and forth with the opposing players all game long.</p>   <p>He rushed 17 times for 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns as well as punching in a two-point conversion late.</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/1999952046603358629?s=46 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">RUNNING BACKS</h2>   <p>West Virginia signee [player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley'] is an explosive playmaker that the defense was not going to let beat them, but still find ways to make play strong plays happen for the West squad.</p>   <p>He recorded 32 all-purpose yards in the game and was utilized on the perimeter and in between the 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/shaynep_media/status/1999920554481238458?s=46 </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='492601' first='Caden' last='Stroud'] and Mason Ford were a formidable tailback duo for the East squad, combining for 18 carries and 108 yards.</p>   <p>Their physical downhill rushing style kept picking up yards and keeping the East team ahead of the chains and in favorable positions.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">RECEIVERS</h2>   <p>In a game that was very, very limited on the passing, it was hard for receivers to stand out. However, that didn't stop the perimeter players from finding ways to flash their potential.</p>   <p>Arkansas State signee [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] caught the first touchdown of the game on a quick slant and nearly hauled in another one, but the deep shot was just barely overthrown. He finished with four receptions for 47 yards and the touchdown.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1871502' first='Sawyer' last='Boyd'] and Bowling Green signee [player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] hauled in an explosive touchdown each for their respective teams. Both have solid combinations of size and 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/shaynep_media/status/1999961548849377775?s=46 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TIGHT ENDS</h2>   <p>Delaware signee [player_tooltip player_id='813499' first='Dre' last='Walker'] has an intriguing frame with athleticism, giving him the potential to be a chain-mover at the college level.</p>   <p>He just had one target, in which he converted a key third down late, but routinely got open over the middle of the field.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OFFENSIVE LINE</h2>   <p>The West squad had an impressive offensive line unit, especially at each tackle spot.</p>   <p>Tennessee signee [player_tooltip player_id='944767' first='Kamari' last='Blair'] has solid size with exciting athleticism and anchor.</p>   <p>He was able to effectively long arm speed rushers and seal off stronger ends all day long. He will need to fill out his frame but he has the ability to be a high-quality SEC offensive lineman down the road, whether on the inside or at right tackle.</p>   <p>Western Kentucky signee [player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] keeps progressing and had another strong performance in this all-star event.</p>   <p>He has a solid frame with good athleticism, anchor and versatility. He can beat an end the his spot or hold his ground and seal off that pass rusher. He could be a really strong addition to the Hilltoppers program.</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/jordancurll/status/1999527382676279509?s=46 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DEFENSIVE LINE</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] made his presence known loud and clear throughout the entirety of this football game.</p>   <p>While he is pretty undersized, he finds ways to win reps and just make plays. He was a problem for offensive lineman with his leverage advantage, strength, and motor all day long.</p>   <p>He recorded six tackles and two sacks for the East Squad while facing a big Division One offensive line from top to bottom.</p>   <p>Tennessee signee [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] made plays off the edge and has really filled out a long, strong frame.</p>   <p>He is big, strong and athleticism and will be able to make plays across the defensive front for Josh Heupel and the Volunteers.</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/1999931733115113862?s=46 </div></figure>   <p>Tremel Johnson kept making play after play throughout the whole game and ended up leading his team in tackles.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">EDGE RUSHERS and LINEBACKERS</h2>   <p>The edge rushers in this game were dynamic all day long, constantly causing havoc in the backfield.</p>   <p>With Groves playing that end role, the West squad was able to use long, explosive pass rushers around him such as Michigan State signee [player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] Jr. and Middle Tennessee signee [player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'].</p>   <p>House is long and explosive, which allows him to set a firm, consistent edge.</p>   <p>He has the ability to generate pressure from anywhere on the field after moving around the defense in high school, and could quickly become an impactful player for the Spartans as he fills out his frame.</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/1999947890299670922?s=46 </div></figure>   <p>Similar things can be said for Jimerson, who has very impressive length and athleticism. As he packs on weight to that frame, the Blue Raiders could finally have their long-term pass rushing option off the edge.</p>   <p>At linebacker, Traivon Jackson stole the show, making a seamless transition into the inside linebacker role.</p>   <p>He has a strong build along with the athleticism and finishing ability he showed off the edge in high school and utilized that to his advantage on the inside today.</p>   <p>He is just a good football player at the end of the day.</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/ohspatsfootball/status/1998916006744637879?s=46 </div></figure>   <p>Another player that fits that example is [player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'], who just kept doing what he has done all year and take away plays.</p>   <p>He constantly forced tailbacks outside and made plays on the ball carrier when they did kick it outside.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] is a big, explosive linebacker that reads the game at a higher level every week of experience he adds to his resume.</p>   <p>He is a prospect that a Division One program should take a chance on and find ways to utilize his size, explosiveness, and play finishing ability at the next 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/tnallstar/status/1999963089282982081?s=46 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DEFENSIVE BACKS</h2>   <p>Chattanooga signee [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] was all over the field at safety and on special teams during the game.</p>   <p>He blocked one kick and narrowly missed one or two others during the contest.</p>   <p>At his safety position, he provided valuable help over the top and in the slot, showing why he is one of the most underrated recruits in the 2026 class.</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/1996217997812244819?s=46 </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='492602' first='Amari' last='Peters'] consistently showed up at safety, making big tackle after big tackle.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen'] was very productive as both a player and leader, recording six tackles and getting his defense in the best spot possible before the snap.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] also made several plays and continued to build on a strong senior season that included a state championship game appearance.</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/1999957331581472833?s=46 </div></figure>

Prep Redzone Tennessee was in attendance to cover the TACA Tennessee East-West All-Star Game today with a matchup that featured a strong group of talented senior prospects.