Underclassmen Standouts from NPA’s 7v7 Workout

The National Playmakers Academy hosted a private 7v7 workout over the weekend for its top in-state athletes, as well as some from out of state.   The talent participating in it featured multiple blue-chip prospects from each age group, including the young bucks.   A plethora of underclassmen caught my attention, and I'm here to scout them. I've selected 10 of the best young guys who were there that you should already know or should be on your radar.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Jamil-Thompson-29-TN.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1554753" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knoxville Webb OL [player_tooltip player_id='1355869' first='Jamil' last='Thompson'].</figcaption></figure>   2029 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1355869' first='Jamil' last='Thompson'] – Knoxville Webb   Knoxville Webb's [player_tooltip player_id='1355869' first='Jamil' last='Thompson'] is one of the most intriguing prospects in the state of Tennessee. He possesses outstanding size, standing 6-feet-6 inches tall and weighing 325 pounds, but is a raw offensive tackle.   With that being said, he clearly has excellent size and athleticism for his position, along with physicality at the offensive tackle position.   Thompson needs to develop in several areas, but he checks all the boxes in terms of physical tools.   Tennessee is filled with a plethora of talented trench players, but the Knox Webb 2028 prospect is part of the next wave.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Dhillon-Booker.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1752271" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DL [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'].</figcaption></figure>   2029 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] – Franklin Road Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] caught my eye immediately at NPA's 7v7 workout, showcasing his outstanding footwork and fluidity as a freshman defensive lineman.   His size makes him a versatile option on the defensive side of the football, as he stands 6-feet-1 inches tall and weighs 218 pounds with a long frame.   You could either put him at defensive end or let Booker be a stand-up edge rusher once he grows a bit. Regardless, he will be a highly productive player for the FRA Panthers over the next three seasons.   The 2029 prospect is quick, physical, a good tackler and a high motor.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Remello-Armstrong.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1704933" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH Remello Armstrong at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2029 ATH Remello Armstrong – Franklin Road Academy   Freshman athlete Remello Armstrong is part of the next wave of FRA standout players.   He can play both ways, but he fits more naturally as a wide receiver, thanks to his size and athleticism. He stands 6-feet tall and weighs 190 pounds, with impressive length for a freshman.   Armstrong is explosive, shifty and possesses good route-running skills, making him an excellent talent at wide receiver.   The 2029 prospect didn't see much varsity time this season, but should be a big part of the team in 2026.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Luke-Tritch-PRZ.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1633633" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale WR [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2029 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] – Riverdale High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] is one of my favorite wide receivers in the state. He was expected to start for the Riverdale Warriors, but my goodness, he was exceptional as a slot receiver.   He's a compact guy at 5-feet-11 inches tall and 180 pounds, but plays bigger than that. Tritch has been seen making tough grabs over bigger defensive backs plenty of times this season.   In his freshman year, he caught 48 passes for 714 yards and seven scores. Indeed, an impressive first season, but he's just scratching the surface of his potential.   Tritch is a high-motor player who catches everything and is a top-tier competitor on and off the field.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-21-2025-4-10-09-PM-crop-1008x662-1766355128.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2087636" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA ATH Jake Berte. Photo from his Instagram @jakeberte.</figcaption></figure>   2029 ATH Jake Berte – Battle Ground Academy   Freshman athlete Jake Berte is a talented prospect with a high ceiling on both sides of the football, but is better suited as a defensive back.   At 6-feet-2 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, he boasts good size for his age and will be a productive player for Battle Ground Academy.   He was impressive at NPA's 7v7 workout when they stuck him at safety, as he plays good coverage in the back end of a defense. Berte moves extremely well and flies around the field to make plays.   The 2029 defensive back also tackles well, allowing him to play anywhere on the gridiron.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/mporter2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2075422" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA WR [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter']. Taken by Shayne Pickering, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure>   2029 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] – Battle Ground Academy   Battle Ground Academy's freshman sensation just finished up his first year of high school and was already back to work over the weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] is an elite talent on the offensive side of the football, potentially on his way to a five-star rating.   In 13 games at BGA, he caught 78 passes for 1,547 yards and 27 touchdowns, including a massive performance in the state championship.   The 2029 prospect boasts a great frame, standing 6-feet-2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, with long arms.   There are no complaints about his game, as he's even become a much more physical wide receiver as the 2025 season progressed.   Porter is the complete package, possessing great hands, the willingness to block, he's exceptional after the catch and has the ability to make tough catches look easy.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Max-Curry-TN-28-PRZN.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1280668" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA WR Max Curry at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2028 WR Max Curry – Battle Ground Academy   Porter's teammate is also an extremely talented player, but their games are very different.   Max Curry is a compact wide receiver standing 5-feet-10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, but his speed and burst are second to none. He's one of the fastest and most athletic players in Tennessee, which helped him enjoy a breakout campaign in 2025.   Curry caught 57 passes for 1,404 yards and 20 touchdowns as one of the most dynamic weapons in the Southeast.   The rising junior is outstanding after the catch and as a deep threat, averaging 24.6 yards per reception. He's also a solid blocker and a high-motor player.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Jermaine-Cobbins-28-tn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1193391" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Springfield DB [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins']. </figcaption></figure>   2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] – Springfield High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] is an impressive sophomore defensive back who's quickly turning into one of the top 2028 prospects nationally.   He's an absolute beast on the gridiron who's more of a safety but can play all over the field.   The Springfield defensive back has a great frame for his age, with plenty of strength. Cobbins is a defensive back, but he often resembles a linebacker due to his consistent ability to deliver vicious hits.   He's highly swift and has good hips in coverage as well.   Cobbins has outstanding instincts and the ability to track down the football. He's the No. 1 in-state DB for his class per Prep Redzone, and for good reason.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-21-2025-4-20-59-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2087642" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DB [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] at an NPA 7v7 event.</figcaption></figure>   2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] missed the 2025 season due to an injury, but is one of the more talented defensive backs in the state.   His return is much anticipated by those who fully understand his capabilities, and he is expected to have a breakout year in 2026.   Thompson plays safety, but can be moved all over the gridiron due to his versatility as a physical tackler, along with his coverage skills.   He has good size at 6-feet-1 inches tall and 170 pounds, with impressive athleticism to make the BGA defensive back an interesting prospect. He'll likely make his long-awaited debut with the Wildcats next season, where he could turn into a productive player.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-19-2025-9-29-29-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1759440219-crop-797x523-1759440260-crop-796x522-1759440323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1925296" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']. Taken by Conner Smith, Prep Redzone</figcaption></figure>   2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] – Riverdale High School   Riverdale's [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] is an impressive talent at quarterback who has consistently improved over the past calendar year.   After transferring to RHS, he had an abysmal first-career start against Knoxville Catholic, throwing four interceptions.   However, he learned from that game and went on to be the Region 3-6A Offensive MVP after throwing for 2,677 yards with 32 total touchdowns.   He's a highly talented player with outstanding poise and confidence in the pocket, good accuracy, nice touch on his passes, a solid arm and the mobility to keep plays alive.

The National Playmakers Academy hosted a private 7v7 workout over the weekend for its top in-state athletes, as well as some from out of state.