PRZTN Winter Showcase: Standout Underclassmen

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We had a large contingent last weekend at the Prep Redzone TN Winter Showcase with a lot of best performances coming from underclassmen. Here we breakdown the top performers from the Showcase and how they looked as potential college prospects. Some names you may know below while others jumped forward to boost their stocks. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Camp Evaluations from the 2028/2029 recruiting classes)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1088646' first='Caleb' last='Sims'] - Peabody: </strong>A regular at our PRZTN showcases, Sims had his best performance yet as threw the ball with precision while displaying good arm power on his way to earning MVP honors for the quarterback position. Sporting good size with a live arm, Sims comes from a small school in West Tennessee but has a big player game that could be ready to breakout next season. The Golden Tide junior has good size with solid arm strength and enough athleticism to make a difference. He does have plenty of learning left to go but the college tools are certainly in place.&nbsp; If his work at the Winter Showcase is any indication, Sims is set for his best off-season and ready to push his game to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest: </strong>Mitchell was one of the top overall offensive performers from our Winter Showcase that continued to boost his stock coming off a season where he led the state in rushing. This rising junior ball carrier excelled during the testing portion of camp then proceeded to do good work throughout drill work and 1 on 1 competition. The best thing that stood to me was Mitchell's quickness and ability to make defenders miss. I'm a big fan of this guy and how he performs, so I'm interested to see what takes place with his recruitment throughout the coming off-season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102382,"width":"271px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8475120385232745","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/qmitchell3.jpg?w=867" alt="" class="wp-image-2102382" style="aspect-ratio:0.8475120385232745;width:271px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] - Oakland: </strong>Recently transferring from Riverdale to Oakland, Vaughn put together an outstanding camp performance last weekend where he proved to be one of the fastest offensive prospects in attendance. This Murfreesboro area prospect had the fastest 40 time for all running backs while also being one of the better pass catchers as well. Vaughn is a tad undersized with height but is well put together physically with an explosive lower base. He does need to continue getting bigger but I wouldn't be surprised to see his recruitment blow up during the off-season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'] - Knox. Catholic: </strong>Taking home showcase MVP for the running backs, Buntyn, Jr had one of the better overall performances at camp as he displayed a variety of talents and upside for the next level. Where this East Tennessee talent performed the best was during 1 on 1 competition. Buntyn, Jr absolutely dominated with his pass catching abilities as opposing defenders could not keep up with him. His elusive movements and speed were tough for defenders to deal with. The Fighting Irish sophomore is small in size but is explosive with a third down back look about him that could eventually translate well to college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1704680' first='Jackson' last='Walters'] - Knox. Webb: </strong>Walters proved to be one of the biggest surprises and standouts from camp as he consistently performed well all the way from testing into 1 on 1 competition. This Knoxville area prospect has been an interesting scouting case for me as Walters brings the size and skill set to develop at multiple positions but definitely proved his case last weekend to remain at tight end moving forward. Walters is a big dude that ran well at camp while displaying good route running and outstanding hands. Increasing his agility and speed will definitely boost his game and stock overall as Walters could turn into one of the better tight end prospects from our TN2028 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='2087506' first='J.T.' last='Allen'] - Maryville: </strong>This East Tennessee product immediately looks the part stepping onto the field and he performed like an eventual college guy during his time in Nashville last weekend. Allen is a big dude (6'5 235) that displayed good athletic skills during his drill work and showed upside with his pass catching during 1 on 1 competition. The Rebels rising junior shields off defenders well, using his big body as a clean target for his quarterback while having the ability to create yards after the catch. He couldn't show this off during camp but Allen may be one of the top blocking tight ends from his class. Allen needs further development but the potential is real and I could see him exploding on the recruiting scene this off-season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1694360' first='Jack' last='Clinite'] - Lipscomb Acad.: </strong>Tall and long with a wide radius and a great frame for added weight, Clinite was one of the more impressive offensive talents at camp last weekend and someone to follow over the coming years. The Mustangs tight end did well during testing but really began to stand out during his drill work. He then went on to perform strong in 1 on 1 competition due to his athleticism in the open field and speed off the line. Clinite is a big target that can become even more formidable in time with continued work in the weight room and staying on the field to develop his game. There is a lot of potential within this 6 '5 pass catcher that I'm expecting to take on a bigger role this year and form into a top level 2028 in-state tight end prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102387,"width":"350px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.521532400489064","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/jclinite-crop-1536x1009-1767981266.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2102387" style="aspect-ratio:1.521532400489064;width:350px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial'] - BGA: </strong>One of the top overall prospects attending our showcase did not disappoint as Dial did solid work from beginning to end. This 6 '8 rising junior is a massive young man that eats up a lot of space but Dial is a good athlete too, which he proved during his testing. The Wildcats big man displayed good mobility throughout the day with upside to enhance his athleticism moving forward. What I liked most about Dial was his 1 on 1 work where he showed good pass protection and the ability to stay in front of his man. The footwork was solid, hand placement was good and finishing the block was on point. Dial does need to continue working on his foot speed but his wide base and play recognition makes up for it. You can easily see why Power Four programs are in heavy pursuit!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1537346' first='Brayden' last='Gonzalez'] - Knox. Webb: </strong>We had a strong O-line class at last weekend's showcase but this rising sophomore proved to be the best as he took home MVP honors for his position. Gonzalez was rock solid all the way from his testing towards his 1 on 1 work, where he especially stood out with his technique sound blocking. The Spartans sophomore is a powerful young man that showed excellent hand work along with improved foot speed. Gonzalez is a versatile guy, meaning I could see him developing and performing well at all three interior O-line positions. Continuation in the weight room and forming his body will go a long way towards college coaches looking harder at him and potentially extending scholarship offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1236042' first='Gabriel' last='Gonzalez'] - Knox. Webb: </strong>Much like his brother, Gonzalez proved to be one of the better O-line performers from last weekend's showcase that displayed his future on the next level as a powerful interior mauler. The Spartans sophomore did pretty well throughout the early portion of camp but really stepped things up during his drill work and 1 on 1 competition. Opposing D-linemen had a difficult time working past Gonzalez due to his upper body strength and strong hands. Once he locked on, Gonzalez won his battle. He will need continued work with his bend and agility but you can see the potential with this big man and how he could develop over the next three years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102388,"width":"277px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/ggonzalez.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2102388" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1654478' first='Brody' last='Chilton'] - Smith Co.: </strong>There is a lot to learn and work on over the next several years but Chilton displays the kind of size to make his way into the college game one day. Standing 6'6 250 plus pounds, this Mid-Tennessee product performed well throughout last weekend's showcase, especially during 1 on 1's where Chilton displayed his athleticism and agile lower base. The Owls sophomore has the potential to remain in tackle but does need to add more strength and pack on more weight while enhancing his bend to stay on the outside. I do like what I see from Chilton and what he could form into over time. This off-season will be big for him when it comes to his development and last weekend in Nashville was a step in the right direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'] - Franklin: </strong>Out of all the prospects at camp, Brown sits at the top of the board when it comes to having the look of a future college guy. The Admirals rising junior stands roughly 6 '4 220 plus pounds with good arm length and an athletic profile that still has a lot of room for growth. Brown looked like he was new to the showcase system as it took some time for him to get going but eventually he got comfortable and began to display the potential I saw in him headed into camp. His 1 on 1 work is what stood out the most where his length and speed became a problem for opposing blockers. You could see the pass rushing upside with Brown, especially if he hits the weight room hard while getting in that field work to enhance his skill set. It may take time for coaches to fall in love with Brown but I think in time, they will due to his ability to get into the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='2086906' first='Brayden' last='Colbert'] - BGA: </strong>Look for Colbert to step forward next Fall season as a potential starter for his Wildcats defense and that statement is made after his performance at the PRZTN Winter Showcase last weekend. The Wildcats junior had a strong showing in Nashville all the way from his testing into his 1 on 1 work. Colbert produced one of the fastest 40 times from camp along with doing well during his other testing drills. He showed potential in 1 on 1 competition as a versatile piece that might have a chance to handle cornerback due to his speed. Colbert needs to continue adding in more size while learning the game further but his potential was certainly seen at camp to where he can become an impact player down the road and maybe even the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Several Others to Note: </strong>‘28 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734274' first='Andrew' last='Carlin']</strong> - Signal Mountain, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187446' first='Maddux' last='Moore'] </strong>- Dyer Co., ‘28 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2100846' first='Jose' last='Cruz Jr'] </strong>- Baylor, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704627' first='Reese' last='Foster'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn, ‘28 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672075' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] </strong>- MTCS, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187596' first='Christian' last='Gentry'] </strong>- Gallatin, ‘29 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305637' first='Braxton' last='Logan'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102389,"width":"367px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4027630180658874","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/zbrown.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2102389" style="aspect-ratio:1.4027630180658874;width:367px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->