TN2026 Best Available (Offensive Backfield)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The last signing day for the 2026 recruiting cycle is near by and we still have some talented ball players left on the open market here in Tennessee, including the prospects below. Based on our senior rankings, here we breakdown the top quarterbacks and running backs available and still looking for a college home. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 500</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] - Anderson Co.&nbsp; (43rd overall/2nd ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Thompson is the top ranked running back and offensive skill player left from our 2026 recruiting class that is still looking for a home and looking for an opportunity to prove his worth. Coming off his lone season with Anderson County, Thompson produced a big senior year where he ran for 1,981 yards and 35 total touchdowns while also catching the ball for 674 yards through the air. This is an explosive, talented runner that brings big play abilities to the playing field that could be a steal for whoever he signs with. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason on why he is available but Thompson might have to take what's given to him and work his way towards his hopeful destination. There is a reason however on why Thompson is ranked as a Top 50 senior prospects and that's because he is legit!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] - CPA&nbsp; (71st overall/4th ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Strong and well balanced with a secondary burst, Patterson is one of the more overlooked prospects we have in the TN2026 class and here he sits still uncommitted and looking for somewhere to call home. This guy is a multi year starter and two time state champion that simply knows how to get the job done, especially when the bright lights are shining on him. Patterson may not have the ideal look or size wanted by college coaches but the dude can run and he does so with the utmost effort and physicality. I do think Patterson will sign during the upcoming February signing day but I'm not sure as to what level that will be. I do believe the Lions ball carrier is a D1 guy that just needs an opportunity. Wherever Patterson signs, I expect him to excel but this guy is a “football player” that knows how to win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward'] - Nash. Christian&nbsp; (79th overall/7th ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Recruiting buzz has surrounded Ward for the better part of two years but as we head down the final stretch of the 2026 process, the Eagles running back still remains available. A big reason why Ward sits on the open market is due to his grades. His journey looks like it could begin in JuCo but that's ok as it gives Ward a chance to build his academics while continuing to develop as a football player. What this Mid-Tennessee product brings to the field is physicality and size along with deceptive speed in the open field. This is a hard nosed runner that will lower the shoulder and run you over. That is due to his powerful lower base and well balanced style of running. Ward may have to take the long journey to D1 football but the talent is there to reach his goals one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2005472,"width":"338px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.301165627541339","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/TJW.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2005472" style="aspect-ratio:1.301165627541339;width:338px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Drew Toennies Prep Redzone Tennessee</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] - Science Hill&nbsp; (130th overall/10th ranked QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- At this point in the recruiting process, Clement is the best available quarterback we have from the TN2026 class and a passer that I think will be even better on the college level after some time developing and inside the weight room. Standing 6 '4 and 200 plus pounds, Clement has the size wanted for the next level along with the mechanics and passing upside to become a starting guy somewhere down the road. He is coming off a strong senior campaign with the Hilltoppers where he tossed the ball for 2,220 yards and 21 touchdowns along with a 62 percent completion percentage. This is an accurate passer with good arm strength that can put the ball wherever he wants to. Learning defensive coverages is the biggest thing about Clement he must work on but if he does and improves vastly in this area, finding his way to the D1 level one day is very possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=QB">#TN2026 Quarterback Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner'] - Chatt. Prep&nbsp; (132nd overall/10th ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If Gardner was two to three inches taller, he would already be signed but here he sits available for the taking and one of the best running backs prospects left from our senior class. The Sentinels ball carrier is dynamic with the ball in his hands and one of the more elusive runners we have in this class that can hit the home run anytime he touches the open field. Gardner is coming off a strong last season with Chatt. Prep where he ran for 1,447 yards on just 111 carries along with 18 touchdowns while averaging 13 yards per carry. Even though I understand why college staffs are hesitant on getting on board with Gardner but the dude can run the ball and defenders have a hard time corralling him. Navy recently offered and they may be in the driver seat but I'm interested to see where Gardner signs and how he impacts the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] - Briarcrest Christian&nbsp; (145th overall/11th ranked QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Throughout the past three years, I've done a lot of scouting on Tucker and I still think he has another level to his game, even with him coming off his best season yet with the Saints. This Memphis area product is a strong armed passer that shows a mature understanding of the game, especially knowing how to release the ball on time and fit it into windows. Tucker still has plenty of development to go in this area but he is already well versed, which could help him within a college quarterback locker room. Looking at his options headed into signing day, Tucker is still searching for quality options but his college road may have to start on the lower level. I think if given the opportunity to prove himself, the Saints signal caller will impress and potentially work his way up, especially inside the portal world we live in.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] - Science Hill&nbsp; (151st overall/12th ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- What might have been is the thought that comes to mind when talking about Perry. This East Tennessee talent missed a big chunk of his senior year and I think that halted his recruitment but Perry is legit and one of the fastest running backs we have in our senior class and the entire state. The Hilltoppers running back gets through the line and into the open field quickly and when he does, Perry separates from the defender with his outstanding speed. It may be very possible that Perry must begin his college journey on the D2 or NAIA level but if given the opportunity to perform, he is definitely a guy I can see playing his way up to the FCS or D1 playing stage one day and that's due to his speed and game breaking abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1524527,"width":"255px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/aperry.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1524527" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1687175' first='Kavious' last='Record'] - Germantown&nbsp; (158th overall/13th ranked RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Record is a scouting find for me as he doesn't have a lot of college interest at the moment but is someone I feel could shine on the next level with a bigger role. The Red Devils senior running back saw expanded time in the backfield this past season where Record provided a nice balance of power running and elusive movements along with being one of the better pass catching backs we have from the TN2026 class. Record does have more development to go but the traits are good and the upside is real. I think this Memphis area product is way under the radar and a player with his best football days ahead of him. All signs point towards him signing with a lower level school but if given the opportunity to perform, I think Record can play his way up in the portal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=RB">#TN2026 Running Back Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='205650' first='Blaine' last='Stansberry'] - Oak Ridge&nbsp; (168th overall/12th ranked QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Stansberry is coming off his best high school season yet as he led his Wildcats team to a region title while also boosting his stock as a college recruit. All that work however hasn't been enough thus far to get him committed or signed but he will be after the upcoming February signing day or at least should be. The Wildcats senior quarterback vastly improved his body, which showed up last season with better arm strength. Stansberry is a pass first dual threat guy that shows the ability to read windows and get the ball there quickly with improved zip. At the time of writing this piece, Stansberry holds a few options in hand, including an offer from Stetson but I'm interested to see where he lands and how he develops on the next level because I can see him becoming a college starter one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau'] - McCallie&nbsp; (174th overall/13th ranked QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Drapeau is a bit of a throwback and I think that's a big factor behind why he isn't committed and still left on the open market, waiting to be scooped up. This native Canadian is a true pocket passer that stands 6'5 225 pounds that also throws from the left side. Drapeau is a smooth passer with clean mechanics with enough arm strength to push the ball down field. He remains calm in the pocket as well, showing good footwork and a feel for the rush. He fits a particular system on the next level, one that is pass happy, especially in the vertical game. The Blue Tornado quarterback shows college starting abilities but will certainly have to find that right fit that will showcase his game properly. Drapeau does bring value as a multi-year starter and state champion that could develop one day into a college starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2104864,"width":"364px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501511939105349","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/edrapeau.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2104864" style="aspect-ratio:1.501511939105349;width:364px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Ten Best Available</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432194' first='Josiah' last='Claybrooks'] - </strong>Kirkwood&nbsp; (<strong>181st overall/16th ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116799' first='Chaz' last='Martin'] </strong>- Wilson Central&nbsp; (<strong>238th overall/18th ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106238' first='Michael' last='Hassell'] </strong>- FRA&nbsp; (<strong>239th overall/19th ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>- Page&nbsp; (<strong>241st overall/20th ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651725' first='Darreus' last='McFadden'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst.&nbsp; (<strong>242nd overall/21st ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795241' first='Isaiah' last='Batten'] </strong>- Pope Prep&nbsp; (<strong>243rd overall/16th ranked QB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones'] </strong>- Unicoi Co.&nbsp; (<strong>255th overall/17th QB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986857' first='Ridge' last='Holman'] </strong>- Davidson Acad.&nbsp; (<strong>256th overall/18th QB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn&nbsp; (<strong>294th overall/22nd ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600227' first='Nix' last='Fullen'] </strong>- Tipton-Rosemark&nbsp; (<strong>306th overall/23rd ranked RB</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1803879,"width":"278px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/jclaybrooks.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1803879" style="width:278px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->