TN2026 Best Available (Pass Catchers/Off. Athletes)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The cycle for the 2026 recruiting is almost over with our second signing day coming next week but there are still plenty of talented seniors remaining, including these receivers and tight ends below. Who are the best pass catchers left on the open market here in Tennessee? We got you covered here!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1871502' first='Sawyer' last='Boyd'] - Walker Valley&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 55th overall/9th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Boyd is “the” top receiver prospect left from our TN2026 class looking for a home but I feel he will make his decision very soon. The Mustangs pass catcher is coming off a breakout year where he led his team in receiving at 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns while establishing himself as a dangerous deep threat due to his size and separating speed. Boyd can run! He stretches the field as good as anybody from this class and he is still coming into his own, so his best football days appear to be ahead of him. The Mustangs receiver is also a big bodied guy with strong hands that could develop into an outstanding red zone threat. Big upside resides here with Boyd and I wouldn't be surprised to see end up on the D1 stage one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1219648' first='Rayene' last='Chiha'] - Rockvale&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 54th overall/12th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I'm not sure why this Mid-Tennessee product still sits available but he does and whoever grabs him will be getting a steal and someone with a lot of next level upside. What could be holding college coaches back is Chiha's development and maybe his overall size, which is that he isn't a small guy but also not the tallest. He is coming off his best high school yet though where he produced 1,098 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns against strong 6A competition. A big reason why Chiha is a current Top 70 ranked prospect is due to his speed. The Rockets senior is one of the fastest pass catchers in the state that fits very well in the slot. I am a big believer in the upside here and think Chiha could become a star in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers'] - Germantown&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 67th overall/2nd ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the better two-way talents from our TN2026 class, Rogers has the skill set to develop and flourish in college at tight end but that depends on which staff you talk to. The Red Devils senior is a natural athlete that would fit well in college as your flex tight end that can be utilized in a variety of ways. After watching how Rogers developed this past season, it's hard to pinpoint where he best fits because he has upside at both tight end and edge linebacker. This Memphis area product does have the talent to excel in college and they could be on the offensive side of the ball, which is why he is considered one of the best pass catchers remaining from our senior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1923586,"width":"225px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-30-2025-8-52-44-PM-2.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1923586" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:225px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Germantown Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] - Riverdale&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 85th overall/16th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming over to Riverdale for his senior season, Reynolds made the most of it by leading the Warriors in receiving and pushing his game to new levels. This senior pass catcher brings a good skill set to the playing field that I feel can be developed further in college and eventually turn into a top three option that can cause damage in the red zone. Reynolds sits available because some staffs may not think he is fast enough but I think he is but it's his physicality at the line and into the route that makes him so appealing. The Warriors receiver does good work against physicality, showing strong hands and excellent body control. Reynolds is a worker too, so whoever lands him will be adding someone of value that I think has room to grow in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1626178' first='Jackson' last='Neumann'] - MBA &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 108th overall/4th TE)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our top rated available tight end from this senior class is this Nashville area prospect that could be on the verge of making his commitment. Neumann has been a popular prospect over the last few months that has landed offers from the likes of App. State, Lehigh, Morehead St. and others. He is one of the most improved offensive prospects in the state that boosted his stock into a Top 115 rated prospect that has upside to grow further on the next level. Neumann is an interesting prospect as he has the athleticism to flex out but also the physicality to become an excellent in-line blocker. This guy may turn out to be a gem for whoever he signs with as a potential impactful multi-year starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=TE">#TN2026 Tight End Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] - Westview&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 115th overall/19th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Maybe it's grades or coaches simply missing the boat on this guy but Joy is legit and one of the more productive receivers we have in the state, regardless of classification or grade. Strong handed with an excellent physical build, the Chargers wideout is a problem for opposing defenders due to his power and ability to break tackles. Once the ball touches his hands, Joy is tough to bring down, which to me says he could take some handoffs in college. He does need to increase his speed as he gets to the next level but Joy is a baller, a multi-year starter that has produced a ton and competes very hard. I'm curious to see how his journey plays out because Joy has the chops to develop into a college starter and a go-to target that brings a lot of football savvy skills to the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1664168' first='Christopher' last='Damron'] - Westview&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 126th overall/21st WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Chargers were loaded at receiver this past season with Damron possibly having the biggest breakout season that pushed his stock into our Top 150 prospects from the TN2026 class. This guy is a hidden gem that fits perfectly in the slot and he has the speed to get into open space or separate from his defender. His senior year was his best at Westview where Damron produced 948 yards receiving with 19 total touchdowns while averaging 18.6 yards per reception. Even though Damron stands roughly 5'10, 180 pounds, he is a fearless pass catcher that will go over the middle but also work through physical coverage. There could be value as well as a return guy. Damron is a good prospect that should become a strong addition in time for whoever he signs with.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2086426,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/cdamron2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2086426" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] - Anderson Co. &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 127th overall/4th ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>Even though we have Leavell listed as an “athlete” inside our database, most college coaches may like the Mavs senior for receiver, especially after his sensational senior season that saw him produce 1,564 yards on 32 receptions for 19 touchdowns. Those are some silly stats that show his domination last Fall but it also shows his potential in college at receiver. Leavell is a natural athlete that can run and become a dangerous deep threat. He showed improved body control last season with the ability to make catches among contact. I see him as a versatile receiver that can work outside but may fit best in the slot. I also personally like him best on defense as a free safety but can definitely see him developing nicely in college, catching the ball on offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='402550' first='Javaston' last='Badgett'] - Knox. Central&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 166th overall/24th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bobcats earned the PRZTN 5A offensive player of the year in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] </strong>and he wouldn't have gotten that honor without the emergence from Badgett. This undersized but athletic and versatile pass catcher had his best high school season yet where he generated 58 receptions for 1,092 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 18.8 yards per catch. This Knoxville area prospect is well built physically with an extra gear that allows him to get into open space and separate. Badgett is built more like a running back, which is something he could handle in college but that physical makeup and speed allows him to be a dangerous weapon coming out of the slot. Starting on the D2 or NAIA level may be where Badgett starts but he can become an impact player that potentially moves up one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=WR">#TN2026 Wide Receiver Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1431843' first='Emanuel' last='Palmer'] - Collierville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 167th overall/25th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For two years now, this Memphis area receiver has been one of the more productive pass catchers in the state but as we hit signing day next week, Palmer is still on the open market. He did miss some time last Fall due to injury but still showed the explosiveness and speed that translates well to the next level. The Dragons receiver could be one of the fastest wideouts in the state. He gets from point “A” to point “B” very quickly. Palmer is undersized (5'8 163) but fits that slot, gadget role well while also having upside as a potential return guy. Due to his smaller size, Palmer may have to start on the lower level of college ball but his speed is something that might attract bigger schools down line, especially if he produces.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1673744,"width":"240px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/epalmer.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1673744" style="width:240px;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><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2058772' first='Dylan' last='Hawks'] - Green Hill &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 169th overall/26th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1595506' first='Shakim' last='Atkinson Jr'] - Southwind&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 184th overall/27th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1549102' first='Javin' last='Drewelow'] - Nash. Christian&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 185th overall/28th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='820949' first='Brayden' last='Carroll'] - Bradley Central&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 186th overall/29th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/TE) [player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender'] - Nolensville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 187th overall/30th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1565670' first='Marcus' last='Person'] - Memp. Biz. Acad.&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 197th overall/10th ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1908180' first='Jace' last='Ballard'] - GCA&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 205th overall/33rd WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr'] - East Nashville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 207th overall/13th ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer'] - Memp. Central&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 246th overall/34th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1611645' first='William' last='Jones'] - Briarcrest Chrst.&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 247th overall/35th WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687311,"width":"228px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/56-Oliver-Bender-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687311" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:228px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->