PRZTN Signing Day Recap (Top Scouting Notes)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing out the 2026 recruiting cycle, here we breakdown the top news &amp; notes from Wednesday's signing day. Which college programs did the best here in Tennessee? Who landed some under the radar steals? Find out below inside our signing day recap! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have officially made it through another recruiting cycle here in the Volunteer State as the 2026 class was wrapped up on Wednesday with our second signing day. Most of the star power signed back in December but the depth was seen on Wednesday as more than 150 players inked their names to their respective college destinations.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out of all the prospects that signed on Wednesday, only three are headed to the Power Four level. Anderson Co. running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson']</strong>, who was the top ranked back left in the state, inked with Cincinnati. Coming off a strong year with the Mavs, Thompson may have to redshirt and work his way up the depth chart but he has a shot to see plenty of time in the Bearcats backfield in the near future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Probably one of the biggest steals within our 2026 class came by the hands of Clemson, who signed <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170988' first='Cam' last='Blivens'] </strong>on Wednesday, who I think has a chance to become a multi-year starter during his time with the Tigers. This Lipscomb Academy wideout has been one of more productive pass catchers in the state over the past two years while showing vast improvement on the football field as a potential number one guy. He is also a stud on the basketball court that may find some time to hoop it up with the Tigers at some point in time while at Clemson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington St. is banking on long term potential with their late signing of Nolensville pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender']</strong>. This 6 '4 long armed receiver had a strong senior year that I think helped propel himself into Pac 12 signee. Bender is an interesting guy that I think has the most potential as a flex tight end in college but if the Knights big man can increase his agility and speed during his time at Wazzu, staying out wide at receiver is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2122636,"width":"246px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7998182231311066","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/obender.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-2122636" style="aspect-ratio:0.7998182231311066;width:246px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quality Talent Headed to the FCS Level&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It may be one step down from the D1 level but competing in the FCS ranks is nothing to look over as it provides plenty of strong competition and an opportunity to prove your worth. That statement speaks volumes towards a guy like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1453995' first='Moussa' last='Seck']</strong>, who was the top ranked prospect available going into Signing Day and ended up choosing Samford<strong>. </strong>The Blue Tornado big man held multiple P4 and D1 offers at one point in time but landed at Samford, where he has a shot to start early in his career.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three schools in Chattanooga, Murray St. and VMI signed three prospects a piece from the Volunteer State with Smyrna defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] </strong>being the top ranked prospect. Martin is an active, strong disruptor in the middle that could become a steal for the Racers. Carter defensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'] </strong>and Hillsboro linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636973' first='Brayden' last='Hightower'] </strong>also inked with Murray St., joining Martin on the defensive side of the ball as depth pieces in the Fall and prospects to compete for starting jobs down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chattanooga dipped into their home state throughout this cycle to bring in several quality prospects, including Anderson Co. wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell']</strong>. The Mavs pass catcher had a breakout senior year where he produced over 1,500 yards receiving while displaying his speed and his big play skill set, which I think helped land him with the Mocs. Also headed to UTC is under the radar talent <strong>Simeon Alphonse </strong>on the O-line and home grown Notre Dame kicker <strong>Owen Maddox</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2122639,"width":"325px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/dleavell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2122639" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1969867' first='Caden' last='Baugh']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1908180' first='Jace' last='Ballard'] </strong>are headed to VMI to play their college ball and all three might end up being steals for the Keydets that have a shot to develop into starters one day. Baugh fits the offensive system very well while Ray will be given the opportunity to tote the rock in the backfield. Ballard is an athletic guy that took a big step in his progression last Fall and might turn into an excellent slot receiver for the Keydets.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner-Webb and Southern Illinois did some good work in Tennessee by signing in-state recruits that might become starters one day. Baylor teammates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206520' first='Xavier' last='Wade'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300097' first='Kaiden' last='Dewey'] </strong>are two Top 150 prospects that have a great shot to carve out big roles with the Runnin Bulldogs, especially Dewey who could start in the slot while also contributing on special teams. The Salukis targeted two Mid-Tennessee products in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986857' first='Ridge' last='Holman'] </strong>(Davidson Acad.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889088' first='Jordon' last='Shaw'] </strong>from Stewarts Creek to add into their offensive units. Shaw might turn into a steal who starts at tackle for multiple years while Holman joins his high school teammate in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1528452' first='Joshua' last='Bolden'] </strong>to form a nice passing combo in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/nsd26-part-two-prztn-signing-day-tracker/">#PRZTN Signing Day Tracker</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UT-Martin might have signed two of the better prospects within our second signing day with the additions of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] </strong>from Lausanne and Westview receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy']</strong>. Both these players have a chance to make impacts with the Skyhawks as not just starters but possible All-Conference performers. Butler grabbed a steal in McCallie edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631584' first='Fischer' last='French'] </strong>that sports an excellent get-off with closing speed towards the quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another steal could be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1540917' first='John' last='Rex Dockery']</strong>, who is headed to Northwestern State. This Christian Brothers linebacker is a heat seeking missile that plays hard and fast, sporting the active motor that could get him on the field early with the Demons. Davidson might have signed their future quarterback in Oak Ridge signal caller <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205650' first='Blaine' last='Stansberry']</strong>. The Wildcats quarterback is coming off his best high school season yet that showed improved arm power, pocket awareness and increased athleticism.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1138151,"width":"254px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.0189159866031416","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/16-Blaine-Stansberry.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138151" style="aspect-ratio:1.0189159866031416;width:254px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Plenty of Talent Headed to the D2, NAIA Level</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Not everybody can start their college careers on the biggest stage of college football and with today's transfer world we live in, a lot of good talent ends up ciphering down to the D2, NAIA levels. That's what happened on Wednesday as we saw several quality recruits end up down here with an opportunity to develop and carve out eventual starting roles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out of all the schools that signed in-state prospects from our TN2026 crop, <strong>Carson-Newman</strong>, <strong>Indianapolis </strong>and <strong>Lindsey Wilson </strong>did the best work by signing the best classes. Opinions could vary on which of three signed the best class but from my scouting point of view, I feel like the Greyhounds did the best job of evaluating talent and sealing the deal with their signatures.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Greyhounds targeted the greater Memphis and Middle Tennessee areas for talent and did well at diagnosing certain prospects, including a few standouts in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595504' first='Sam' last='Rohan'] </strong>(Ravenwood), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660956' first='Jajuan' last='Stafford'] </strong>(Lebanon), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125289' first='Benjamin' last='Buckhold'] </strong>(Chrst. Brothers), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654391' first='Dillon' last='Dickerson'] </strong>(Middle Coll.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark'] </strong>(Blackman) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316604' first='Trent' last='Buchanan'] </strong>from Green Hill. All six of those guys have a shot to become impactful starters one day and potential All-Conference performers. McCallie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] </strong>was the top ranked prospect to ink with Indianapolis as the state's 5th ranked linebacker and someone that might be able to see the field early with the Greyhounds.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Carson-Newman brought in a new staff after the previous one went to VMI, they still did some good work with their 2026 recruiting class, including in-state where they are bringing several high quality recruits. Looking through their crop, I see several guys that I think can not only become starters one day but impactful, difference makers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two offensive talents that signed with the Eagles in running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] </strong>and receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642812' first='Zay' last='Groves'] </strong>are two guys that bring elite speed to the playing field. Both have game changers written all over them and two players that I feel are D1 caliber guys. Both should carve out starting roles eventually and possibly become two of the team's top overall players.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2122643,"width":"243px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/zgroves.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2122643" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few other names to know about that signed with the Eagles are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699904' first='Jaevion' last='Elliott'] </strong>(Blackman), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104286' first='Melvin' last='Boone III'] </strong>(Rockvale), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612855' first='Eugene' last='Robinson, Jr'] </strong>(Red Bank), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212420' first='Kyrin' last='Coleman'] </strong>(Pope Prep) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576833' first='Keymond' last='Jones'] </strong>out of Melrose. Robinson, Jr and Coleman are two prospects in particular that I think will be impactful players for the Eagles and multi-year starters.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lindsey Wilson did some good work recruiting the Volunteer State this cycle. They ended up signing 28 players from Tennessee with a lot of work being done in the Mid-Tennessee area. A few notable names to know about includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] </strong>(Cornersville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] </strong>(Tullahoma), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291568' first='Elijah' last='Clark'] </strong>(Riverdale), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1647074' first='Myles' last='Sawyers'] </strong>(BGA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675657' first='Taydon' last='Russell'] </strong>(Lawrence Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] </strong>(Riverdale) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648112' first='Elijah' last='Fitts'] </strong>from Upperman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 500 (2026)</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Uland and Johnson have a shot at forming a formidable duo in the backfield. As does Clark and Sawyers within the offensive front, who I think are two guys that could make their way to the D1 level one day. Russell is coming off a breakout senior year that showed his potential as a run plugger and pass rusher from the middle while Emmons is a tackling machine that might carve out a role early in his career with the Blue Raiders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harding only signed two Volunteer State prospects but landed two top 40 in-state defensive backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen']</strong>. My scouting speaks highly on both these guys as I see Plumlee and Allen as eventual starters for the Bisons and two players that I think can develop into All-Conference performers. Ouachita Baptist added a small town, big talent player in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] </strong>that garnered D1 and FCS interests. His upside fits best at safety but Beard could play his way into action at cornerback as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sneaky team that I feel did some excellent work in Tennessee for their 2026 class was <strong>Henderson State</strong>. The Reddies targeted the greater Memphis area and did well at diagnosing talent and sealing the deal with signatures. They only signed five guys but all five are quality prospects with starter capabilities written all over them. Those five prospects would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566272' first='Langston' last='Reed'] </strong>(Collierville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671226' first='Kylan' last='Sharp'] </strong>(Munford), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634248' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580743' first='Nick' last='Clark'] </strong>from Germantown and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659827' first='Michael' last='Douglas III'] </strong>out of Jackson Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1664934,"width":"263px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/mdouglas.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1664934" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->