PRZTN Recruiting Insider (March Edition)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We are officially deep into the 2027 recruiting process here in Tennessee with the class growing larger by the day. There are a lot of high quality prospects in this year's class with many of them being at the top of the boards for respective college programs. What is the latest on the recruiting trail here in the Volunteer State? Well we got you covered here within our monthly recruiting insider!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a highly productive junior season, Maryville quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] </strong>is still waiting for his recruitment to take off but he does have a few college programs in pursuit. According to the Rebels signal caller, he has been hearing the most right now from <strong>Chattanooga</strong>, <strong>Marshall</strong>, <strong>MTSU </strong>and <strong>Princeton</strong>. Jones is in the process of potentially setting up spring visits but doesn't have anything set as of now. I do expect his interest list to expand over the coming weeks but I also think he may have to camp this summer to continue proving his worth and possibly obtain the elusive offers. The Rebels quarterback does hold a current offer from Murray St. with others getting on board at some point in time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the hottest offensive prospects in the state right now is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] </strong>and his recruitment is far from a finishing point. Over the past two months, this Collierville quarterback has landed 10 plus offers with many others like <strong>Iowa</strong> and <strong>Wisconsin</strong> in hot pursuit. The Hawkeyes and Badgers would be huge additions to his offer list and two schools that fit the skill set of Santibanez very well. If those two offer, they would immediately become top players.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As things sit right now, <strong>Cincinnati </strong>could be the team to beat. According to Santibanez, the Bearcats are showing heavy attention and pique the interest of this Memphis area signal caller. He is planning to take a spring visit to Cincinnati along with seeing several others that includes <strong>Arkansas St</strong>., <strong>Boston College</strong>, <strong>Maryland</strong>, <strong>Memphis</strong>, <strong>North Carolina</strong> and <strong>Western Kentucky</strong>. He could add in several more visits as well throughout the coming weeks. Santibanez is in no rush to make a decision right now but could be eyeing the end of the summer for his commitment to take place.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2123716,"width":"258px","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/bsantibanez.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2123716" style="width:258px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Potential is the key word when talking about Upperman tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson']</strong> and college coaches have most definitely fallen in love with his upside as this Mid-Tennessee product has seen his recruitment explode to become a top level in-state offensive prospect for the TN2027 class. His offer list is exceptional as Johnson holds opportunities from multiple high powered programs with several of them being in hot pursuit. According to the Bees tight end, he is currently hearing the most from <strong>Alabama</strong>, <strong>Florida St.</strong>, <strong>Nebraska</strong>, <strong>North Carolina</strong>, <strong>Ole Miss</strong>, <strong>Purdue</strong>, <strong>SMU</strong> and <strong>Vanderbilt</strong>. There appears to be no rush for Johnson as he claims nobody as the favorite nor holds anybody above the others. He is taking his time with everything and paying attention to how he is recruited. In the end, he would like to find a place to develop him properly while giving the Bees tight end an opportunity to potentially see the field early in his career. My gut tells me he stays closer to home in the Southeastern Conference but it's completely wide open for Johnson right now, so everybody has a shot to impress him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Kirkwood tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] </strong>has seen his stock rise in a significant way over the past few months where he has established himself as one of the best at his position for the TN2027 class. He holds plenty of strong options at the moment but is also receiving interest from several high quality programs as well. According to the Cobras tight end, he is receiving increased interest from the likes of <strong>Michigan St.</strong>, <strong>Virginia</strong> and <strong>Virginia Tech</strong>. Those programs could be the next to get on board with offers and I expect several other new programs to jump in the mix sooner than later.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing that is for sure with Keenan is that he is in no rush to make a commitment. According to him, his recruitment is wide open right now and open to everybody. He does plan to take a visit tour this spring by seeing the likes of <strong>Charlotte, Duke, Harvard, Maryland</strong>, Michigan St., <strong>UConn</strong>, Virginia &amp; <strong>Virginia Tech.</strong> The Cobras senior pass catcher didn't say when he would like to make a commitment but I took the subtle hint that he may want to close things up by the end of the summer and prior to his senior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Quickly becoming one of the top tackle prospects from our TN2027 class, Silverdale senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>is still open to all suitors but he may have his eyes glued to three particular programs. According to the Seahawks big man, Burger currently lists <strong>Cincinnati</strong>, <strong>Duke</strong> and <strong>Vanderbilt</strong> as his top three schools. He has already set up official visits with those three schools and will be visiting spring practice for all three over the next month, including one last weekend to Duke.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other two will come on March 13th to Cincinnati and Vanderbilt on March 28th. He also has spring visits set up for <strong>Tennessee</strong> on March 17th and one to <strong>Kentucky</strong> that will be finalized soon. Those two SEC programs along with <strong>Virginia</strong> are actively showing interest and could be the next school to get on board with an offer. I expect other big time programs to look harder at this Chattanooga area offensive lineman in the near future as well. I get the feeling talking with Burger that regardless of who decides to offer, Cincinnati, Duke and Vanderbilt will remain as top contenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ensworth big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] </strong>has seen a steady influx of interest over these past few months, adding in several offers while listening to others but he has yet to blow up like I think he would by this point in the recruiting process. I do think that can change over the next few months as more coaches get eyes on him. As things stand right now, he is embracing the process but definitely ready to be done with it. He just wants to play football and not worry about recruiting too much, so that's why he could be eyeing a summer commitment after he partakes in a few official visits.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talking with the Tigers senior O-lineman, Baker tells me that <strong>Arkansas St.</strong>, <strong>East Carolina</strong> and <strong>Tulsa</strong> stand out to him the most right now but doesn't have a particular favorite. He will be visiting those programs soon along with other visits set for <strong>Tennessee </strong>(3/28) and <strong>Virginia Tech </strong>(3/21). There could be more potential visits if schools like <strong>Arkansas</strong>, <strong>Coastal Carolina</strong>, <strong>Georgia St.</strong> and <strong>South Florida</strong>, who are showing interest. Academics, facilities and relationships look to be factors when it comes to Baker making his decision. While this Mid-Tennessee product wants to get his recruitment wrapped, I think it's far away from being over as I expect more suitors to throw their hats in the ring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2141729,"width":"276px","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/jbaker.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2141729" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off an unofficial visit to <strong>Missouri</strong>, White Station edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] </strong>is one of the top defensive prospects in the state that enjoyed his time with the Tigers last weekend and could see himself playing there in college. According to the Spartans senior, Missouri along with <strong>Alabama</strong>, <strong>Ole Miss </strong>and <strong>Tennessee </strong>stand out to him the most at this current time and stick out among others. Taking spring visits will help with his overall recruitment and he has one's set in the near future with Alabama (Mar. 27th-28th), <strong>Florida</strong>, <strong>Ole Miss </strong>and <strong>Texas A&amp;M</strong>. Jackson could be adding a few more to the schedule but right now, that's what he has set.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other programs are lurking around and could be on the verge of offering. Including the Gators, Jackson is receiving increased interest from <strong>Florida St.</strong>, <strong>Miami </strong>and <strong>Oklahoma</strong>. I could very well see all those schools offering soon and become contenders. One team all the programs have to watch out for and contend with is Alabama. The Spartans pass rusher tells me the Crimson Tide stand out to him the most right now and might be the team to beat in the long run. A commitment to anybody is not imminent right now but I think a summer decision could be when he makes his choice.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Recruiting has started to pick up for Baylor edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] </strong>but I still think there are higher levels for this talented senior defender. Over the past several weeks, the Red Raiders prospect has landed offers from <strong>Coastal Carolina</strong>, <strong>Marshall</strong>, <strong>Liberty</strong>, <strong>Tulane </strong>and <strong>Western Ky </strong>but I know they won't be the last and I feel a few Power Four programs may get involved over time. Speaking with Emery Julien, he informed me that <strong>MTSU</strong>, Tulane and Western Ky are the three schools pursuing him the hardest right now but he's keeping an open mind to everybody while holding the door open towards others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As it was mentioned above, I think the pursuit of Emery Julien is far from over and according to him, other programs are showing interest. Those schools would be <strong>Arkansas</strong>, <strong>Buffalo</strong>, <strong>Charlotte</strong>, <strong>Michigan St. </strong>and <strong>N.C. State</strong>. I expect a few others to start sniffing around here soon as well. The Red Raiders edge rusher does plan to take a few spring visits but he doesn't have anything set as of now. I like the upside with Emery Julien and his long term potential and I feel bigger programs will start to see that too and make his recruitment a lot more exciting.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2147738,"width":"364px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5254132359314059","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/hejulien-crop-422x277-1773098809.jpg?w=421" alt="" class="wp-image-2147738" style="aspect-ratio:1.5254132359314059;width:364px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien']. Photo by Baylor Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Rockvale has themselves a stud on their hands in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola'] </strong>and college staffs have recognized the talent and upside. The Rockets senior has turned into one of the top defensive prospects coming out of the TN2027 that holds several big offers already and should continue to rake them in as the next few months go on. According to him, nobody stands out right now as a leader but Agberodiola did say that <strong>Arkansas</strong>, <strong>Cincinnati</strong>, <strong>Georgia</strong>, <strong>Georgia Tech</strong>, <strong>Kentucky</strong>, <strong>South Florida </strong>and <strong>Vanderbilt </strong>are pursuing him the hardest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets senior big man is enjoying the process right now and taking everything in while learning more about the programs in pursuit. He could be looking harder at a few new programs like <strong>Florida</strong>, <strong>Notre Dame</strong> and <strong>Tennessee</strong>, who are showing interest and could get on board with offers soon. An offer from the Gators could come this week as Agberodiola is set to visit Florida along with seeing South Florida as well. He will also check out the Commodores too this month and is looking to see a few others before the spring recruiting period is over. The Rockets senior is in no rush to make a decision and is still taking everything in as the process rolls along.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the off-season, Westview senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] </strong>was already sitting in a nice place when it came to his recruitment but right now, it appears he has his thoughts centered around five particular schools. According to the Chargers defensive back, he would claim <strong>Kentucky</strong>, <strong>Louisville</strong>, <strong>Ole Miss</strong>, <strong>Tennessee </strong>and <strong>Vanderbilt </strong>as his leaders. Those five are the schools pursuing him the hardest along with an increased push from <strong>Purdue </strong>as well. So far through the process, Brown has built solid relationships with the five favored programs and I expect his love for the coaching staff will play a key role in making his decision.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College visits will be critical for this West Tennessee product and right now he has spring trips set for Kentucky, Ole Miss and Tennessee with others in the mix to gain one as well. Official visits will take place too but Brown will be considering who to see throughout the next few months. Much like everybody else, the Chargers defender is eyeing a summer commitment. He would like to get things wrapped before the start of his senior year and I believe he will with one of those five schools mentioned above, unless things change and new suitors entice this talented potential college cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2147740,"width":"336px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/mibrown-crop-900x591-1773098866.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2147740" style="width:336px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->