TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Athletes)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Each recruiting cycle presents prospects that bring next level abilities at several positions but have yet to really establish themselves at one particular spot. These "athletes" inside our "Tennessee Top 300" present versatile skills sets that could flourish at several positions, so watching how they develop in the Fall will go a long way towards where they finally land within our next update. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As things sit right now, this is a solid collection of athletes with some star power at the top, however things could change when we get to our next updated rankings with a few guys changing positions. What you get here with the “athletes” are some talented football players that bring versatile skills to the field and upside to develop at multiple spots. This coming Fall season will dictate a lot on what position most of these guys will finalize at and how much better than can become. I actually see several stock risers below but they must either show steady progression or begin to grow into their bodies.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier (Top 100) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Over the past two years, maybe nobody from this senior class has improved more than Goodpasture two-way athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell']</strong>. His improvement led to him being our top ranked “athlete” as well as a future Tennessee Volunteer with whom Leavell committed to just recently. What stands out about this Mid-Tennessee product (23rd overall prospect) is his combination of physical tools, his natural athletic abilities and his improved burst and speed that has the Vols coaching staff and many others looking at him as a future defensive back. I am leaning there myself but I know he can play wideout as well, so it will be interesting to see how Leavell continues to develop this Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 2nd among the athletes and 24th overall, Lebanon senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1938324' first='Gavin' last='Gregory'] </strong>may have some of the best long term upside of any player inside our “Tennessee Top 300.” The Blue Devils two-way prospect is uber talented with size, speed and sudden footwork that could work at either receiver or defensive back. Gregory is a speedster as well that clocked a 4.4 forty this off-season. Much like Leavell above, I am learning towards Gregory fitting best in the secondary but I'm interested to see his offensive work this season and how much he develops overall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey'] </strong>(47th overall/3rd ATH) is one of the more underrated prospects in this class from an offer point of view. I think this Chattanooga area prospect has the ability to perform on the Power Four stage but Humphrey has yet to see those offers come through. This coming season may show a lot to those coaches and what they are missing, especially if Humphrey continues to develop like I think he can. I see upside with the Warriors senior on both sides of the ball with maybe his best potential residing in the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2103271,"width":"217px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/100-Zaiden-Humphrey.png?w=611" alt="" class="wp-image-2103271" style="width:217px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently committed to Jacksonville State, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693399' first='Jeremy' last='Ramsey'] </strong>(87th overall/4th) has a chance to boost his stock in a significant way this coming season as he takes on bigger roles from both sides of the ball and establishes himself as one of the team's top playmakers. The Raptors athlete shows nice upside and the ability to excel at either receiver or defensive back. I personally like him best on defense as a versatile secondary defender but I could see the Gamecocks staff and other college coaches liking him at receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding a few offers in hand already, Red Bank senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>(98th overall/5th ATH) has a chance to expand that list in a big way this Fall by showing improvement in several areas while also hopefully sporting more size. The Lions two-way talent is athletic, quick and sudden with potential to excel catching the ball on offense or knocking away passes from the defensive backfield. I do like him on either side of the ball but how he performs this Fall will go a long way towards establishing where he lands in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier (Inside Top 200) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sitting just outside the “Top 100”, we have several high caliber athletes that sport next level abilities and upside but need further development to crack into the top half of this position. As it was mentioned above about players moving to new positions after the 2026 season, that is the case with this section of prospects as well. I can see several guys mentioned below changing positional groups, especially if they take that needed step in their progressions this coming Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic and versatile, new Munford senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] </strong>(103rd overall/6th ATH) <strong>&nbsp;</strong>is one of the bigger hidden gems from the class that displays next level abilities on either side of the ball with maybe his best upside residing on offense. The Cougars two-way talent is fast, quick footed and elusive, which shows up big on offense. He is also a hard hitter on defense with closing speed that could work well at defensive back. It will be interesting to see how Smith performs this season because I see a potential stock riser with this West Tennessee product.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more versatile athletes we have in this class is Briarcrest Christian senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson']</strong>. A multi-year starter that could excel in college at running back or slot receiver, Donaldson (138th overall/7th ATH) has steadily gotten better over these off-season months where he has slimmed up and appears to have gained more explosion and speed. If he stays on the path he is currently on, I could see some D1 program sneaking in late to give this Memphis area product an opportunity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2145659,"width":"266px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.3932337859193085","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/jddonaldson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2145659" style="aspect-ratio:1.3932337859193085;width:266px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dobyns-Bennet two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662939' first='Tyree' last='Thomas'] </strong>(142nd overall/8th) is an intriguing prospect due to the fact that I see future D1 abilities residing with him. Standing 6 '3 225 pounds, the Indians senior has the size and skill set to eventually form into a possible tight end or edge rusher on the college level. Watching his film, I can see where Thomas could excel at either position but right now, I'm leaning towards his upside fitting on defense rushing after the quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a breakout junior year where <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909567' first='Mar'Shaun' last='Fletcher'] </strong>(146th overall/9th ATH) produced over a 1,000 yards receiving, this Mid-Tennessee prospect returns for his senior year to continue his ways as his team's top playmaker. This White House-Heritage two-way product is an athletic guy with top level speed that shows upside on either side of the ball with maybe his potential coming at defensive back. This coming Fall season will go a long way towards indicating where Fletcher fits best in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to Riverdale for his senior year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101290' first='Gavin' last='Johnson'] </strong>(160th overall/10th ATH) is a track athlete that brings outstanding speed to the gridiron that could flourish on either side of the ball. The Warriors playmaker produced a strong year at receiver last season but looking at his film, I personally like his potential better on defense as a possible cover corner. I can see him forming into a slot receiver as well but either way, Johnson is dynamic on the field with a lot of next level upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sudden recruiting surge appears to be taking place with new Lipscomb Academy athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646108' first='Drew' last='Rempel']</strong>. The Mustangs senior is coming off an official visit to Charlotte and he has another one set up with MTSU. Interest is growing with this Mid-Tennessee product and that's due to his upside at receiver, especially with him running in the 4'5's this off-season. I have always liked the skill set of Rempel(161st overall/11th ATH), just not sure if it was for receiver or flex tight end but I needed to see increased agility and speed and it appears he has been working on those areas.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102444,"width":"231px","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/Photo-Jan-04-2026-5-12-37-PM-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2102444" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sitting Outside the “Top 200” ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have some high producers and multi-year starters in this section but two-way players that are not yet established at one position or another. Some of these prospects also may not have the ideal size or could be lacking in one physical area or another but show next level upside that could be formed into college starters somewhere down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One prospect from the entire “athletes” list that I expect to move positions is McKenzie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown']</strong>. I believe this West Tennessee prospect is a quarterback in college but I'm needing to see further development and more work this coming Fall to solidify my mind. Part of my hesitation is that Brown (205th overall/12th ATH) is an athletic young man that could be developed at receiver or safety in college, if time was focused at those positions. I am liking the progression however at quarterback for Brown and that's where I believe he sticks on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently landing his first college offer, Fayette-Ware senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651553' first='Layquan' last='Armour'] </strong>(211th overall/13th) had a coming out season last year with the Wildcats where he spearheaded the secondary while leading the team in receiving. I expect him to do so again and if he does, Armour could certainly become a stock riser not just in our rankings but on the recruiting scene as well. Brentwood two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] </strong>(212th overall/14th ATH) had a productive junior season that established himself as one of the top players on the Bruins team. The way Emerson looks and plays is hard for me to pinpoint where I like him best right, so watching how he has progressed this Fall will be interesting to follow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=ATH" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=ATH">#TN2027 Athlete Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A potential stock riser on my mind for the 2026 season is Independence athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2128305' first='Brody' last='Bullock']</strong>. Sporting good size (6'2 185) with upside for either side of the ball, Bullock (220th overall/15th ATH) has a great opportunity in front of him to establish himself this Fall as the team's go-to target on offense while also leading the secondary in interceptions. If he puts together a breakout senior year, I could see Bullock not just moving up but potentially fighting to be inside our “Top 100.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alcoa senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817961' first='Jamerius' last='Abuhania'] </strong>(225th overall/16th ATH) has steadily gotten better over the past year but has yet to put together a breakthrough year. Maybe the coming 2026 season is finally his time, where I think he can establish himself as a run stuffing, box safety. Much of the same can be said about Oakland <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904730' first='Velon' last='Henderson'] </strong>(248th overall/17th ATH), who I think has a better college future at safety. This 6 '3 two-way prospect does show flashes of next potential at receiver but to make an impact there and on defense, Henderson must gain a quicker burst and increase his foot speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1862226,"width":"216px","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/vhenderson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1862226" style="width:216px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Showing potential at both tight end or edge rusher, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704466' first='Grayson' last='Bell'] </strong>(258th overall/18th ATH) is an intriguing player to watch this season due to his physical abilities and traits that translate to the college game. This Franklin Christian senior stands about 6'3 215 pounds with good arm length and a frame that can pack on more size. Adding more mass while increasing his agility and speed are areas that must be improved upon to gain more college attractions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntingdon athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932932' first='Kenton' last='Smith'] </strong>(260th overall/19th ATH) had a breakout season last year where he earned his way into the 2A Mr. Football race and he heads into the 2026 season as a leader in the clubhouse to take home top honors. The Mustangs senior is a two sport star that may turn out to play basketball in college but he has the physical tools worth developing in football. A multi-time state champion, Alcoa backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] </strong>(261st overall/20 ATH) is a bruiser with the ball in his hands and a violent hitter on defense. His case to play either side of the ball in college is strong, so watching how he continues to progress this coming season will be fun.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more versatile offensive weapons in this athlete class is Houston senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705539' first='Brennen' last='Odle']</strong>. This Memphis area product recently performed at our Prep Redzone Tennessee Spring Showcase where he displayed a variety of skills and speed that could be utilized in college at running back or receiver. Odle (270th overall/21st ATH) is built more like a running back but has the ball skills to work out of the slot or even the return game on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryville two-way prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2117018' first='Cavon' last='Carter'] </strong>(295th overall/22nd ATH) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2165010' first='Dave' last='Alexander'] </strong>(296th overall/23rd ATH) from Father Ryan are two developmental prospects that have yet to make their marks on the field but have the athletic skills and traits to reach the college stage. Both players should be stepping into bigger roles this year where both Carter and Alexander will be expected to produce at both receiver and defensive back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A multi-year starter with two-way potential, Northeast senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597636' first='Terry' last='Jones'] </strong>(297th overall/24th ATH) has a lot of game experience with his Eagles team and has produced more and more each year. This coming Fall season might be his best, especially if he has pushed himself and his game to new heights. He will need to do so to gain more college attention as I see Jones in need of increased explosion and speed to see more next level interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a talented “athlete” group that will change by the time we update things in the Fall but for now, you will find several high caliber ball players here that have a shot to not just reach the next level but excel on the college stage. This coming season will be huge for several guys talked about in this piece as they look to take their games to new heights and press the issue on coaches extending offers. I do think you will see some surprise come out this group and some guys that could obtain D1 opportunities, if they put forth strong senior campaigns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1803887,"width":"219px","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/terjones.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1803887" style="width:219px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->