Best Non-Offered 2A College Prospects

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Headed into the 2026 season, there are several prospects that lay under the radar, waiting on their first offers to arrive. We believe these 2A players below are talented and worthy enough of more interest and in time, could land those elusive college offers. A few guys listed below even have possible D1 futures ahead of them as long as they have progressed in the right direction and produce throughout the upcoming Fall football year.&nbsp;<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] - Eagleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Standing 6'3 180 plus pounds, Mitchell has the physical tools and traits desired for the next level but he has yet to gain any traction on the recruiting trail. That can change with a standout senior year that shows improvement in several areas throughout his game while also leading his Eagleton team to victories. Looking at his offseason work, Mitchell appears bigger while showing more power in his right arm. He also looks more accurate with the clips I've seen while also continuing to develop his lower half foot speed. The Royals signal caller also has room to gain more weight and make himself more of a physical presence at quarterback. I see potential with this East Tennessee signal caller but Mitchell must progress and take that next step needed to obtain those elusive college offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2199788,"width":"292px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-02-2026-12-13-52-PM-crop-957x629-1777742311.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2199788" style="width:292px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Eagleton QB [player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch'] - MASE&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For one reason or another, Branch has yet to pick up his first college offer but I have to assume that changes this coming season because this Memphis area product is too good to be looked over much longer. It could very well be about grades when it comes to his lack of interest but from a football stand point, Branch is one of the more explosive running back prospects we have in the TN2027 class that displays Power Four upside. Once the ball touches his hands and he gets into the open field, Branch is tough to corral due to his burst, quick feet and speed. More work is needed in the weight room to gain more mass and overall weight but the raw athletic tools are in-place to one day become a game changer on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2114336' first='Tripp' last='Neas'] - South Greene</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Currently ranked just outside our “Tennessee Top 300” prospects, Neas has a chance to boost his stock significantly with a stellar senior year that might finally get college programs to take notice. This East Tennessee ball carrier has the overall size (6'0 185) with room to get bigger that should attract next level coaching staffs. Neas runs hard, displaying a nice balance of power and speed with room to get faster. He also shows upside as a pass catcher coming out of the backfield. There are several tools and traits about Neas I like and think translates to the college playing stage. The competition Neas and South Greene faces doesn't help his cause but the Rebels running back can overcome that with a massive senior year that could lead to him contending for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] - Mt. Pleasant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- McCrory has been on our scouting radar for multiple years now but he is still waiting for that first offer to arrive and that could change with a strong senior campaign. A bigger back with deceptive athleticism and speed, McCrory is an interesting talent based on his physical size and tools and what kind of player he can become on the college stage. The Tigers senior ball carrier is faster than it may show on film and I believe he has another level to that speed with more work. I do see a scenario where some college staffs may like McCrory better at linebacker. He has the look and physical size to play there. Depending on how his off-season development has gone, you could see McCrory produce a 1,000 yard plus season with outside shot at competing for Mr. Football, which will depend on his team's success.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2112701,"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/3/2026/01/kmccrory.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2112701" style="width:219px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mt. Pleasant RB [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] during a game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons'] - Gordonsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the bigger hidden gems we have inside our senior class is this Mid-Tennessee product that has stayed under the radar for the duration of his high school career but could change the narrative with a breakout senior year. Lyons is an athletic young man that shows speed separation on film along with quick feet and elusive movements that keeps defenders guessing. The Tigers offensive prospect displays excellent upside as a possible college slot receiver that could also contribute on special teams as a gunner or potential return man. Lyons has that kind of skill set about him but college coaches have yet to get on board with him. There could be several reasons outside of football that is holding coaches back from the talent is legit and Lyons might turn out to be a steal for whoever signs him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2170008' first='Benson' last='Hensley'] - Cumberland Gap</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Standing 6 '4 190 pounds, Hensley looks the part of a college guy and he has room to get bigger with further work inside the weight room but he's yet to gain attention from college coaches. The physical traits are there for Hensley to garner more interest but college programs may need to see enhancement with his game while dominating his competition this Fall season. What stands out to me the most about the Panthers wideout is of course his size but also his ball skills and ability to make tough, contested catches. Hensley high points the ball well then uses his strong hands to snatch the ball away. Increasing his speed and route running would do wonders for his game but also his college recruitment. Watching how much Hensley has progressed this season will be interesting to follow because I see a college future for this guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1709991' first='Austin' last='McGowan'] - Marion Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It may take some time for McGowan to fully form into his body while reaching the level to become a college starter but I like the long term potential with this Chattanooga area big man that could be ready for a breakout junior year. Standing 6 '5 255 pounds plus, McGowan has the size needed to contend on the next level but still needs to gain more mass while enhancing his athleticism before he is ready for the college limelight. He handles tackle for his Marion Co. team but I like McGowan best on the inside at guard where he can use his power and size to open holes in the run game. I do see pass protection upside with this guy but McGowan must increase his foot speed to get where he needs to be. I do like his chances to contend for All-State honors this year and if he gets there, increased college attention may come his way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2253817,"width":"226px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/amcgowan.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2253817" style="width:226px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1892766' first='Kobe' last='Bradley'] - Tellico Plains</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I don't think a lot of people know much about this East Tennessee defensive tackle right now but hopefully after the coming season, they will. Standing 6 '4 300 plus pounds, the Bears junior big man is a load to deal with in the middle of the line that shows powerful pass rushing and enough athleticism to force double teams. When you look at his film, you see a mature pass rushing skill set as well. Bradley uses his hands well, whether that's with a swim move and using power to drive his man into the backfield. The Bears junior does need to keep working on his body, especially his lower half to gain more foot speed and explosion but the power profile is definitely in-place. By the time we reach the end of the 2026 season, Bradley may turn into one of the better college prospects coming out of the 2A ranks as long as he performs at the level I believe he can.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'] - MASE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Phoenix could have the best defensive unit on the 2A level this year but that happens if Miller emerges as a force off the edge that provides game in and game out a consistent pass rush. This senior edge defender shows next level upside on film and higher levels to his game that hopefully he taps into this coming season. Miller has a broad shouldered, wide frame that can take on a lot more weight but he is a solid athlete as well that shows solid footwork and bend that helps him get into the backfield. This Memphis area product does need to work on lateral quickness while gaining more speed and burst around the edge to become the kind of pass rusher I think he can become. If Miller puts forth a strong senior year, I could see some FCS programs becoming interested with his pass rushing potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Edge/LB) D'Anthony Gales - Mitchell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This Memphis area prospect might have the most long term potential of any defensive prospect in this article but I think his future in college resides best working off the edge and rushing the passer. Most of his time in high school, Gales has mainly played inside linebacker but his physical size and tools tells me he could become a really good edge defender that rushes the backfield but also does good work against the run game. The Tigers senior brings good size to the field (6'3 225) along with excellent instincts and enough speed to make a ton of tackles. Increasing his agility and speed would help grow his game a ton and make Gales more disruptive, regardless of where he plays. Looking down the road, I do like his game best off the edge where his athleticism and size can be used towards his advantage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Others to Watch: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] </strong>- Grundy Co.,<strong> </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Taylor Hutchinson</strong> - Hickman Co., ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez'] </strong>- Riverside, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2085665' first='Lane' last='Parker'] </strong>- Happy Valley, (DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134133' first='Mason' last='Norman'] </strong>- Happy Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2253818,"width":"294px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/dgales.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2253818" style="width:294px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->