TN2028 Rankings Overview (Part Two)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our breakdown of the Tennessee Top 150 junior prospects, here we dive into the receivers, tight ends and athletes. The athleticism and skill are strong with these positions with several guys being national prospects. I also see a lot of talent with multiple prospects sitting under the radar right now but destined for the college stage. </h2>     - Our new junior prospect rankings are live and chalk full of next level talent that includes multiple players destined for the Power Four, D1 playing stage. There was some tough scouting to do as several positions are stacked full of talent while other positional groups are lacking depth right now. This will all change as we go through the upcoming season and into the off-season months as some players will regress while others jump forward. I also see players listed inside our new “Tennessee Top 150” that have big potential but have yet to put everything together, which means I expect some prospects to develop and raise their stocks over the coming months.    Loaded Receiving Crop   - Our 2028 receivers and tight ends may have some of the best catchers ever here in the Volunteer State. It's that deep and talented. Just inside the top ten prospects, we have three wide receivers ranked and one tight end. That's four of the top ten prospects in the TN2028 class and there are many more right behind them, sitting in positions to boost their stocks this Fall and rise up the charts. I even think some others that are outside the rankings will join the frey when we update things in the Fall.    Looking past the top three receivers of [player_tooltip player_id='1181298' first='Pierce' last='Washington'] (7th overall/1st WR), [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] (8th overall/2nd WR) and [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] (10th overall/3rd WR) from BGA, the next wideout in line is [player_tooltip player_id='1586170' first='Gabriel' last='Cabell'] (14th overall/4th WR) out of CPA. Standing 6 '3 205 pounds, Cabell is an athletic, big and physical pass catcher that runs good routes but also separates from his defender with speed. The Lions receiver has just about every Power Four program after him and you can see why by breaking down his sophomore highlights.    Keep eyes out for Lipscomb Academy receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2143334' first='Jaxon' last='Spencer'] (20th overall/5th WR) this Fall as a potential breakout star. The Mustangs wideout recently landed an offer from Ole Miss and they won't be his last Power Four opportunity. Spencer is a good athlete that runs excellent routes while sporting great hands and enough speed to work deep. Mork refinement is needed for this Nashville area receiver but the potential is real and I think Spencer is a budding star that we will hear a lot from this coming season.    Two speedsters in [player_tooltip player_id='2132918' first='Karontae'' last='Cunningham'] (22nd overall/6th WR) from Tyner Academy and [player_tooltip player_id='1030581' first='Ja'Vonni' last='Malone'] (35th overall/7th WR) out of Oakland are playmaking wideouts that can take the top off the defense or produce scores anytime the ball touches their hands. Cunningham has skyrocketed up the charts this summer by landing several Power Four offers while Malone has yet to break out on the scene but I think he will after the coming season. These two are two of the fastest players in the state and speed translates well to the next level.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/GioMalone.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1972413" style="aspect-ratio:1.2962073931829092;width:286px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Drew Toennies Prep Redzone Tennessee</figcaption></figure>   Sitting under the radar right now but should jump out of the shadows this season is Bartlett receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2124278' first='Chris' last='Freeman']. The Panthers rising junior (40th overall/8th WR) flashes big time skills on film along with the upside to potentially make it onto the Power Four, D1 playing stage. One of the biggest stock risers this summer has been [player_tooltip player_id='2141270' first='Dylan' last='Streeter'] (44th overall/9th WR) from Page. This 6'3 physical specimen has developed in the right direction as he has shown next level speed and improved agility and athleticism. Streeter still has room for growth but I like the overall skill set coming from the Patriots pass catcher.    One of the better two-way talents we have in this class is [player_tooltip player_id='1678515' first='Nasir' last='Hammond'] (48th overall/10th WR) from Southwind but for his future in college, I like this Memphis area prospect best at receiver. Hammond is a natural athlete with explosive flashes and the speed to be a difference maker on offense. Polish is needed with Hammond, especially with his route running but the raw tools are there to become an impact player in college one day.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=WR" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=WR">TN2028 Wide Receiver Rankings/Database</a>   Whites Creek junior [player_tooltip player_id='1687542' first='De'Aries' last='Holland'] (55th overall/11th WR) and [player_tooltip player_id='1942269' first='Amarion' last='Graves'] (62nd overall/12th WR) are two athletic slot receivers that bring big play abilities to the football field. Holland is a quick footed, shifty wideout that does well after the catch and enough speed to work deep while Graves is a compact, strong pass catcher that displays speed separation on film. I like both these guys and their abilities out of the slot and what they could potentially bring to a college football team.    The next guy up at Marion Co., who I think could be ready for a breakout junior year is two-way prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2160421' first='T.J.' last='Starkey']. Listed as the 13th best receiver in this class, Starkey (69th overall) is a natural athlete that could honestly develop on either side of the ball but for me, I like his upside best on offense where his size/speed combo can be a problem for opposing defenses. Holding a few offers in-hand already, NCS junior [player_tooltip player_id='1588776' first='Hudson' last='Smith'] (72nd overall/14th WR) is a great option in the slot where he uses his athleticism, ball skills and speed to excel against defenders. The Eagles wideout is someone I am quite high on and think could be in-store for a breakout junior campaign.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-21-2026-1-05-09-PM-crop-613x403-1771700792.webp?w=613" alt="" class="wp-image-2133779" style="width:295px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: NCS ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1588776' first='Hudson' last='Smith'] during a game. </figcaption></figure>   Yet to fully make his mark on the high school landscape, [player_tooltip player_id='1704679' first='Leif' last='Osborne'] (88th overall/15th WR) from Houston is a highly talented pass catcher that should be stepping into the lead role at receiver for his Mustangs team. Standing about 6 '0 and 170 pounds with plenty of room for growth, Osborne may have some of the best hands in this class while being strong against physical contact. Another wideout to keep track of that will be stepping into a bigger role with a bigger program is [player_tooltip player_id='2233971' first='Dominick' last='Williams Jr.'] Transferring this offseason from Waverly, Williams Jr. (100th overall/17th WR) steps into a winning culture at Nash. Christian where he has a shot at becoming the team's top outside target that has the athleticism and speed to create havoc in the open field.    Competing on the 1A level, Jo Byrns junior [player_tooltip player_id='2164480' first='Jon' last='Michael Wix'] (99th overall/16th WR) doesn't have a lot of buzz right now but I think he is legit and worthy of more interest. The Red Devils receiver does need to put forth a highly productive junior season to continue building his stock but Wix brings a lot of physical tools and traits to the field that translate well to the college game. Moving to Jackson North-Side this off-season, [player_tooltip player_id='1732422' first='Tyland' last='Richmond'] (103rd overall/18th WR) is a tall, long, athletic receiver that is dripping with potential but could enhance his skill set and turn into a more dominating performer. That may happen this Fall under some new coaching and a new opportunity with the Indians.    Giles Co. junior [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'] (120th overall/19th WR) and [player_tooltip player_id='2190829' first='Ellis' last='Hamrick'] (121st overall/20th WR) are two big, physical, outside receivers that display some of the best ball skills inside the TN2028 receiving class. Allen is a technician and hard worker that has no problem with physical contact. The Bobcats wideout is strong and he uses that strength and his ball skills to consistently come down with tough receptions. Much of the same can be said about Hamrick. The Cougars junior burst onto the scene this off-season where Hamrick showed an excellent vert along with outstanding concentration against contact. Both these guys need to increase their speed to boost their stocks but everything seems to be in place.    Three talented Mid-Tennessee wideouts to watch for that are a productive season away from gaining college interest are [player_tooltip player_id='2190503' first='Stanley' last='Williams Jr.'] (123rd overall/21st WR) from Battle Creek, [player_tooltip player_id='1032080' first='Kobe' last='Grigsby'] (142nd overall/23rd WR) out of Lipscomb Academy and new Friendship Christian wideout [player_tooltip player_id='2193045' first='Caleb' last='Graves']. Last year as a sophomore, Williams Jr. had a good debut for his Grizzlies team but has the skill set to breakout this Fall, especially if he is used more in the slot. Speaking of playing the slot, Grigsby fits that role perfectly as an undersized but speedy pass catcher that runs excellent routes. Graves (150th overall/24th WR) was a big addition for the Commanders offense as he shows capabilities of developing into their top target out wide that runs well (Ran a 4.5 forty this summer at the PRZTN Showcase).    Opportunity is on the horizon this Fall for Alcoa wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1028069' first='Haynes' last='Hawkins'] (124th overall/22nd WR) to step into a bigger role and start showing why he is worthy of college offers. One of the best workers in the state, Hawkins brings ball skills and size to his position along with improved speed and solid route running. There are still more levels to reach for the Tornadoes pass catcher but I like his progression right now and what he should be bringing to the field this coming Fall season.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 150</a>   - - - - -    Top Tier Tight End Group   - I have mentioned it on social media already but we may have the best tight end class of all-time for the 2028 cycle. It's not a terribly deep group right now but I see several guys outside our rankings that will be added in time but at the top, it's unreal talented. There are three tight end prospects ranked inside the “Top 17” in [player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein'] (3rd overall/1st TE), [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan'] (16th overall/2nd TE) and [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] (17th overall/3rd TE) from MBA that are national prospects and some of the best at their position in the entire country.    All three of those guys above have the physical tools and traits desired by Power Four coaches as well as potential to get better over time. Rein is one of the top tight end athletes in this class while Kirwan, who is new to Tennessee, brings great size and pass catching upside. Conyers could be the top blocking tight end in the class but he is also very strong athletically as well. I expect all three to sign with Power Four programs and potentially one day, make it into the pro ranks.    Once we get past the top three, we have a bevy of talented pass catchers that I think will see a lot of interest come their way in time. CPA junior [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'] (27th overall/4thTE) is already gaining interest as he has picked more than 15 offers to this point with several of them coming from Power Four schools. The Lions is a versatile piece you can line up in several spots. He is a tad undersized in height while looking more like a defensive end but Martin moves, runs well while sporting high football intelligence.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/wmartin_f5d530.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2170841" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure>   Sitting just behind Martin, ranked 28th overall is USJ tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1092711' first='Jake' last='Payne']. This West Tennessee product has emerged as a legit Power Four prospect due to his physical size (6'6 225) and upside catching the ball in college. The Bruins junior (5th TE) is still learning how to play tight end after growing up a quarterback but Payne is adjusting very well. I am expecting a breakout year from Payne where he could develop into the Bruins top offensive target.    Smith Co. junior [player_tooltip player_id='1068717' first='Lucas' last='Cornwell'] (41st overall/6th TE) is a massive young man and an interesting talent to pay attention to over the next two years. Standing 6 '7 235 pounds, the Owls big man brings a unique look to the tight end position but handles himself well in the intermediate routes as well as his blocking. I think Cornwell can remain at tight end on the next level but it will be interesting to see how his body develops because I could see him gaining weight and forming into an offensive tackle.    As we head into the 2026 Fall season, I think Maryville junior [player_tooltip player_id='2087506' first='J.T.' last='Allen'] (108th overall/7th TE) is under the radar at the moment but someone that could breakthrough this season into a highly thought of college recruit. The Rebels tight end has the physical size and overall look desired on the next level along with ball skills and deceptive athleticism that has plenty of room for enhancement. Allen also has the potential to be one of the better blocking tight ends in this class as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/jtallen.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2102378" style="aspect-ratio:0.750013690378402;width:191px;height:auto" /></figure>   Transferring from Knox. Webb to Alcoa in the off-season, [player_tooltip player_id='1704680' first='Jackson' last='Walters'] (111th overall/8th TE) has started to come into own over the last few months where he has shown improved athleticism and foot speed while enhancing his ball skills. The Tornadoes rising junior is still forming into his body and learning how to play tight end but you can see the next level upside on film and especially during his off-season work. Making the move to Alcoa might do wonders for Walters where he can establish himself as one of the better dual tight ends (blocking/receiving) in the TN2028 class.    Even though the Mustangs brought in Kirwan, I still expect a bigger role this Fall for [player_tooltip player_id='1694360' first='Jack' last='Clinite']. Standing 6 '5 215 pounds, this Nashville area tight end has the size and overall look for the next level along with a frame that can pack on a lot of weight. He is also a good athlete that runs well. Clinite (131st overall/9th TE) has a lot of tools and traits that can be developed into a productive pass catcher, he just needs experience on the field and time to prove it.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=TE" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=TE">TN2028 Tight End Rankings/Database</a>   - - - - -    Dynamic “Athlete” Class   - This group is always in-flux as players develop at different rates and some grow in and out of positions. What you do get here are talented football players that show next level abilities with the skill sets to develop at several different places across the gridiron. We will start to figure things out in the Fall on some of these guys as we watch them perform and progress their overall games.    One of the best prospects that resides here with the “athletes” is [player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams']. Transferring to Baylor from Mississippi this off-season, Adams is a big time talent that could honestly excel in college at either wide receiver or safety. The Red Raiders junior (11th overall/1st ATH)  has that kind of talent along with the physical tools and overall look that fits on the college stage. I am still learning about Adams as his move to Tennessee was recent but from what I see, this junior athlete could be special down the road and do so on offense or defense.    Making his move from Henry Co. to Westview this off-season, [player_tooltip player_id='2112205' first='Ja'Kye' last='Beard'] (34th overall/2nd ATH) is an intriguing football prospect due to his physical size (6'3 190) and athletic abilities. Watching through his sophomore highlights, I don't think Beard is established at any position just yet as he needs further development but you can definitely see the next level upside. Given his physical traits, Beard would fit well at receiver or safety but increasing his agility and speed this Fall will dictate a lot on which side of the ball he ends up.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/jbeard.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2240356" style="width:227px;height:auto" /></figure>   Knox. Central junior [player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North'] (43rd overall/3rd ATH) is a guy I have my eye on this Fall to be a potential breakthrough performer that eventually lands on the Power Four radar. This is a talented East Tennessee product that displays upside for either side of the ball at receiver or possibly cover corner. North has good size (6'1 170) and length along quick footed speed that translate to both positions. It will be interesting to see how he progresses this Fall and what side of the ball most college coaches prefer him at.    Two guys that I think have college future's on defense but could head to the next level catching the football are [player_tooltip player_id='1599115' first='Malek' last='Mason'] (60th overall/4th ATH) from Whitehaven and [player_tooltip player_id='1591149' first='Keirus' last='Cox'] (95th overall/5th ATH) out of Fulton. Mason brings good size (6'2 180) to the gridiron that could work on both sides of the ball but I feel like his skill set and upside fits better on defense at safety. I do see potential at receiver as well, it just depends on what Mason does to develop further. Cox could be one of the fastest, quickest prospects in the state and while speed does play well on offense, I think the Falcons junior could develop very well at cover corner. I could see a college staff or two falling in love with his game on offense but I see lock down cover skills with Cox that can be enhanced with continued teaching.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=ATH" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=ATH">TN2028 Athletes Rankings/Database</a>   MTCS rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='2206394' first='Marlo' last='Nichols'] (127th overall/6th ATH) and Meigs Co. athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] (128th overall/7th ATH) are two high school quarterbacks that I think will transition to other positions in college but sport natural athletic abilities and outstanding potential. Nichols is a big bodied guy that shows an extra gear when in open space. He does show some passing tools but I might like on the next level at receiver.    Brewster is a highly productive ball player that should compete for Mr. Football this year. He is the lead guy inside the Tigers run based offense where the ball stays in his hands most of the time and that's due to his playmaking and breakaway speed. I'm still not sure where Brewster exactly settles at but his physical build and athletic tools tells me safety may be his long term position. It will be fun to watch this guy perform in the Fall but it will be even better to see how everything about him has progressed.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/kbrewster.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2058795" style="width:214px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Meigs County QB [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>