Commitment Tracker: Seniors Find College Homes

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our series where we break down commitments from the TN2027 class, inside this latest piece talks about prospects headed to places like BYU, Ole Miss, Oregon and others. Some of the best talent from our senior crop is talked about here and a few of these guys have a chance to not just shine on the college stage but potentially take their games into the pro ranks. </h2>     (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Tae' last='Walden, Jr'] - Collierville   * Committed to Oregon *   - One of the most wanted recruits by college programs within our TN2027 class, Walden Jr. took several official visits before he came to the conclusion that Oregon was the place for him. The Dragons wideout chose the Ducks over Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ohio St., Oklahoma, USC, Tennessee, Texas A&M and many others. Just about every Power Four program offered or was in pursuit of this Memphis area playmaker but in the end, Walden Jr. saw Oregon as the best fit for him and his development over the next few years. Living in the portal world that we do, Walden Jr. could easily change his mind and find somewhere to develop down the road but I do like the fit here with him and Oregon. The Ducks are known for offense, known for producing talented receivers and Walden Jr. could be the next guy in-line to develop at Oregon as a potential All-Conference guy that might be able to take his game beyond the college ranks.    Talent Acquisition: Ranked as the 11th best prospect in the state, Walden Jr. is a highly talented young man that brings a lot of upside to the field as an outside the hash wideout with a great combination of athleticism, size and speed. The Dragons senior playmaker is a natural athlete that flashes “wow” type plays on film. Walden Jr. is a bouncy athlete with a great vertical jump and strong hands that can snatch the ball away from defenders. He can out-run his opponents as well. Once he gets behind the defender, Walden Jr turns on the burners and separates with ease. This Memphis area prospect is a deep threat that can take the top off but Walden Jr. can also take a short pass and turn it into a long gain due to his athleticism and speed. He does need to get bigger and fill out his frame much further but the long term upside is definitely there to become a go-to target down the line within the Oregon offense. Making it to the NFL is possible as well as long as Walden Jr. continues to develop in the right direction.    - - - - -    (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] - Upperman   * Committed to Ole Miss *   - Johnson proved to be one of the more highly pursued prospects in the state that gained forty plus offers from some of the best college programs in the country. Most schools, especially Ole Miss, wanted the Bees senior at tight end due to his long term upside on offense but Johnson is talented on defense as well where he could develop into an edge rusher. This Mid-Tennessee product ultimately committed to Ole Miss over offers from Alabama, Duke, Florida St., Illinois, Indiana, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio St., Oregon, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and many others. The Rebels coaching staff likes what they see in Johnson and what they can do to develop him into a potential SEC caliber starting tight end. I do foresee this pass catcher signing with Ole Miss even though I expect other power programs to remain in pursuit until signing day. Johnson has a ways to go before he is ready to sustain a starting job and contribute at a high level but I see the fit here with Ole Miss and who he can become down the road.    Talent Acquisition: A multi-talented prospect with athletic upside, Johnson has a shot at becoming a dynamic tight end with Ole Miss that can work the intermediate routes or stretch the seams. He also has the after the catch speed to make plays in open space. The Bees senior can flex out in the slot or work on the line as a blocker. He is versed at doing both within the Upperman offense, which is a key point in seeing the fit with Ole Miss. I see his biggest impact in college as a versatile receiver that can line up in a variety of spots to expose defensive weaknesses. Johnson brings a nice frame to the field that can pack on an additional 20 to 30 pounds and become a more physical presence with his blocking. Time will be needed for Johnson to get acclimated to everything in college while building up his body but in the long term, I see a potential multi-year starter for the Rebels.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/coltjohnson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2266747" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] - Sevier Co.    * Committed to ETSU *   - Ranked just outside the Prep Redzone Tennessee Top 100, Perry is a two-way talent that could have gone to college at either tight end or defensive end but all signs point to him playing on offense in college. ETSU was one of a few schools that liked Perry for the offensive side of the ball and after their vision for him and pursuit, Perry decided to commit to the Buccaneers. The Smoky Bears senior banked on staying close to home to play his college ball and trust what the ETSU staff can do with his development. Perry ended up choosing the Bucs over opportunities from Austin Peay, Cornell, Memphis, MTSU, Samford, Toledo and UT-Martin. I could see other D1 or FCS programs looking to get involved before signing day due to Perry's physical look and upside on the next level. I feel comfortable enough to say that I think he will ultimately sign with the Buccaneers and become one of their top signees. I like the fit with ETSU as Perry will be given plenty of time to grow into his body while developing his game before he is asked to contribute as an every down starter.    Talent Acquisition: I'm very interested to see how Perry develops during his time at ETSU because I personally like him best as a defensive end, edge guy, however I can see the upside for offense. The Smoky Bears senior is a good athlete that can form into an in-line blocking tight end with flex abilities with the Buccaneers. Perry is a physical competitor that gets low then moves people down or off the line in his run blocking. I foresee him becoming a block first tight end that can become a safety blanket for his quarterback in the intermediate routes. He could especially be dangerous on 3rd downs due to his strong hands and contact balance. I do see potential for Perry to get faster while increasing his athleticism, which would allow him to flex out more often. Watching how he has progressed throughout the upcoming season will be interesting to see as it may show further his upside at tight end and who he can become during his time at East Tennessee State.    - - - - -    (OT) [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'] - Brentwood    * Committed to BYU *   - Some of the best long term upside inside our TN2027 recruiting class and database comes from this Mid-Tennessee offensive lineman that shows potential to handle the blind side during his time at Brigham Young University. Nabrotzky is a pure tackle prospect that brings the frame, size and athletic skill set to the field that translates well to the next level. The Cougars coaching staff saw the potential throughout the process and pursued the Bruins big man as one of their top O-line targets. Nabrotzy ultimately chose BYU over offers from California, Duke, Michigan, N.C. State, Oklahoma St., Penn St., Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. At one point in time, Nabrotzky was one of the hottest recruits in the state, landing offers from all sorts of Power Four, D1 programs and that's due to his upside playing left tackle in college. The Cougars staff is willing to be patient with Nabrotzky and allow him to grow into his body while continuing to learn how to play the blind side. I like the fit between the two parties and who the Bruins big man can be in the Big 12 Conference.    Talent Acquisition: The Cougars coaching staff likes what they are getting with Nabrotzky as someone that could potentially handle left tackle down the road for them. Standing 6 '6 285 pounds, the Bruins senior has the look of a college guy and he hardly has any bad weight sitting on his frame. Nabrotzy has plenty of growth yet to go with his body and frame but he already has the athletic skill set that college coaches desire to develop. His bend and lateral quickness is what immediately stands out to me on film. Nabrotzky moves well, showing the ability to mirror his opponent while using his long arms to keep defenders in-check. He also shows flashes of physical dominance but can sometimes get overwhelmed with power. That should change as he continues to mature and work inside the BYU weight room. I do see a scenario where Nabrotzky turns into a left tackle in Provo but could definitely handle the right side and potentially develop into an All-Conference tackle down the road.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/knabrotzky.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2266748" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] - White Station   * Committed to Ole Miss *   - This Memphis area edge rusher is dripping with next level potential and the scary thing is that Jackson is still far from a finished product. His best football days could be ahead of him and Ole Miss saw that potential early on and stayed on him until gaining his commitment. The Spartans senior defender chose the Rebels over Power Four offers from the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida St., Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi St., Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Texas. Jackson had some high level college programs after him but ultimately he saw the best fit being at Ole Miss. I too like the fit as Jackson fits the style of edge rushers the Rebels defensive coaches like to develop. I don't think this 6'6 pass rusher will be ready to contribute the moment he arrives on campus but in time, Jackson could develop into a multi-year starter with All-Conference potential. The biggest thing going forward for this Memphis product is taking his development and life as a whole more seriously. Talking with people I trust, there are some character concerns surrounding Jackson. If he can mature and do the things asked of him to become the player he can, Ole Miss might be landing a star with Jackson.    Talent Acquisition: Walking off the bus, Jackson immediately looks the part. He has all the physical tools and upside to become a feared pass rusher in the SEC but the Spartans senior needs to tap into the work to become the kind of player I and the Ole Miss staff thinks he can be. Jackson is tall and long (6'6 245 lbs) with a nice burst off the line and closing speed to chase down scrambling quarterbacks. He also displays good bend that allows him to get low and force offensive blockers out of their stance. You see flashes of range on film where Jackson can string out the run game and force ball carriers to the inside. While this top five ranked in-state prospect moves well, I see higher levels to his athleticism and speed that Jackson has yet to tap into. His physical traits and upside says he could dominate but he has yet to do that in high school. Maybe that changes this Fall and continues to accelerate during his time at Ole Miss.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] - Maryville   * Committed to Florida Atlantic *   - Throughout the spring and summer months, Cole saw an emergence with his recruitment as D1 and a few Power Four programs showed interest until the Rebels linebacker decided that Florida Atlantic was the place for him. A true middle linebacker that plays a fast and physical brand of football, Cole committed to the Owls over offers from Arkansas St., Austin Peay, ETSU, Delaware, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Marshall, Navy, UConn and Wofford. Bigger programs were sniffing around for a bit but decided not to extend offers. I think Cole made a good decision riding with Florida Atlantic as the Owls coaching staff will allow him to get acclimated to college life and develop at a proper rate. I do like the fit here as I expect Cole to become a starter for the Owls somewhere in the near future and depending on how developed he is when stepping on campus, I could see this East Tennessee prospect getting onto the two-deep as early as his second year. I see All-Conference potential with Cole and a defender that could lead the Owls defense in tackles one day.    Talent Acquisition: We currently have Cole ranked as the 7th best linebacker prospect from the TN2027 class and it's for good reason. The Rebels senior is a heat seeking missile that diagnoses plays early then attacks without hesitation. Cole is a violent hitter that plays fast and hard and doesn't slow down his motor until the final whistle. He does excellent work against the run, showing great instincts towards finding the ball then using his athleticism and range to make plays in the backfield or out in space. Potential is there for Cole to drop into coverage and do solid work against the pass game but he must continue to enhance his agility to excel in that area. He also has room to pack on more weight and get bigger over time. I'm a big fan of how hard Cole plays and the physicality he brings to the field. I think that kind of mentality and game play will allow Cole to get on the field early in his college career with potential to become an All-Conference performer with the Owls.     <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/dcole2.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2266750" style="width:227px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (CB) [player_tooltip player_id='1642438' first='Romel' last='Koon, Jr'] - Brentwood Academy   * Committed to Tulsa *   - The Golden Hurricanes might have gotten a steal here with Koon Jr. but that all depends on his continued development over the coming season and beyond. This Mid-Tennessee product shows flashes of athletic, ball hawking skills at cornerback that translate well to the college game and may get him on the field early while at Tulsa. Before committing to the American Athletic Conference program, Koon Jr. considered offers from Florida St., Liberty, Maryland, Miami Ohio, MTSU, Mississippi St., Oregon St., SMU, UConn, Wake Forest and many others. At one point in time, Koon Jr. was a hot prospect that had a lot of high level programs in pursuit but things cooled off along the way where he eventually landed into the lap of Tulsa. Due to his ability to play on the island, I could see bigger programs wanting to get involved late in the process if Koon Jr. has a standout senior year. I do like his opportunity at Tulsa where he should be allowed to grow and mature into his body, his game and himself before being asked to lock down one side of the field as a starter.    Talent Acquisition: Athleticism and quick feet are the first two things that pop on film from this Williamson County cover corner. Koon Jr. is a natural athlete that moves well, showing fluid lower body movements along with quick, shifty feet that help him break on the ball. The Eagles senior shows man to man coverage potential but Koon Jr. must get bigger and stronger to compete against broader and taller outside the hash receivers. The added weight would help in run support as well. Right now, this Mid-Tennessee product is better suited to work in zone coverage where he can read the pass and use his lower half explosion to make plays on the ball. His ball hawk upside could also be used at field safety as well. Time is needed for Koon Jr. to get bigger and gain more mass before he is able to step on the field and compete with older college receivers. I do like the upside though and what he can do at Tulsa. It's a good fit and a place Koon Jr. can grow and learn and potentially start for the Golden Hurricanes one day.    - - - - -    (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] - Whites Creek   * Committed to West Georgia *   - Tall and long with a wide radius and position versatility, the West Georgia coaching staff saw big potential in this Mid-Tennessee defender and went after him as one of their top defensive targets. Their efforts paid off as Mitchell committed to the Wolves this summer over offers from Alabama St., Indianapolis, SE Missouri St. and Wofford. This Mid-Tennessee defensive back picked up steam on the recruiting trail late in the spring due to his physical abilities and traits and who he could turn into on the college stage. West Georgia was one of the schools that went all-in on Mitchell as they think he brings a ton of upside to the playing field with the potential to play cover corner. Depending on how the Cobras senior performs this coming season, I could see other programs, including D1 schools showing interest and trying to flip Mitchell. As of now, I do expect him to sign with the Wolves but this 6 '3 defender is certainly someone to keep track of come signing day as a potential late riser.    Talent Acquisition: As long as Mitchell continues to develop at a proper rate, West Georgia might have landed a steal with this Mid-Tennessee product. There is a long path ahead for Mitchell but the raw athletic and physical tools are in-place to become a multi-year starter with the Wolves. There are flashes of upside for Mitchell to play cover corner in college but he must continue increasing his agility and speed to work on the island. What gives the West Georgia coaches hope to play cornerback is Mitchell's height and length and his ability to run. The Cobras senior defender has been working on his speed this off-season and by watching his clips, Mitchell does appear to be getting faster. He displays quick feet and the ability to break down and get in the way of the pass. I personally like Mitchell best at safety where his size and versatility could be used to cover the field or work the box. I can see a path for him to work the island but continued work must happen. If everything pans out how West Georgia and Mitchell wants to, the Wolves might have found a future starting cover corner in this Mid-Tennessee product.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/ammitchell.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-2266735" style="aspect-ratio:0.8005930318754633;width:235px;height:auto" /></figure>