Fall Preview: West-TN Breakout Juniors 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrapping up our series on the under the radar junior prospects to watch for this season, here we dive into the West Tennessee region where there several talented ball players that are waiting for their stocks to take off! We think these ten prospects below are on the threshold of breaking onto the college map with breakout junior seasons. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1718454' first='Raderius' last='Robertson'] - Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last year as a sophomore, Robertson showed flashes of next level play but I think he really puts his college abilities on full display this year as the team's top ball carrier and biggest offensive threat. The first thing that pops on film to me about this Memphis area product is his explosive running style and breakaway speed. Once the ball touches his hands, Robertson hits the hole quickly then explodes into the open field. He also shows a power profile as well that can become more of a strength as Robertson continues to grow and mature. Catching the ball out of the backfield is another plus for the Mustangs running back. There are a lot of athletic traits and upside residing with Robertson that tells me he is ready for a breakout season that clearly gets him onto the college map.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2219614' first='Elliot' last='Caswell'] - Christian Brothers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Transferring to play with the Purple Wave this off-season, Caswell is a hidden right now that will be given the role as top guy in the backfield and I think he will run with it to become a worthy college prospect. This West Tennessee product flashed good play last year at ECS, showing next level abilities and a skill set that translates well to the next level. Caswell is a quick footed runner that displays speed to the outside but has enough strength to run between the tackles as well. He also could be one of the better pass catching running backs from his class too along with providing a threat in the return game. The Purple Wave junior does need to get bigger and stronger but the athletic tools are in place to put forth a big 2026 season and force college coaches to look in his direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1704679' first='Leif' last='Osborne'] - Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Mustangs have several options on offense this year that could be in-store for breakout years and Osborne is one of those guys. This rising junior shows athleticism, speed and big play abilities that translate to the college game and I think Osborne still has levels to his game that he has yet to be unlocked. The immediate thing that stands out to me about this Memphis area prospect is his ball skills. Osborne shows excellent concentration amongst physical contact then brings in the ball with his strong hands. He shows a fearless approach catching the ball that I really like and think college coaches will as well. More work is needed with getting bigger and stronger along with his route running but I see nice potential with this guy and who he can become down the road in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2338189,"width":"240px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/losborne.jpg?w=399" alt="" class="wp-image-2338189" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1732422' first='Tyland' last='Richmond'] - Jackson North-Side</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Transferring to play with the Indians this season, Richmond has the height, length combo desired by coaches to play on the outside and the potential to become a big play threat on the collegiate gridiron. Standing 6 '3 180 pounds, Richmond is a tall, long wideout with a wide radius that can be a problem for smaller defensive backs while also sporting the physical tools to excel in the red zone. The Indians junior runs well too but can certainly get faster and quicker coming off the line. He also has plenty of room to pack on more weight and more strength to his slender frame. Depending on how the quarterback position plays out, I could see Richmond putting forth a strong junior season as the top producing receiver in his region while building further his college stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1187360' first='Makai' last='Ward'] - Halls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If this West Tennessee product played at a bigger school, Ward may have more interest right now but that could change after the coming season where this Tigers defensive end could be ready for a big year! Standing 6 '2 215 pounds, Ward doesn't have the ideal size looked for at defensive end but this guy is a strong competitor with a high motor that shows upside at rushing the passer. The Tigers junior displays a solid get-off with a nice bend that opposing O-linemen have a tough time dealing with, then Ward cranks up his speed to chase down the ball. There is plenty of room for Ward to gain more mass and get stronger, which would allow him to become more formidable stopping the run. I'm interested to see how he performs this Fall and how much he has developed because I definitely like what I've seen up to this point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='2212463' first='Daylin' last='Stanley'] - Whitehaven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Stanley may get onto the field as an undersized performer (6'1 240) but he plays much bigger while providing a pass rush skill set that can work on the college stage. The first thing that stands out to me about his game play is Stanley's bend and motor. The Tigers junior does a good job of getting under his blocker then bending around the edge and chasing after the quarterback. Stanley shows an active motor that makes things difficult for opposing blockers. I do see a scenario where Stanley gets bigger and stronger then moves inside to play the 3-tech but I think his versatility is a key selling point to college coaches that utilize him in a variety of ways. I'm interested to see how much Stanley has progressed through the off-season and into the football year because I could see him being a top sack artist coming from the greater Memphis area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2338600,"width":"230px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/dstanley.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-2338600" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm'] - Munford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lumm put together a strong off-season campaign, which leads me to believe he is ready for a breakout season where he could lead his region in tackles for loss and potentially sacks. The Cougars junior D-lineman is a disruptor up front that comes off the snap well then quickly gets into the backfield to cause havoc. Lumm is a high motor guy with a mature pass rush skill set that knows how to use his hands to get off and around blocks while also sporting quick foot speed that gets him to the ball fast. This Memphis area product is more suited to play the 3-tech right now but does have room to get bigger and stronger and potentially play on the nose. I am quite bullish on this West Tennessee prospect as I like how he consistently performs and his desire to be great and one day shine on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown'] - Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I think it's just a matter of time before Brown is labeled as one of the best linebackers in the state and I see this Memphis area prospect making it known this coming Fall season. The Mustangs junior has steadily gotten better over the past year where he has begun to grow into his body and enhance his natural athletic abilities. Brown is a versatile backer that can work the run, off the edge or in space against the pass. His athleticism allows him to make plays all over the field and I think we will see Brown flourish this coming season as a tackling machine that has a knack for making big plays. Getting bigger and stronger is something Brown must continue to do but the athletic upside is there to see him become one of the top defensive prospects coming out of the West Region for the TN2028 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2338604,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/conbrown.webp?w=523" alt="" class="wp-image-2338604" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1092637' first='Messiah' last='Ward'] - Westview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A lot of attention goes to the cornerback opposite of Ward on his Chargers defense but this season could be the moment he breaks through and establishes himself as a top tier prospect from his TN2028 class. This West Tennessee defensive back displays upside on film that I think translates well to the next level and maybe even the D1 ranks as long as Ward continues to develop and push his game to new heights. The Chargers junior is a good athlete that flips his hips and runs well, staying on path with his receiver then makes plays on the ball with his strong instincts. Even though Ward has a slender frame, he is willing to play in run support. He does need to get bigger and stronger while continuing to learn how to play cover corner but I like what I've seen so far from Ward and I think he will show even more this Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='2228527' first='Camryn' last='Young'] - Southwind</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Jaguars have been filtering out college level players for many years now and Young looks like the next guy poised to reach the next level as long as he stays healthy and puts together a strong junior campaign. I like what this Memphis defender shows on the field. Young is an athletic, active defensive back that displays the athleticism and fluid lower base movements to handle playing cover corner. He has quick feet that allows him to change direction and keep on path but also shows fast reactions when either breaking up the ball or coming in to tackle. I do see versatility with Young to handle several secondary roles but I like his upside to work the island the most. Young needs to keep packing on the pounds and get stronger but he is well equipped to become one of the best cover guys coming out of the TN2028 recruiting class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Others to Track: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868919' first='Anthony' last='Houston'] </strong>- Cordova, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1575276' first='Reginald' last='Banks'] </strong>- Melrose, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030582' first='Jaden' last='Dale'] </strong>- MASE, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570536' first='Monterrio' last='Sarden'] </strong>- Collierville, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2151969' first='Darren' last='Reed'] </strong>- Memp. Biz. Acad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2338605,"width":"222px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/camyoung.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2338605" style="width:222px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->