PRZTN Preseason Preview: Division II-AAA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school football season begins in less than a week after a long offseason of waiting for the best sport on planet Earth. Prep Redzone's Chris Smith did the majority of previews thus far, but I'm stepping in to help with Division II-AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an intriguing classification headlined by a few elite teams, but it is littered with FBS talent from top to bottom. It's the best group in Tennessee high school football. That said, let's get into previewing this loaded classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2165024} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-03-2026-6-14-58-PM-crop-800x526-1775258213.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2165024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor RB David Gabriel Georges in the state championship. Taken by Chattanooga Times Free Press.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Baylor School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ensworth School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>McCallie School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Montgomery Bell Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Knoxville Catholic High School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Christ Presbyterian Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(RB) David Gabriel Georges – Baylor School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] – Baylor School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] – Baylor School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;</strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] – Ensworth School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baylor is the clear-cut top dog in this region. They have the No. 1 player in Tennessee with 2027 five-star tailback David Gabriel Georges, who committed to the in-state Volunteers in July. He captured the Mr. Football award last season after rushing for 1,756 yards and 17 scores, helping the Red Raiders go a perfect 12-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending state champions added 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] in the offseason, and it should pay huge dividends for Erik Kimrey and his squad. He's the No. 2 passer in Tennessee per Prep Redzone with impressive arm talent, good accuracy and the ability to create.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baylor boasts a superstar tight end by the name of [player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein'] who's turning into a household name within the recruiting world. Prep Redzone has him as the No. 3 overall in-state player for the class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That defense has star power, too. 2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] is a beast. 2027 edge rusher Emery Julien is an explosive, lethal pass rusher who will wreak havoc on your offense. They also have a large group of young bucks on the defensive front who will blossom into FBS recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1957371} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-16-2025-10-41-30-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1957371" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth is my No. 2 team, but still one of the elite in Tennessee. 2027 tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] is a terrific running back who compiled over 1,500 total yards a season ago. He's back and ready to run all over the gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior should be able to do that behind one of, if not the best, offensive lines in the state. It's led by a pair of Power Four offensive tackles. Oklahoma State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] holds it down at right tackle, while 2028 left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] is my Lineman of the Year. The interior has a bit of inexperience, but an impulse of talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Ensworth is always stout. Losing their coordinator this offseason was a tough blow, but they replaced him with a former college staffer in Dan Carrel. That unit is highly disciplined with good players at all three levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1704682' first='Ethan' last='Starling'] is a breakout linebacker to keep an eye on, while their secondary has upside. 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'], who just committed to Dayton, is the leader of that position room.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie lost several high-level players from last season, but they will still be a good team. The Blue Tornado will be breaking in a new quarterback in 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier']. He's a massive dude, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That offense has two big-time weapons with 2027 tailback [player_tooltip player_id='2112022' first='Xavier' last='Fillion'], who is truly one of the most underrated players in this classification. You can book a 1,000-yard season from him. 2029 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1455068' first='Levi' last='Scott III'] is one of the most electric pass catchers in the classification and has multiple high-level FBS offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie made multiple key additions in the trenches. But the most important piece of them all is 2029 offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1355869' first='Jamil' last='Thompson']. He's an incredibly talented player who should flourish with an elite coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2167153} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-07-2026-4-54-52-PM-crop-1320x867-1775600049.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2167153" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MBA TE [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery Bell is a big sleeper in this classification. I feel like they don't get enough love, but they have a very good football team, led by multiple productive offensive players. 2028 tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] is arguably the top tight end in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then, you have senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1691433' first='Carter' last='Kilburg'], who is a deep-play threat and can move the chains. Lastly, 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1568969' first='Warner' last='Hart'] is one of the more athletic players in this classification and will make a difference in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox Catholic and CPA are two sleeper squads in this region. I like both and view them as high-upside rosters. Unfortunately for them, this is the toughest region in the state. Despite their spot, each side has talented players and could be top 25 teams in Tennessee this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-----</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2107764} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/2-Larry-Sanders-II-rotated-e1736534050602-crop-1724x1132-1768686806.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2107764" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Brentwood Academy RB [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brentwood Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Briarcrest Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lipscomb Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Christian Brothers High School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Memphis University School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Father Ryan High School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] – Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] – Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] – Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;</strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown'] – Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy is absolutely loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they have my Region Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. 2027 tailback [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] was a Mr. Football candidate last season and ended it with a masterful performance in the state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'], an Ole Miss commit, is one of the top senior passers. He offers everything you'd want in a quarterback, including an incredibly high football IQ with strong instincts. Jenkins is a good player in his own right, but he has a loaded wide receiver group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] is the No. 1 in-state wide receiver and returns for his senior season, where he is ready to avenge Brentwood Academy's loss to Baylor in 2025. He's joined by 2027 wideout and MTSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1410131' first='Lexton' last='Baskin'], who's one of the most versatile players in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1919013} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/KB1t.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1919013" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Drew Toennies, Prep Redzone</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line has plenty of talent, led by Auburn commit [player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown'], who transferred in this offseason. On the defensive side, they're also loaded. 2027 outside linebacker and Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II is terrifying at the second level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's joined by 2027 inside backer [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] and a plethora of other Division I recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briarcrest Christian is a sneaky team that can do some damage this season. They don't have a set of superstar players like Brentwood Academy, but they are strong at every position. They have a very talented defense, led by 2028 linebacker Octavious Flynn Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a dominant presence on that side of the ball and could become a high-level FBS player. The Saints had to replace their QB from last season, so they went out and added 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] from Father Ryan, who is one of the top passers in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have some questions about the roster, but Briarcrest Christian has one of the top coaching staffs in this classification. Their players are well developed and put in the best position to succeed. So, I trust them to make corrections if necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb Academy was the story of the offseason, as they brought back legendary coach Trent Dilfer to lead their program. While he is one of the best program builders in the country, it could be a slow start for the two-time state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, he has a plethora of young talent, starting with 2029 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1633607' first='Turner' last='White']. They added 2027 running back and Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='243535' first='Mikel' last='Stephen'] to help give them balance on the offense. I like their defense, as it's a sneaky good unit with multiple Division I-caliber players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris'] came in from Pearl-Cohn and should be a dominant force in the front seven. Another junior to talk about is [player_tooltip player_id='2210880' first='Christian' last='Blivens']. He plays cornerback and has been impressive this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of the roster is a lot of talented young players. While it may be tough in 2026, Dilfer is going to lead this program back to national relevancy. He did it before, and he'll do it again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->