Class of ’28 Midstate playmakers you should watch:

Photo: Springfield sophomore DB Jermaine Cobbins during a game.

Tim Swift September 22, 2026 @ 02:17 PM

<p></p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] Springfield:</h1>   <p>Any list with playmakers on it has to start with Cobbins. You can make argument that he's the best athlete in the state. Cobbins has incredible reaction abilities on both sides of the ball has the big play ability that you want. He caught the game winning TD last week against a tough East Nashville squad with 30 seconds left. Between the anticipation skills and his ability to close on receivers, he'll be a shutdown corner at the next level. He had a recent visit to Ole Miss, and the offers are too long to list with most Power 4 teams wanting a chance to sign the Springfield athlete.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1607226' first='Jaylen' last='Mays'] East Nashville:</h1>   <p>Mays announced his presence in Week 1 with 3 picks against Collierville and he's continued to make plays on both sides of the ball. As defender he can give you snaps as a deep safety or an outside corner who breaks on the ball with quickness. If you need an outside receiver who has game breaking speed, Mays can provide that. I would lean towards Mays playing in the secondary at the next level. Any coach would love to have a player as versatile as Mays.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Goodpasture Boobie Cantrell:</h1>   <p>An explosive runner who's part of one of the best rushing attacks in the midstate. Cantrell puts his foot in the ground with authority and makes decisive cuts when he sees the hole. At 5'8 195lbs he has the frame to be a physical inside runner but has enough speed to run away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Cantrell has been a weapon in the pass game as well. The Cougars are off to 5-0 start and Cantrell has been a major contributor.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr Beech:</h1>   <p>The Beech athlete has been a huge part of the Bucs 4-1 start. Versatility is the name of the game for Laster. He's a dangerous returner, will line up as an outside receiver, he can run the ball out of the backfield as well. He's got sub 4.5 speed and its shows when he gets in the open field. The rest of the country has recognized Laster's talents. His most recent offers are Boston College, Michigan, Arkansas, Virginia Tech and Nebraska. That's just the beginning of a long list schools for the Beech junior.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2201749' first='Makii' last='Howard'] Father Ryan:</h1>   <p>Howard lines up all over the field for an improved Irish squad. At 6'0 he's got a solid catch radius and has the frame to put on more weight as he develops. He shows a willingness to catch passes across the middle of the field. He's also got the play strength to make catches when he's double teamed. The most eye-popping skills are his yards after the catch ability. Howard currently holds an offer from Jacksonville St.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1030583' first='Brycen' last='Mitchell'] Blackman:</h1>   <p>Mitchell has made a ton of big plays for the Blaze this year primarily as a WR, but he can line up at CB as well. Mitchell at 6'0 185lbs has an excellent catch radius and has shown the footwork to make highlight reel catches along the sideline. He's improving as a route runner and has the size to make tough catches across the middle. Mitchell currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and Southern Miss.</p>   <p></p>

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Class of ’28 Midstate playmakers you should watch:

In this article:

Access all of Prep Redzone

Baylor vs McCallie: the matchups that will define the game

PRZTN Stat Stuffers (Week Six)

TN2027 Mid-Season Stock Risers (Part I)

8 Midstate Edge Rushers to keep an eye on:

Four Underrated Freshman Rising Up Boards