Efficient, accurate and smart are three words to describe the type of signal caller Hayden is. Looks at home operating out of shot gun, but is a smooth operator out of multiple different sets. Has little problem hitting his targets in stride, specifically in the middle of the field above the Linebacker box. His father played for the Vols, brother Chase played at Arkansas and Illinois, brother Dallan is currently at Colorado.

In a first during my time covering this prestigious event, the 8th Grade Tennessee Future Stars only had the services of one true Quarterback in this game. Fortunately for the Volunteer State, that one QB was Cullen Hayden Cullen Hayden 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Memphis University | 2029 TN .

Battling both the Kentucky Future Stars and a heat index of 109° at the start of the game, one could make an argument that Hayden could have been named MVP. He started the game hot and showed excellent decision making and accuracy throughout it. In the first half Hayden was 8-of-10 with a touchdown pass, in addition to a handful of rushing yards as Tennessee took 18-0 lead into the half. Also notable, while it won’t show up in a stat book, he executed a picture-perfect pitch Option play on ‘s (listed above) second quarter touchdown run.

Come the second half, the talented signal caller managed the game extremely well for Tennessee and helped preserve the lead. While the final two quarters didn’t have the amount fireworks as the first half did, Hayden still connected on 6-of-9 attempts. His second half was highlighted by a pair of completions to NuKeise Minor NuKeise Minor 5'11" | 150 lbs | DB/WR Alcoa | 2029 TN for 50-yards. It should be noted, he completed passes to six different teammates.

As I said in the Kentucky Future Stars 8th Grade Linebacker article, I steadfastly believe that genetics are imperative to when projecting a prospect’s potential. In the case of Hayden Cullen, his father Aaron (Tennessee & 4-year NFL career), oldest brother Chase (Arkansas, ECU & Illinois) and middle brother (currently at Colorado) were all tremendous Running Backs. The only Quarterback of the family, Cullen Hayden was selected to his second-straight Tennessee Future Stars team this year. Last year he served as QB2 for Tennessee and did a pretty good job behind Center. This year he appears to be several inches taller and his throwing motion looks noticeably crisper than last year at this time, as well. I’m excited to see what the Shelby County native will do in June.