The Five: Spring Showcase Camp Surprises
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Going into each camp, you always have an idea of who the top prospects are and who you need to watch but there are always some guys who come out of nowhere and make you look twice.
The #PRZTN Spring Showcase certainly had several of these prospects show up and show out and here we break down the top five surprises of camp.
1. (LB) Seth Carter Seth Carter 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Brentwood | 2022 State TN (6’2 200) – Brentwood
– Being that Carter is a local product and I myself wasn’t aware of him, it immediately makes him an under the radar talent that scouts and collegiate coaches should take a deeper look at. This Bruins senior defender definitely looks the part. He has a broad upper body and frame that can take on added weight and he is a good athlete that could play all three linebacker positions. Carter displayed during camp his fluid body movement and ability to pursue the ball in a quick fashion. He had a nice 40 time at 4.6 flat and then put up impressive numbers in both the 5-10-5 and L-drill. Carter could be a guy that performs well in college camps that either earns him offers or inches him closer to those offers as coaches watch him compete during the upcoming Fall season.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14883342/5f9e08cc041d8908b88ef975
2. ‘23 (RB) Demari Braden Demari Braden 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Marshall County | 2023 TN (5’8 ½ 185) – Marshall Co.
– Strong, compact and athletic with some 2nd gear speed, Braden quickly stood out at camp from the jump and continued to put forth an outstanding showing last Saturday at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase to earn Top Five running back honors. The Tigers rising junior was one of the more consistent performers of the entire camp as in each drill, Braden would handle everything thrown his way with ease and comfortably put together strong testing times. He also showed during positional work his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and get up field in a hurry. Braden may be a tad undersized with height but he is well built and fearless. I expect Braden to take on a bigger role for his Marshall Co. team this coming Fall.
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12943627/6063b5f690f9ad10487e12cc
3. ‘24 (RB) Jalyric Cullom Jalyric Cullom 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Upperman | 2024 TN (5’9 175) – Upperman
– Cullom was more than a pleasant surprise, he placed himself among the top running back performers of camp and certainly put himself on the map with me as a prospect to watch for the 2024 class. A strong, well built young man, Cullom plays hard and fast and provides a lot of different traits at running back that can be utilized in several ways. The reason for his versatility is his natural athleticism and speed. I don’t have the official time yet but Cullom had to be one of the fastest prospects in attendance. He has some giddy up and proved during 1 on 1 competition that he was hard to keep up with. Cullom has a long ways to go with his development but definitely showed at camp that he has the tools to eventually become a college recruited prospect.
Player Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15068045/Jalyric-Cullom/highlights
4. ‘23 (QB/Ath) Kade Hewitt (6’1 220) – Oakland
– A new addition to the Patriots team for the upcoming football season, Hewitt put together a nice showing at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase, showing off his natural athleticism, physical game play and traits at quarterback to stay there and be the guy for Oakland this coming year. Hewitt worked out at QB and handled himself well. His biggest strengths was his mechanics and mobility outside the pocket but the most impressive part about Hewitt was his 4.6 forty during testing. The Patriots junior to be proved he could run, meaning I could see him playing a variety of positions on the next level. Hewitt could develop enough to stay at quarterback but his biggest upside could come at H-Back or even linebacker. His game might not be there yet to be recruited but upside is there, so Hewitt is certainly a name to watch going forward.
Sophomore Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13082902/5fe3642aa023891b5ca67f14
5. ‘24 (QB) Gauge NeSmith (6’2 178) – Southside (AL)
– The future is bright for this Yellowhammer State signal caller! Nesmith stepped into a veteran quarterback circle at camp and looked like he was at ease and beyond his years. A cool, calm collected guy behind center, Nesmith sports smooth mechanics along with good arm strength and accurate passing. The Alabama quarterback is also a good athlete that moves around the pocket well and could tuck it and run for positive yards. Nesmith showed all the mental tools you want for your quarterback and the upside to work his way one day into the Division 1 ranks. He was that impressive, so college coaches should learn about this guy now!
Three Others Considered: (DL) Christian Kemp – Bob Jones (AL), (DB) Jonathan Heralus – Cleveland (WR) Lane Robinson – Soddy Daisy