Underclassmen Stock Watch (Week One)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new weekly series here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we dive into the film and overall work from some of the week's top underclassmen performers who not only stood out with their action but also boosted their recruiting stock. We will be keeping tabs on our rising juniors and sophomores throughout the season, so stay glued to our “Stock Watch” for further in-season evaluations.</h2>     ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1857016' first='Benson' last='Brang'] - South Doyle   Week One Stats: 12-19 passing for 291 yds & 5 TD's    - Brang had a strong season debut and was a key factor behind the Cherokees 52- 30 win over Austin-East where he was efficient and productive throughout the game. This junior signal caller took advantage of the off-season grind where Brang got bigger and filled out his body further, including increasing his arm strength, which showed in game one. He was able to place the ball on target against the Roadrunners, showing nice accuracy and timing along with pocket mobility. The biggest thing I see further work with is his mechanics. If Brang can work on those mechanics, he might develop himself into one of the better dual threat quarterbacks coming out of our #TN2027 class.    - - - - -    ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] - White House-Heritage   Week One Stats: 26-33 passing for 269 yds & 4 TD's   - Coming off a season ending injury last year, there were a lot of questions regarding Murray's health going into game one but he answered those questions with a strong opening debut, helping his team defeat Greenbrier, 35-0. The Patriots looked impressive but so did Murray, who was decisive and efficient throughout the contest, throwing for almost 270 yards along with four passing touchdowns. The best thing I saw from Murray was his improved arm power and reading defensive coverages. He will always be limited with his height but the Patriots junior quarterback has a great feel for the game along with strong leadership that translates to the college game.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/xmurray.webp?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1537560" style="width:194px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1567089' first='Jamarcus' last='Brown'] - Stewarts Creek   Week One Stats: 36 carr. for 258 yds & 4 TD's   - Brown had to sit and wait his turn last year but this Fall season, he is the guy and the Red Hawks junior running back made a statement in game one by running for nearly 260 yards while producing four rushing touchdowns. The best thing that I saw from Brown last week was his increased speed and ability to break through arm tackles. The Red Hawks ball carrier is well built physically with broad shoulders that hinders would-be tacklers from bringing him down on first contact. Brown looks the part of an eventual college guy. If he can continue enhancing his speed and overall athleticism, Brown could sprout into an FCS level guy that might sneak into D1 status over time with further development.    - - - - -    ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest   Week One Stats: 23 carr. for 389 yds & 4 TD's    - Earning our Prep Redzone Tennessee Player of the Week for the 1st Friday of high school football, Mitchell exploded on the scene with a monster opening performance that not only put him on the map statewide but also boosted his stock inside the recruiting circle. The Rockets sophomore running back impressed in “Week One” with his ability to explode into the open field and outrun his opponents. Mitchell found the end zone four times, doing so on long runs that displayed his burst and speed. He is undersized at 5'8 but Mitchell runs fearlessly but also understands how to use his size to his advantage. I expect more big performances this year from Mitchell, so this may not be the last time he is on this list.    - - - - -    ‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'] - Giles Co.    Week One Stats: 7 rec. for 127 yds & 2 TD's   - Allen jumped on my radar during the off-season where I saw him compete multiple times in 7v7 tournaments, so this Mid-TN talent isn't new to me but watching him perform in “Week One” put a new light around his name. Giles Co. isn't known for throwing the ball but they aired it out against Page where Allen became the team's go-to target. This sophomore wideout brings good size to the field along with ability to work past defenders using his elusive running style. Allen runs well too but could increase that speed further. If he can do that while enhancing his overall game, the Bobcats pass catcher could develop into a legitimate FCS or higher level prospect.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/damallen.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1857040" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] - Briarcrest Christian   Week One Stats: 3 rec. for 103 yds & 2 TD's (5 carr. for 65 yds & 1 TD)   - Donaldson's calling card is his versatility and he put those skills on full display during “Week One” where he produced touchdowns both through the air and on the ground. The Saints junior athlete proved to be difficult to handle for the opposition due to his athleticism, burst and strength with the ball in his hands. Looking at Donaldson and how he is built, I can see him developing into either a slot receiver or running back for the next level. I do think he boosted his stock after his opening season performance but more work must be done to push his game forward. Donaldson does appear to be a top target on offense this Fall however, so look for continued strong work out of this Memphis area prospect moving forward.    - - - - -    ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1306692' first='Alex' last='Sansom'] - Christian Brothers   - The Purple Wave didn't face the strongest competition in “Week One” but Sansom still had a strong game that showed off his improved athleticism and enhanced power. This junior big man did some excellent work last week, keeping D-linemen in-check with his powerful hands and upper body along with his ability to move laterally and stay in front of his opponent. Sansom was someone I saw in the off-season as a player that needed to drop some pounds and enhance his mobility and it looks like he has done so. He has the frame and overall size to contend on the next level. If Sansom can continue to increase his athleticism, he might play his way into multiple college opportunities.    - - - - -    ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1856434' first='Reece' last='Franklin'] - Concord Christian   Week One Stats: 14.5 tackles & 3 TFL   - Franklin jumped on my radar just before the start of the 2025 season and will be a guy I continue to follow moving forward, especially after an active and productive season debut. The Lions junior linebacker displayed an active motor with a quick first step last week along with an athletic skill set that can be grown further into the future. Franklin also has a nice overall size (6'3 190) and a frame that can pack on a lot more weight. It's hard to see what his ceiling is right now with so much more development to go but I definitely see the upside with this East Tennessee defender. It will be interesting to watch how Franklin performs the rest of the season and how he continues to develop himself.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/rfranklin.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1857043" style="width:242px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1789693' first='Coree' last='Wells'] - Westview   Week One Stats: 11 tcks, 4 TFL & 1 sack    - Wells was a highly active contributor in the Chargers 34-0 win over MASE in “Week One.” This junior linebacker worked a lot on the edge where he did a good job of playing the Phoenix backfield, making plays versus the run while harassing the quarterback. Wells is a broad shouldered, wide radius backer that shows me upside for the middle where he can become a college run stuffer that also can occasionally rush the quarterback. A big part of the upside I see with Wells is his ability to run. The Chargers junior moves well, showing on the film lateral quickness and an easy moving lower base. He has plenty of growth to go but game one was a good start in the right direction.    - - - - -    ‘28 (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] - Knox. Catholic   Week One Stats: 11 tcks, 4 PD & 1 Int   - We had PRZTN scouts on hand to see Johnston and the Fighting Irish defeat Riverdale last week and by their accounts, this sophomore safety might have been the most impressive talent on the field. This 6 '2 two-way prospect was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball where he made several strong tackles but was a pest in pass defense. Johnston used his range and closing speed to consistently disrupt the Warriors passing attack while supporting in the run game. His stock was already on the rise after a strong off-season but Johnston could be headed to a new level as possibly one of the top overall defensive prospects from the TN2027 class.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/bjohnston-crop-1086x713-1756410878.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1857044" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure>