Season Recap: Breakthrough Sophomore Standouts

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recently cranking up the start of the off-season grind, here we look back to the 2025 season for the top sophomore breakout performers that not only had productive seasons but put themselves on the map to become college recruited guys. These ten prospects below made an impact last Fall for their respective teams while showing potential towards the future. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] - Melrose/Lausanne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Recently making the decision to transfer from Melrose to Lausanne for his final two years of high school ball, Heffner had a breakout sophomore campaign where he led his Golden Wildcats team to a region title while being named a Mr. Football finalist. This strong armed passer tore up the 3A level last Fall by throwing for 2,049 yards on 114 completions while tossing for 32 touchdowns. Heffner also provided dual threat abilities by running for 468 yards and 8 touchdowns. The future Lynx quarterback had a stellar sophomore campaign that certainly boosted his college stock by showing good arm strength, precision passing and great maturity in running his offense. The future looks very bright for Heffner as potentially one of the better pure passers coming from the Volunteer State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1732135' first='Kobe' last='Simmons'] - Memp. Biz. Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Taking over the lead role at quarterback at MBA for his sophomore season, Simmons more than impressed as finished inside the top five for passers within the 2A level while leading his Execs team to a 6-5 overall record and a 5-2 finish inside their region. This Memphis area dual threat quarterback took a big step in 2025 where he showed improved passing and poise in the pocket. For his sophomore campaign, Simmons threw the ball for 2,303 yards with 29 touchdowns and a very high quarterback rating. The Execs signal caller also provided 249 yards on the ground with another 5 scores. The way Simmons performed this season speaks toward continued growth and a possibility of competing for Mr. Football over the next two years. I'm excited to follow the progression of Simmons over these off-season months to see how he develops and forms himself into a potential college prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2089490,"width":"313px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/ksimmons-crop-1366x897-1766770497.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2089490" style="width:313px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mitchell didn't just have a breakthrough season but he produced the best rushing showcase of anybody throughout the state of Tennessee for the 2025 football year. The Rockets sophomore ball carrier ran through his opponents this year by going for 2,919 yards, scoring 36 touchdowns while averaging 9.8 yards per carry. It was a sensational sophomore year for Mitchell that definitely put him on the map. Mitchell ended up becoming a Mr. Football finalist, where he fell just short of winning but certainly placed himself as a 3A favorite moving forward. This is an undersized running back by all standards but Mitchell plays much bigger while having excellent burst and breakaway speed. It will be interesting to see how things eventually play out for Mitchell but coming off a stellar sophomore season, the buzz is definitely strong at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] - BGA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Leading the sophomore class in receiving, Curry pushed his game further this past season by continuing to show his deep threat capabilities and speed in the open field. The biggest thing I saw with Curry this past Fall was a more developed body and enhanced route running. I think both those things played key roles in his 1,404 receiving yard season that also saw him score 20 touchdowns. The Wildcats sophomore receiver is a versatile pass catcher that can be used in multiple ways. His best upside resides in the slot where he can work deep down the middle and become a mismatch problem for opposing defenders. He is also a key piece on special teams in the return game. Curry is a dynamic prospect that not only had a standout sophomore year but boosted his college stock significantly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1855125,"width":"256px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.0733985986184962","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/maxcurry.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1855125" style="aspect-ratio:1.0733985986184962;width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1803381' first='Miles' last='Alexander'] - Cannon Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Jumping out of the unknown and into the spotlight this Fall season, Alexander had a breakthrough sophomore year where he produced 1,038 yards receiving on 66 receptions while scoring 14 touchdowns. His emergence allowed his Lions offense to become more explosive and dangerous with their down field passing attack. Alexander is an athletic pass catcher that did a good job of getting behind defenders to get open and present himself as a deep threat. The Lions sophomore receiver has solid size at 6'0 165 plus with a nice frame that can push on more weight. Alexander sports nice athletic skills and traits that translate to the next level with further development. If he can put together a strong off-season and produce a strong junior year, Alexander might work his way into several college opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'] - Antioch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the next star defensive linemen coming out of the Volunteer State is this Nashville area sophomore that broke through in a big way this Fall season as a game wrecker and high production player. Ntumba out produced everybody on the Bears defense this season by generating 118 total tackles with 18 of them for loss along with 3 fumble recoveries and 9 sacks. The Bears sophomore brings a versatile skill set to the line where he showed good pass rushing upside along with the ability to set the edge and force ball carriers inside. The great thing about Ntumba is that he is still learning the game and growing into his body, so his best football days look to be ahead of him. Looking at his player projection, I expect Ntumba to increase his output next season due to his potential and talents seen on film.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1909581,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/fbtumba.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1909581" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1895564' first='Ford' last='Bowman'] - Providence Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>Coming out of nowhere to lead the D2-Class A ranks in tackles this year, Bowman had a coming out party as one of the top tacklers out of his classification and someone to follow over the next two years. The Knights linebacker was a high impact player this past season that opposing teams had a hard time blocking. Bowman consistently played in the oppositions backfield where he produced 155 total tackles with 19.5 of them for loss along with 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and a classification leading 16 sacks. It was a very impressive sophomore campaign from this East Tennessee talent that helped get on the map but how will Bowman build on his Fall performance to push his recruiting stock even further? We will find out but I'm interested to see how the Knights linebacker develops over the coming months and works at taking his game to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1086160' first='Gavin' last='Gray'] - Huntingdon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Taking home the PRZTN Class 2A linebacker of the year award, Gray had a monster sophomore season and became a key defensive piece within his Mustangs 2A title run this past football year. This West Tennessee defensive prospect had a stellar showing this past Fall where he became one of the better run stoppers on the 2A level while also providing a pass rush. For the 2025 season, Gray produced 154 total tackles with 28 of them for loss, 1 forced fumble and 8 sacks on the year. It was a highly impactful, productive sophomore campaign for Gray that certainly helped get the Mustangs backer on the map and establish himself as one of the best tackling machines from his recruiting class. It may be tough to replicate his sophomore production but I'm sure Gray is up for the challenge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills'] - Marion Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mills was new to the Warriors program this past season but he made an immediate impact early in the year and maintained strong play all the way to a Class 2A runner-up finish in Chattanooga. Locking down one side of the field at his corner position, this sophomore defensive back was a ball hawk that made good reads on the ball while providing occasional run support. Mills ended his sophomore campaign with 35 total tackles with 3 of them for loss along with 3 forced fumbles and a 2A leading 6 interceptions. Opposing offenses had a tough time throwing in the direction of Mills as he either picked off the pass or broke it up. The Warriors sophomore is an athletic, active guy that plays with strong instincts along with having a quick first step. If Mills can continue learning the game while packing on more weight and enhancing his game play, performing&nbsp; on the D1 level is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (S/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] - BGA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It took a little time for Kellum to make his full impact on the season but by mid-year, this sophomore defender began to make his presence felt by establishing himself as one of the team's top defensive players. His Wildcats team ended up becoming the D2-Class AA state champs and I believe Kellum was a big defensive piece that helped bring home the “Gold Ball.” Whether it was making tackles close to the line or making an impact in pass coverage, this sophomore defender did a little bit of everything that displayed his versatile skill set. Kellum ended the year producing 50 total tackles with 5 of them for loss while also picking off 6 passes. It was a strong debut season for this Mid-Tennessee product but it will be interesting to see how Kellum develops as he sports the build of a linebacker with defensive back instincts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Top Sophomore Standouts: (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1661127' first='Nathan' last='Patterson']</strong> - Sevier Co., (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885826' first='Tot' last='Gardner']</strong> - Marshall Co., (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen']</strong> - Giles Co.,&nbsp; (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1855561' first='Gideon' last='Knox']</strong> - FCS, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry']</strong> - Alcoa, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown']</strong> - Columbia Cent., (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1942269' first='Amarion' last='Graves']</strong> - Volunteer, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] </strong>- Springfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2054804,"width":"251px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7702868962074069","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/evankellum.jpg?w=788" alt="" class="wp-image-2054804" style="aspect-ratio:0.7702868962074069;width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->