Scouting The Class: TN2027 Quarterbacks

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This series where we go in-depth on each positional group throughout the 2027 in-state class, here we begin with the quarterbacks that present a lot talent at the top and growing depth that could make this crop one of the best signal caller classes to ever come out of the state of Tennessee. </h2>     - The quarterback position has grown significantly over the past few years here in Tennessee as we have seen multiple guys develop well and get themselves to the Power Four, D1 or FCS levels. This past season, the Volunteer State had the best overall quarterback in the country with [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] along with several others that signed with big programs, so attention is being paid towards this position and the TN2027 class presents a lot of strong options to scout this recruiting cycle.    Looking through this year's crop, my initial reaction is that the 2027 quarterback class might turn out to be the best ever to come out of this state. It looks strong at the top with solid depth and several guys that can push themselves up the recruiting charts with strong off-season campaigns. These next several months could dictate a lot for some guys and where they may land on the college level.    Multiple Power Four Caliber QB's   - At the time of writing this piece, the number one quarterback spot for the TN2027 is very much in play with several guys fighting to be that guy. We have a few prospects from all sides in the state that are in the mix to take the top spot, so these next few months could go a long way towards establishing themselves as the best in the class.    I could see five different guys competing to be the top quarterback and depending on what you like at this position, all five players present different skill sets for the next level. Antioch signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] has been on the scene since his freshman year and has steadily gotten better each year. He is coming off a stellar junior season that showed vast improvement with his defensive reading and timing along with improved arm strength. Adams is also one of the better dual threat quarterbacks we have coming out of this class as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-02-2025-4-12-12-PM-1-crop-1197x786-1759440184-crop-800x525-1759440750.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-1925315" style="aspect-ratio:1.5219305971463801;width:325px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Antioch quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']. Taken by Austyn Day, Allday media</figcaption></figure>   Transferring to Baylor for his senior year, [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] is a true pocket passer that has the arm strength to sling it all over the field. He is a well built young man as well (6'4 205) that stays poised in the pocket with pressure in his face and delivers the ball on time with conviction. The Red Raiders signal caller, who is currently committed to Ole Miss, has the physical makeup and arm talent to excel on the college stage.    Coming off his second straight state title game appearance, [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] from Sevier Co. has some of the best mechanics in the state and a pure passing motion that appeals to collegiate coaches. Standing 6 '3 200 plus pounds, the Smoky Bears quarterback is a true pocket passer that keeps his eyes down field, looking for the open receiver while having deceptive athleticism that allows him to win on occasions with his legs.    One guy that is gaining serious steam on the recruiting trail that I think may have as much upside as anybody in this class is Collierville quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez']. The Dragons gunslinger may have the best arm talent of all our in-state quarterbacks while also being one of the better athletes as well. Santibanez has a great combination of arm talent, athleticism and size that screams massive potential on the college stage.    I believe those four guys above are the top four quarterbacks in the class and a tick ahead of everybody else in this class, however, we have several others right behind them that are legit talented with a shot at competing on the big stage of college football. Maryville rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] is somebody I'm bullish on as I love his leadership, mental makeup and playmaking abilities behind center. He does need to continue building his arm strength but the talent is there to reach the Power Four level.    Page quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] had an excellent debut year with the Patriots that has now positioned himself as one of the better dual threat prospects in the state. He is already gaining traction on the recruiting trail by landing several D1 offers but with further development, Power Four programs may start to get heavily involved.    Some of the best arm talent in this state resides with Pearl Cohn signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk']. The football comes out of his hand very well, showing strong zip and the ability to spray it all over the field along with athleticism that allows him to win with his legs. Keep eyes on East Nashville quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] over these next few months as someone that creeps into Power Four status before too long as the Eagles signal caller brings the arm talent and size to the field that translates well to the big stage of college football.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/ljfunk1.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2067905" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Next Tier: Fringe P4, D1 guys   - Looking beyond the quarterbacks mentioned above, we have a solid grouping of passers that are either D1 bonafide or have the capabilities of getting there with continued development. The top guy in this section is [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] out of Brentwood Academy. This 6 '0 gunslinger may have some of the best command behind center in this state along with high football knowledge that could work within any offensive scheme. He has dual threat abilities but is more of a pocket passer that has excellent mechanics. Jenkins is a fringe Power Four guy that can get there with further enhancement in his game.    Alcoa quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'] went into the 2025 season as someone under the radar but he is definitely on the scene now after a breakthrough junior year that saw him produce outstanding stats while leading his Tornadoes team to a state championship. Manu may not fit the size profile that some college coaches like but the dude is a gamer with clean mechanics and enough arm strength to get the job done.    A lot of college programs like their quarterbacks to be dual threat guys but the old school pocket passer is still in demand. We have four signal callers in [player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] (GCA), [player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner'] (Independence), [player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] (Silverdale) and [player_tooltip player_id='1652877' first='Jack' last='Van Orman'] from CPA that fit the mold of pocket passers with a couple of them having enough dual threat capabilities to be a threat in that area.    Transferring to GCA for his senior year, Hobson has some of the best pure passing mechanics in this class along with arm power that can push the ball down field. Horner is a physical specimen behind center (6'6 210 lbs) that is dripping with potential and appears to be turning a corner when it comes to his college potential. The Eagles passer has more work to do but the D1 upside is certainly in place.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&high_school_name=&class%5B%5D=2027&position%5B%5D=QB&commitment=">TN2027 Quarterback Database</a>   Jenne is another guy that contends with others for having some of the best throwing mechanics in the state. The Seahawks rising senior is a smooth passer that stands strong in the pocket, looking to deliver the ball down field while also having enough athleticism to elude the rush. Last year was the first time starting for Van Orman and you can see where he needs development but he has great size with solid mechanics that can be further developed into a potential D1 guy one day.    Three guys to follow over these off-season months and into the football year that display tools and traits for the D1 level are [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] (East Robertson), [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] (Knox. Catholic) and [player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] out of Red Bank. Young is the one guy here that I think is closer towards that D1 stage that could get there with a strong final year with the Indians.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-19-27-PM-crop-1320x867-1768612900.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2107410" style="width:329px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox Catholic QB [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'].</figcaption></figure>   Bartholomew brings solid size to the field along with good arm strength. He has several tools that you want in a quarterback but to reach the D1 level, the Fighting Irish quarterback must continue to learn defensive coverages better while working on a quicker release. He is a worker though so I'm interested to see how grows into his senior year.    The definite sleeper in this section is Jones, who stepped into the starting role last Fall and performed well for the Lions while showing upside for the college game. Jones is still a tad raw that needs further development but he is a big time athlete that could be the fastest quarterback in this class. The Lions quarterback also has good arm talent that could improve and mature under the teaching of a college staff.    Developmental Quarterbacks (Potential FCS guys)   - Over the years in the game of football, you always scout some guys that show next level potential but need time to grow into their bodies more or enhance themselves further to be the kind of quarterback that can compete on the FCS college stage and maybe higher one day. We have a few of those guys inside our TN2027 class that have upside but may need a few years to develop and mature.   Cleveland quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan'] could be the top guy in this section to talk about that has the size and skill set to at least compete on the FCS level and possibly the D1 playing field one day with more growth. The Blue Raiders passer shows good mechanics and release along with enough arm strength to make several college level throws. He is a good athlete too but to solidify himself as a top East Tennessee quarterback, McGowan must add further power and zip to his arm while continuing to learn defensive coverage.    One guy that has certainly boosted his stock after a stellar junior season is Knox. Central rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long']. The Bobcats quarterback took a jump in his player progression last Fall by showing better accuracy and timing along with improved arm strength while also establishing himself as one of the better dual threat guys within our TN2027 class.    USJ senior [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] is a true pocket passer that displays good arm talent and solid mobility. He plays on a low level here in Tennessee but he sports the skill set to reach the next level with further development. [player_tooltip player_id='2089183' first='Xavier' last='Randolph'] from Giles Co. and [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'] out of Springfield are two under the radar, athletic guys that could be considered sleepers in this class. Randolph in particular is someone I like due to his release, quick arm action and strength.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/92-Kason-Woodson.png?w=771" alt="" class="wp-image-2103262" style="aspect-ratio:0.8831646734130635;width:235px;height:auto" /></figure>   Transferring to Southwind to play his senior year might turn out to be a good move for [player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack']. This 6'2 pocket passer put together a solid year with Kirby last Fall but could break out even further with the Jags in the Fall. Cascade senior [player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] is another under the radar guy that I'm bullish on and think could turn into a FCS level quarterback with a strong off-season of development.    A multi-year starter at Station Camp, senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1535793' first='Colton' last='Overbey'] is a gamer with a great feel for football and unique ability at creating plays out of nowhere. He isn't the fastest guy but he's crafty, understanding how to elude the pass rush and either find the open receiver or gain yards with his legs. Two senior passers in [player_tooltip player_id='2071467' first='Chase' last='Angell'] (Goodpasture) and [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] (Oak Ridge) can both spin it from the pocket and deliver the ball on time. They both need further enhancement with their arm power but have the makeup to improve and make a difference on the next level.    Overall, this is a strong class that may prove to be one of the best in state history. I believe at least 15 guys from this crop will make it to the P4, D1 and FCS playing stage with the possibility of a few more being added to that list with a strong off-season of work. I do like the depth here but multiple quarterbacks must take that next step to become a worthy college recruit. It will be fun to see how this class progresses and who pushes themselves to new heights.    Other TN2027 Quarterbacks to Know About …..   - [player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] - Powell, [player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt'] - Rhea Co., [player_tooltip player_id='1104293' first='Blake' last='Waldorf'] - Friendship Chrst., [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] - Henry Co., [player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] - Eagleton, [player_tooltip player_id='2071486' first='Patrick' last='Riddle'] - Tullahoma, [player_tooltip player_id='1974157' first='Zeke' last='Key'] - Smyrna, [player_tooltip player_id='2089187' first='Luke' last='Lawson'] - McMinn Co., [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] - WH-Heritage, [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] - Kirkwood, [player_tooltip player_id='2071480' first='Riley' last='McClellan'] - Morristown-West, [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] - Sequatchie Co., [player_tooltip player_id='932844' first='Ben' last='Singleton'] - Creek Wood, [player_tooltip player_id='1857016' first='Benson' last='Brang'] - South Doyle, [player_tooltip player_id='2071462' first='Kale' last='Scott'] - Mt. Pleasant, [player_tooltip player_id='1210910' first='Jonathan' last='Fredericks II'] - Ezell-Harding   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/sbradley.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1717137" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure>