Blackman Middle School was one of the best middle school football teams in the state this year, losing the Rutherford County Championship game in double over time, in what was one of the best sub-varsity football games I’ve ever watched. Linebacker/running back Jeisun Thompson Jeisun Thompson 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Battle Ground | 2028 TN was one of four Flames to garner All-County recognition, but in my opinion that number could have/should have been double that easily. I opted to list Thompson as an outside linebacker rather than a running back, because Blackman had so many mouths to feed on the offensive side of the ball. Thompson is a state-qualifier on the track and flys around the field. Does a phenomenal of covering a lot space in a short amount of time–both dropping in pass coverage and/or cutting off the angle on outside runs. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, he’s definitely not small, but not overly big, either. It would not shock me in the least to see Thompson’s position change over the next few years, but either way if he’s on the field he’ll make a play.

Blackman Middle School had a tremendous 2023 season, despite a heart-breaking double overtime loss to Oakland, in the Rutherford Country Championship tilt. One of four Blackman Flames to garner All-County accolades, Jeisun Thompson Jeisun Thompson 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Battle Ground | 2028 TN was a standout on both sides of the ball. With as many weapons as they had on the field offensively–including an elite quarterback and several talented receivers, Thompson managed to have a very productive year as a running back. However, watching him on film, I think the future could be as an outside linebacker. At 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, with speed that helped him qualify for the State Track and Field meet, he’s a tough kid to get by. Does a great job of using the boundary as an extra defender. Drops into a zone and drifts well, with almost no change in speed. Great acceleration after reading and reacting to a run, or a pass underneath him. He’s one of the best two-way players in Tennessee in this 2028 class right now.