Upperman Football

08/22/2026

Thanks to all who came out to last night! We’ll see you again next week!

Also BIG THANKS to Upper Cumberland Reporter 2 for broadcasting our game!

08/21/2026

The time is here! The time is Now! FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS BACK!!

Come join us in Baxter tonight for our Season Opener vs Webb School of Knoxville!

We need the WHOLE CITY out for this one!

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Upperman High School- TN

08/21/2026

We've got SEVEN week one high school football games on the Quality Family UCR Media Network! Join us at 9am for UC GameDay Morning to preview all the action across the Upper Cumberland and beyond! 🏈🎥 Afterwards, catch the Friday Night End Zone Show LIVE from Rock N Roll Sushi 🍣

UCR GOTW: Coalfield at Gordonsville
UCR Midstate GOTW: Brentwood at Smyrna
UCR2: Webb at Upperman
UCR3: Cumberland County at Livingston
UCR4: Cookeville at Siegel
Warren County Sports Authority: Warren County at DeKalb County

Saturday: Macon County at Fulton on UCR 🏈

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

TSSN Market Watch: Upper Cumberland Offensive Linemen

By TSSN Staff Reports

Presented by Powell’s Tire Store

Quarterbacks get the headlines. Running backs get the highlights. Wide receivers get the touchdowns.

But none of it happens without the guys up front.

The Upper Cumberland enters the 2026 football season with plenty of size, strength and experience in the trenches. Offensive linemen rarely get their names called on Friday nights, but these are the players who can dictate whether an offense goes anywhere at all.

Here is the preseason TSSN Market Watch for Upper Cumberland offensive linemen.

Noah Tarver — Upperman

STOCK: STRONG BUY 📈

Upperman has become accustomed to physical football in the trenches, and Tarver fits that identity. He brings toughness, strength and the ability to move defenders at the point of attack. He has the potential to be one of the anchors of another powerful Bees offensive front.

When Upperman needs the tough yards, keep an eye on where Tarver is lined up.

Parker Cox — Stone Memorial

STOCK: BUY 📈

Stone Memorial has plenty of offensive weapons, but those playmakers need room to operate. Cox gives the Panthers a dependable presence up front with the size and physicality to create running lanes and keep the pocket clean.

With expectations high on the mountain this fall, Cox could be an important piece of the Panthers’ offensive success.

Mark Ogeltree — Livingston Academy

STOCK: ACCUMULATE 📊

Ogeltree is an intriguing piece of the Livingston Academy offensive front. His development throughout the season could have a major impact on the Wildcats’ ability to establish consistency offensively.

The tools are there. If Ogeltree continues putting them together, his stock could climb quickly.

Wyatt Walrond — Macon County

STOCK: BUY 📈

Walrond brings a physical presence to the Macon County offensive line and gives the Tigers someone capable of setting the tone at the line of scrimmage.

Macon County has athletes capable of making plays in space. Walrond’s job is helping give them the opportunity to do it. We like his potential to become one of the more dependable linemen in the region.

Josh Peacock — Gordonsville

STOCK: STRONG BUY 📈

Physical football is part of the DNA at Gordonsville, and Peacock is exactly the type of offensive lineman who fits that mentality.

The Tigers want to establish the run, control the line of scrimmage and make opponents deal with them for four quarters. Peacock has the opportunity to be a tone-setter for that attack.

For offensive linemen, physicality is currency. Peacock has plenty of it.

Roland Holloway — Clay County

STOCK: ACCUMULATE 📊

Clay County showed during the preseason that it intends to be physical running the football, and Holloway will be an important part of making that approach work.

His progression is worth watching as the season unfolds. If the Bulldogs continue finding success on the ground, don’t overlook the work Holloway and the offensive line are doing to create it.

Jayden Hargis — York Institute

STOCK: STRONG BUY 📈

At 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, Hargis already looks the part — and the York junior has the strength to match.

Hargis has already squatted more than 600 pounds and combines that raw power with the athletic ability that makes him one of the most intriguing young offensive line prospects in the Upper Cumberland. TSSN currently views Hargis as a legitimate college prospect with the potential to develop into an FCS or high-level Division II recruit, and college programs are already beginning to take notice.

The exciting part? He’s still a junior.

Hargis is also a standout shot put athlete and expects to make a serious push toward the state meet this spring. That combination of size, explosive strength and athleticism translates extremely well to the offensive line.

He’s big. He’s strong. He’s athletic. And he still has two seasons to develop.

Don’t be surprised if Hargis’ recruiting stock looks considerably different a year from now.

And here’s the wild card: the 310-pound offensive lineman loves chess and competes in online tournaments. Brute strength on Friday nights and strategy on the chessboard — that’s a combination we can appreciate.

Hargis is absolutely one to watch.

Ethan Holder — Warren County

STOCK: WATCH LIST 👀

Holder rounds out our preseason group as a player whose development deserves attention.

The offensive line can be one of the most developmental positions on the football field, and improvement in technique, strength and consistency can change a player’s trajectory quickly. Holder enters the season on our radar, and we’ll be watching to see whether his stock begins climbing.

⸻

THE TSSN BOTTOM LINE

The offensive line isn’t glamorous, and most Friday night stat sheets won’t tell you which lineman dominated his matchup.

We will.

These are the guys opening holes, protecting quarterbacks, converting third-and-short and doing the dirty work that makes an offense function.

No touchdowns without blocking. No explosive plays without protection. No offense without the guys in the trenches.

Throughout the 2026 season, TSSN will continue tracking these players — and others who emerge — as we update the Upper Cumberland Offensive Line Market Watch.

08/19/2026

TSSN MARKET WATCH: Linebackers

Hasse, Johnson Headline a Deep Group of Upper Cumberland Defenders

By TSSN Staff Reports

Presented by Powell’s Tire Store

The linebacker position has always belonged to players willing to do the dirty work.

Take on the pulling guard. Fill the gap. Chase the quarterback. Cover the running back. Make the tackle nobody else can get to.

As the 2026 season arrives, Tri-Star Sports Network’s Upper Cumberland Market Watch turns its attention to the middle of the defense, where eight players have earned spots on our preseason board.

Some are proven commodities. Others are players we believe could see their stock climb rapidly once Friday nights begin.

And sitting at the top of the market are two linebackers we’re buying aggressively.

⸻

🔥 AGGRESSIVE BUY

Bradyn Hasse — Macon County

Macon County enters another season with big expectations, and Bradyn Hasse is one of the Tigers we’re expecting to make an impact defensively.

Hasse brings the physicality you want at linebacker and has an opportunity to become an important piece of a Macon County defense that will be tested in meaningful games throughout the season.

The Tigers have built a winning culture, and playing linebacker in that environment comes with expectations. You have to run to the football, finish tackles and make plays when games tighten up.

We believe Hasse is capable of doing exactly that.

TSSN Outlook: We’re buying early. Hasse has the opportunity, supporting cast and physical tools to become one of the Upper Cumberland’s impact linebackers in 2026.

STOCK: 🔥 AGGRESSIVE BUY

⸻

Colton Johnson — Upperman

There aren’t many unknowns surrounding Colton Johnson.

The Upperman standout is an established football player who brings size, strength, experience and versatility to a Bees roster with championship expectations.

Johnson can affect a football game in several ways, but his presence at linebacker gives Upperman a physical defender capable of making life difficult between the tackles.

When the game becomes a fight for three or four yards, Johnson is exactly the type of player you want standing in the middle of the defense.

TSSN Outlook: Proven talent playing for one of the area’s premier programs. Until somebody gives us a reason to change our position, we’re staying aggressive.

STOCK: 🔥 AGGRESSIVE BUY

⸻

📈 BUY

Gavin Bogle — Cannon County

We’re buying Gavin Bogle heading into the season.

The Cannon County linebacker has an opportunity to become one of the Lions’ defensive leaders, and his development will be an important storyline as the season progresses.

Linebacker is a demanding position. Players have to recognize formations, react to misdirection, fight through traffic and still arrive at the football with enough control to finish the play.

Bogle will have plenty of opportunities to show he can handle those responsibilities.

TSSN Outlook: There’s upside here. A productive start to the season could push Bogle even higher on our board.

STOCK: 📈 BUY

⸻

Hunt Reese — Cookeville

Playing linebacker at the 6A level isn’t easy.

The athletes are faster, offenses create more space and linebackers are routinely forced to defend everything from downhill power football to backs and receivers in space.

That’s part of what makes Hunt Reese intriguing.

Reese gives Cookeville another athletic piece on defense and will have opportunities against a demanding schedule to show exactly where he belongs among the region’s linebackers.

TSSN Outlook: We like the athleticism and the opportunity. Reese gets our Buy rating entering the season, with room to climb.

STOCK: 📈 BUY

⸻

📊 ACCUMULATE

Tucker Webb — DeKalb County

Tucker Webb remains firmly on our radar.

The DeKalb County linebacker has some qualities we like, particularly his willingness to play downhill and get involved around the line of scrimmage.

But the Market Watch isn’t just about identifying talent. It’s about determining where that player’s stock sits right now.

For Webb, we’re accumulating.

We want to see what happens when the regular-season sample size begins growing. Consistency, tackling, play recognition and his ability to affect important possessions will determine whether Webb moves into Buy territory.

TSSN Outlook: There’s enough here to invest early, but we’re watching the opening weeks closely. Webb could become one of the board’s early movers.

STOCK: 📊 ACCUMULATE

⸻

🟡 HOLD

Kipton Wyatt — Cumberland County

Kipton Wyatt has an opportunity to become an important piece of the Cumberland County defense.

For the Jets, improvement defensively will require players who can consistently get lined up correctly, communicate and finish tackles. The linebacker position sits at the center of all three responsibilities.

Wyatt will get his chances.

Now we’re looking for consistency and production once the games begin counting.

TSSN Outlook: We’re holding our position entering Week 1. Strong early performances could change that quickly.

STOCK: 🟡 HOLD

⸻

👀 WATCH LIST

Eli Sparkman — White County

Eli Sparkman moves into our Watch List category as the season begins.

That isn’t necessarily bearish.

The purpose of the Watch List is to identify players we want more information on before establishing a stronger position, and Sparkman has an opportunity to provide plenty of it.

White County’s ability to be physical up front could create opportunities for Sparkman to run to the football and make plays from the linebacker position.

Now we want to see what he does with them.

TSSN Outlook: Keep an eye on No. 2. Production in the opening weeks could move Sparkman onto the main stock board quickly.

STOCK: 👀 WATCH LIST

⸻

Delton Dallas — Red Boiling Springs | No. 2

One of the reasons TSSN created the Market Watch was to make sure players from every corner of the Upper Cumberland had an opportunity to get noticed.

That includes Delton Dallas at Red Boiling Springs.

Small-school football often asks its best athletes to rarely leave the field. That means toughness, conditioning and versatility matter, particularly at linebacker.

Dallas has an opportunity to become an important part of what the Bulldogs do this fall.

TSSN Outlook: Consider Dallas one of our potential sleepers. We’re watching to see whether he can turn opportunity into consistent Friday-night production.

STOCK: 👀 WATCH LIST

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📈 TSSN LINEBACKER STOCK BOARD

Player School Stock
Bradyn Hasse Macon County 🔥 Aggressive Buy
Colton Johnson Upperman 🔥 Aggressive Buy
Gavin Bogle Cannon County 📈 Buy
Hunt Reese Cookeville 📈 Buy
Tucker Webb DeKalb County 📊 Accumulate
Kipton Wyatt Cumberland County 🟡 Hold
Eli Sparkman White County 👀 Watch List
Delton Dallas Red Boiling Springs 👀 Watch List

THE MARKET OPENS FRIDAY NIGHT

Preseason evaluations only take us so far.

Now comes the fun part.

Once the lights come on, every snap becomes new information.

A linebacker who creates turnovers, racks up tackles for loss and takes over a rivalry game can watch his stock explode. A lesser-known player can go from completely off our radar to one of the hottest names on the board in a matter of weeks.

That’s what makes the TSSN Market Watch different.

This board isn’t supposed to stay the same.

We’ll continue evaluating players, talking with coaches, watching film and following performances from across the Upper Cumberland throughout the 2026 season.

Some stocks will rise.

Some will fall.

And somebody we aren’t talking about today will almost certainly force his way onto the board.

Friday night opens the market. Performance sets the price.

Tri-Star Sports Network
The Voice of the Upper Cumberland

08/18/2026

TSSN PRESEASON ELITE 8: Upperman Claims No. 1 Spot in Upper Cumberland High School Football Coaches Poll

By TSSN Staff Reports

Presented by Mountain Barn Builders of Clarkrange, Tennessee

The votes are in, and the coaches have spoken.

With kickoff week arriving across the Upper Cumberland, Tri-Star Sports Network has released its 2026 Preseason Elite 8 Coaches Poll, ranking the eight teams coaches believe enter the season as the best in the region.

And at the top of the mountain sits Upperman.

The Bees open the season as the No. 1 team in the TSSN Elite 8, leading a poll loaded with programs carrying high expectations into Friday nights this fall.

1. UPPERMAN

Expectations are nothing new in Baxter, and Upperman enters another season with plenty of them.

The Bees have talent on both sides of the football, size up front and one of the Upper Cumberland’s most highly regarded prospects in senior tight end Colton Johnson, an Ole Miss commitment. Upperman won’t have much time to ease into the season, either. The Bees open Friday against Webb School of Knoxville before facing a challenging schedule that includes Greeneville, Farragut, Beech and several of the teams appearing in this very poll.

For now, the coaches say the road to No. 1 runs through Baxter.

2. WHITE COUNTY

Don’t sleep on Sparta.

White County checks in at No. 2 after an impressive preseason that has created plenty of excitement around the Warriors.

White County brings a physical presence at the line of scrimmage and enough weapons offensively to make the Warriors dangerous. With Tucker Pinion directing the offense and Cole Sims providing another playmaking option, this is a team capable of making plenty of noise.

And mark your calendars: Upperman travels to White County on October 23 for a matchup that could carry enormous implications.

3. MACON COUNTY

The Tigers aren’t far behind.

Macon County enters at No. 3 with a roster featuring experience, athleticism and plenty of size. The Tigers have several potential difference-makers and should once again be a difficult matchup every Friday night.

Even better for football fans, Macon County gets No. 1 Upperman at home on October 30.

If both teams live up to their preseason billing, that regular-season finale could be must-see football.

4. STONE MEMORIAL

There may not be a team in the poll with more intrigue surrounding it than Stone Memorial.

The Panthers check in at No. 4 and have also received statewide preseason recognition, joining Upperman, Gordonsville and Clay County among Upper Cumberland programs appearing in the TSWA preseason rankings.

Stone Memorial has playmakers, confidence and an opportunity to make an early statement.

And TSSN viewers won’t have to wait long to see them.

Stone Memorial travels to York Institute Friday night in the TSSN Friday Night Prime Time season opener.

5. COOKEVILLE

The biggest school in the region lands right in the middle of the Elite 8.

Cookeville enters at No. 5, and the Cavaliers have the type of athleticism that could quickly send their stock climbing.

Quarterback Easton Davidson gives Cookeville an experienced weapon directing the offense, while the Cavaliers have enough speed around him to create problems in space.

No. 5 may be where Cookeville starts.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that’s where the Cavs will stay.

6. GORDONSVILLE

Good luck telling anyone in Gordonsville that the Tigers are only the sixth-best team in the Upper Cumberland.

The perennial small-school contender enters at No. 6 and is another Upper Cumberland program receiving statewide preseason recognition.

Gordonsville has built a reputation on toughness, physical football and expecting to win. Regardless of classification or enrollment, the Tigers remain one of the region’s most respected programs.

7. CLAY COUNTY

The Bulldogs check in at No. 7, but this could be one of the most dangerous teams near the bottom of the poll.

Clay County has enough athleticism to create problems, including quarterback Fletcher Strong and versatile playmaker Nehemiah Hamilton.

The Bulldogs are also receiving recognition beyond the Upper Cumberland, appearing in the TSWA preseason state rankings.

That makes Clay County a pretty interesting No. 7.

8. YORK INSTITUTE

Rounding out the inaugural preseason Elite 8 is York Institute.

The Dragons begin a new chapter under head coach Mark Pemberton, and they won’t get a soft opening assignment.

York welcomes No. 4 Stone Memorial to Jamestown Friday night, giving the Dragons an immediate opportunity to shake up these rankings.

That’s the beauty of a preseason poll.

Once the ball is kicked off, opinions don’t matter nearly as much as results.

THE PRESEASON ELITE 8

1. Upperman
2. White County
3. Macon County
4. Stone Memorial
5. Cookeville
6. Gordonsville
7. Clay County
8. York Institute

Four of the eight teams — Upperman, Stone Memorial, Gordonsville and Clay County — also enter Week 1 with recognition in the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s preseason state rankings.

But the TSSN Elite 8 isn’t meant to stay frozen.

Every week, the results will speak. Teams will rise. Teams will fall. And somebody will have a chance to take that No. 1 spot away from Upperman.

The preseason debate is over.

Now it’s time to play football.

TSSN would like to thank the Coaches of the Upper Cumberland for partnering with us on our football coaches poll. This will become a regular weekly feature.

08/18/2026

TSSN Market Watch: Upper Cumberland Defensive Linemen

By TSSN Staff Reports

Presented by Turner Roofing

Football games may be decided by quarterbacks and skill players on the highlight reel, but plenty of Friday nights are still won the old-fashioned way — in the trenches.

The Upper Cumberland enters the 2026 season with an impressive collection of defensive linemen capable of disrupting running games, collapsing pockets and changing the complexion of a game without always showing up prominently in the stat sheet.

For this edition of the TSSN Market Watch, we’re taking a look at eight defensive linemen who have our attention entering the season.

As always, Market Watch ratings aren’t recruiting rankings. They’re TSSN’s evaluation of a player’s current stock based on what we’ve seen entering 2026.

📈 STRONG BUY

Kevin Wilman — Upperman

Wilman is considered one of the best defensive linemen in the Upper Cumberland, and catch one of his games on a Friday night and you’ll quickly see why.

The Upperman big man loves to compete. He’s strong, physical and has impressive speed for a player his size. Wilman can create problems at the point of attack and has the ability to disrupt a play before it ever gets started.

He’s exactly the type of player you want anchoring a defensive front.

TSSN STOCK: STRONG BUY 📈

Lex Winfree — White County

Winfree checks just about every box.

He’s big, strong, athletic and brings tremendous energy to the White County defensive front. But what really stands out is the leadership and accountability he brings with him.

Winfree holds himself accountable, expects the same from the guys around him and plays with the kind of heart that can become contagious across an entire defense.

We believe this Warrior defense has an opportunity to be pretty darn good, and Winfree should be right in the middle of it.

TSSN STOCK: STRONG BUY 📈

🟢 BUY

Wyatt Lankford — Gordonsville

Lankford’s first step immediately gets our attention.

He’s physical and does an excellent job using his hands and arms to work around would-be blockers. The offseason work appears to be paying dividends because we’ve liked what we’ve seen from Lankford throughout the preseason.

Gordonsville expects to play physical football, and Lankford looks like a guy who’s going to be very comfortable living in the trenches.

TSSN STOCK: BUY 🟢

Cooper Disney — Stone Memorial

This kid could become a serious problem to contain.

Disney plays with a ton of emotion and has the ability to energize the entire Stone Memorial defensive unit. His combination of effort and disruption could force offensive coordinators to dedicate additional blockers in his direction.

Third down is where defensive linemen can earn their money, and Disney has the potential to become one of those guys who helps get the Panthers off the field when it matters most.

Keep an eye on No. 59.

TSSN STOCK: BUY 🟢

Jakob Conatser — York Institute

When we talk about guys willing to get dirty in the trenches, Conatser’s name belongs in the conversation.

He brings some quickness off the line and has shown an ability to get around blockers and into the backfield quickly. That pe*******on can wreck an offense’s timing and create opportunities for everyone else on the defense.

York is looking for a bounce-back season, and Conatser should be a major component of what the Dragons are trying to accomplish defensively.

TSSN STOCK: BUY 🟢

🟡 ACCUMULATE

Gael Sanchez — Macon County

We like the skill set, and we like the early returns.

Sanchez seems to have a knack for getting to the football. We love his discipline and toughness, and there are enough tools here to believe his stock could continue climbing as the season progresses.

He’s exactly what the Accumulate category is designed for — we’re buying some shares now because we believe there could be considerably more coming.

TSSN STOCK: ACCUMULATE 🟡

Stefan Kabore — Cookeville

We really like the preseason Kabore has put together.

The two-way Cavalier brings size, athleticism and quickness, and he has a knack for finding the football. His versatility gives Cookeville another weapon it can move around and utilize in different situations.

If what we’ve seen during the preseason carries over to Friday nights, this could be a big year.

Possible breakout season loading for Kabore.

TSSN STOCK: ACCUMULATE 🟡

Jayden Burnley — Trousdale County

Burnley brings the motor and grit factor we’re looking for from a defensive lineman.

He loves mixing it up in the trenches and plays with the type of energy that can spread throughout a defense. Trousdale County has built its football reputation around toughness and physicality, and Burnley fits that mentality.

He has the ability to help get that Yellow Jacket defense swarming to the football.

We’re interested to see where his stock goes once the games begin to count.

TSSN STOCK: ACCUMULATE 🟡

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TSSN DEFENSIVE LINE MARKET BOARD

STRONG BUY 📈
Kevin Wilman — Upperman
Lex Winfree — White County

BUY 🟢
Wyatt Lankford — Gordonsville
Cooper Disney — Stone Memorial
Jakob Conatser — York Institute

ACCUMULATE 🟡
Gael Sanchez — Macon County
Stefan Kabore — Cookeville
Jayden Burnley — Trousdale County

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The defensive line can be one of the toughest position groups to evaluate strictly from a stat sheet.

Sometimes the player who changes the game never records the sack. He’s the guy demanding a double team, blowing up a running lane, forcing the quarterback out of the pocket or creating an opportunity for a teammate to make the play.

That’s why TSSN will continue watching this group closely throughout the 2026 season.

Stocks will rise. Stocks will fall. And there are almost certainly defensive linemen who aren’t on this board today who will force us to notice them once Friday nights begin.

The market is officially open.

08/17/2026

TSWA PRESEASON PREP FOOTBALL POLL: Clay County, Gordonsville, Stone Memorial & Upperman Ranked Entering Week One. LINK In COMMENTS:

08/17/2026

TSSN Market Watch: Upper Cumberland Tight Ends

By TSSN Staff Reports

Presented by Guffey Law

Perhaps no position group in the Upper Cumberland enters the 2026 season with more high-end talent than tight end.

This group has size, physicality, athleticism and some serious next-level talent. Two seniors are already headed to major college programs, another underclassman is drawing significant attention, and several others could become major weapons for their offenses this fall.

From big targets working the middle of the field to physical blockers willing to put defenders on their backs, the Upper Cumberland is loaded at tight end.

Here is the preseason TSSN Market Watch: Upper Cumberland Tight Ends.

🚀 AGGRESSIVE BUY

Colton Johnson — Upperman | Senior

Top-shelf talent in Baxter.

Johnson has put together quite a career at Upperman as a standout two-sport athlete, and his combination of size, strength and athleticism makes him a matchup problem.

He has excellent hands and can post up in the middle of the field, giving his quarterback a massive target. But Johnson isn’t simply a receiving threat. He embraces the physical side of the position and can drive defenders backward as a blocker.

Johnson is headed to Ole Miss next season, and there is a reason why.

Make sure you check him out this fall. This is next-level talent playing right here in the Upper Cumberland.

Zeke Walkup — Cannon County | Senior

Another outstanding two-sport athlete, Walkup brings size, toughness and an intimidation factor to the Lions.

What really catches our attention is the passion and swagger with which he plays. Teammates rally around him, and he brings an edge every time he steps onto the field.

Walkup can drag across the middle as a quarterback’s relief valve, secure the football and then turn into a bruising runner after the catch. His mentality is pretty simple: stop me if you can.

He’s headed to Maryland next season, but first he wants to leave his mark on the Cannon County football program.

📈 BUY

Lucas Cornwell — Smith County | Junior

Calling Cornwell a physical specimen might be an understatement.

At approximately 6-foot-7 with a muscular frame, the Smith County junior towers over many of the defenders trying to cover him. Combine that size with soft hands and an ability to find open space, and you’ve got one of the region’s most intriguing prospects.

Cornwell is already receiving significant college attention and should get plenty of opportunities this season.

With a freshman quarterback taking over the Smith County offense, don’t be surprised if Cornwell becomes one of his favorite targets. When things get complicated, having a target that big can make life much easier.

Franky Guerrero — Livingston Academy | Senior

Coach Kaleb Qualls wants Guerrero touching the football, and we expect Hogeye to get creative in finding ways to make that happen.

Guerrero’s combination of strength, soft hands and athleticism gives Livingston an opportunity to create mismatches against smaller defenders.

Get him the football in space and the fun begins.

Guerrero isn’t an easy guy to bring to the ground, so defensive backs better bring their hard hats when they meet him downfield. This could be a big season for the Livingston senior.

Tylor Fitts — Cookeville | Senior

To say Fitts enjoys contact would be an understatement.

The Cookeville senior thrives in physical matchups and brings an attitude that fits perfectly at tight end. Watch for Coach Taylor Hennigan to move Fitts around formations, drag him across the field and look for opportunities to catch defenses sleeping for big chunk plays.

But his value goes beyond receptions and blocking.

Fitts is one of the emotional leaders of this Cookeville team, and his teammates can rally around him. That leadership stands out just as much as his physical style of play.

📊 ACCUMULATE

Eli Sparkman — White County

Sparkman is one of those guys who seems to eat, sleep and breathe football.

His football IQ jumps out, but so does the aggressive way he attacks the game. He understands what’s happening around him and isn’t afraid of the physical work required at the position.

We believe Sparkman is primed for a big season in Sparta.

Keep accumulating. There may be plenty of upside here.

👀 WATCH LIST

Thomas Ashley — Clay County

Clay County enters the season with a new quarterback in Fletcher Strong, and that could create opportunities for Ashley.

When protection breaks down or Strong works through his progressions, having a big target available underneath could become extremely valuable.

We like Ashley’s athleticism and his ability to settle into openings in the defense. If he becomes a dependable option for Strong, his role in the Bulldogs’ offense could grow quickly.

This is one to monitor as the season develops.

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The Upper Cumberland has produced plenty of talented football players, but this year’s tight end class deserves special attention.

With Colton Johnson headed to Ole Miss, Zeke Walkup headed to Maryland, Lucas Cornwell drawing major college interest, and several other experienced playmakers ready for big seasons, this may be one of the deepest and most talented position groups anywhere in the region.

The tight end market is officially open — and business is booming in the Upper Cumberland.