Tennessee Select Tryouts: Volunteer State Stars Impress

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –- Some of the best talent from the state of Tennessee gathered at Tennessee State University on Sunday for a shot at making the roster of the Tennessee Select 7-on-7 squad. With multiple four-stars on hand plenty of other young stars impressing, there were plenty of things to take away from the event. Here’s a rundown of the biggest news and notes.

Class of 2017 three-star Gallatin, Tenn. running back Jordan Ponchez-Mason had a monster season carrying the ball in 2015, but his versatility was on full display on Sunday. Ponchez-Mason has soft hands and has quick feet, allowing him to get open and create space in one-on-one matchups. He’s yet to receive his first offer, but that could change as early as this week, with programs like Vanderbilt showing heavy interest.

Three-star defensive back T.J. Carter continues to impress with his ability to cover one-on-one and as far as technique goes, he’s ahead of the curve at this point in his development. Carter already has offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and others and looks like a future SEC talent.

Class of 2017 Rivals250 wide receiver Princeton Fant is just seven months removed from ACL surgery but he participated fully on Sunday, showing impressive burst during drills and also winning his share of reps in one-on-ones. Fant already has several Power Five offers, including Tennessee, Kentucky and Ole Miss, but he looks more and more like he’s well on his way to adding double-digit offers this spring.

Class of 2019 quarterback Stone Norton came into the event as a virtual unknown by left looking like a lock to make the roster. Norton is coached at his high school by former NFL quarterback Jonathan Quinn and looks very polished as a passer for a prospect his age. With ideal size (Norton is listed at 6-foot-3), he has a chance to grow into a Power Five prospect.

Class of 2019 defensive back/athlete Adonis Otey is just a rising sophomore, but already has the look of a future star. While working as a DB on Sunday, he showed great speed and fluid hips and also had more than his fair share of success in one-on-ones. Otey was one of the youngest prospects in attendance but looks the part of a player to watch in the future.

** It’s still very early in the process to start talking about the Class of 2019, but it’s clear the rising sophomores in the state of Tennessee have the potential to be special. On Sunday, the group was headlined by defensive back Jashon Watkins, a 6-foot-4 prospect from East Nashville Magnet School who already looks the part of a high Power Five prospect. The offers should come flowing in for Watkins this spring, especially once coaches see how well he moves for a player with his size and length.

** Joining Watkins in the impressive 2019 class is Davidson Academy defensive end Ani Izuchukwu. The Nigerian native is new to football, but his speed and athleticism was on full display Sunday as he showed off during agilities and position drills. Izuchukwu is another player who will likely add offers starting this spring.

** Four-star cornerback Gentry Bonds was impressive during both drills and one-on-ones and looks to have added strength this offseason. At 6-foot-2, he has ideal size to play on the outside but is also versatile enough to move around if needed. Tennessee is very high on Bonds, as is Vanderbilt.

** Class of 2018 defensive lineman D'Andre Litaker and 2018 offensive lineman Max Wray both took part in agilities and showed they’re more than just big bodies. At 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Litaker is big and can really move. Wray is a legit 6-foot-5 and while he still has weight to add, his frame is perfect for a future tackle. Wray recently added Texas A&M to his offer list that already includes LSU and others. Litaker should end up with several offers down the line as well.

** Class of 2017 three-star safety Kaleb Oliver has had two older brothers go onto college programs at Tennessee and Tennessee St., but he looks like he might end up being the best of the bunch. At 6-foot-3, Oliver already has Power Five size and ability and depending on his progression, he could play safety or linebacker at the next level.

** During the 2015 season, Class of 2017 defensive back Rodney Owens and Class of 2018 defensive back Jaylon King anchored Nashville Ensworth’s defensive backfield and on Sunday, the pair showed why they were entrusted with the job. Both players had excellent days, with Owens looking more like a true safety and King showing the versatility to work at corner or safety going forward. Both already have offers and they should continue to roll in as their respective recruiting cycles roll along.