Blue-Grey All-American Combine: Tennessee Regional Scouting Report (2018)

Conference USA target Matt Needham was among the prospects at the Blue-Grey All-American Combine (Tennessee Regional).

In its long-awaited debut, turned out, there was no real reason for tempered expectations at the Blue-Grey All-American Combine (Tennessee Regional).

NFL veterans Ken Stills and Justin Geisinger were instructors and the one-time pro tandem was greeted at the workout by an eager group of participants.

NFL veteran trainer Rodney Beasley and Blue-Grey Football staffer Glen Campbell also worked and here’s insight on those who left a lasting impression.

Cole Kennon, QB, Ensworth (TN): The 6-3 and 180-pound junior has started a dialogue with Penn and Princeton. The recruiting process will heat up soon, too.

Ben Watson, QB, Ft. Zumwalt East (MO): Colgate jumped out to an early lead for the 6-foot and 185-pound junior. The race for a commitment is far from over.

Tristan Vandiver, QB, Booneville (MS): The 6-2 and 190-pound sophomore held his own. Same thing can be said about Ben Nixon from John Paul II (TN).

Kyle Mill, RB, Marquette (MO): With feelers from the Ivy League, Dartmouth and Princeton, the 5-9 and 190-pound junior is certainly heading in the right direction.

B.J. Connard, RB, Oakland (TN): The 5-11 and 180-pound sophomore has upside, so does Ke’Shun Gant from Covington (TN) and Antwan Roberts from John Paul II (TN).

Zyshon Alderson, WR, Mt. Pleasant (TN): The 6-1 and 196-pound junior nearly stole the show. Already with an offer to Moorehead State, others figure to do the same.

JaShaun Fenderson, WR, Fulton (TN): No slouch, the 5-9 and 196-pound junior grabbed his share of attention. Eastern Kentucky and Memphis have been in contact.

Presley Ingram, WR, Marquette (TN): Dayton and Eastern Michigan are schools that have kept the lines of communication open with the 6-3 and 190-pound junior.

Chayce Bishop, WR, Brentwood (TN): On the official roster, the 5-10 and 165-pound sophomore has an offer from Tulane. Tennessee is among others showing interest.

Makell Smith, WR, Maplewood (TN): The 5-10 and 190-pound junior turned heads with Ellis Dunn from Christian County (KY) and Rory White from John Paul II (TN).

Jaylen Wardlow, DB, Bowling Green (KY): Teams from the Ohio Valley Conference are apparently on the bandwagon of the 5-11 and 180-pound junior. Rightfully so.

Luke Bowers, DB, Page (TN): Murray State and Tennessee-Martin are couple programs that liked what they’ve seen in the past from the 5-10 and 185-pound junior.

Jay Wright, LB, John Paul II (TN): The 5-10 and 215-pound sophomore has talked with Memphis. Brooks Heagarty from John Paul II (TN) also deserved a mention.

Xavier Hopkins, LB, Sparkman (AL): The 5-10 and 220-pound junior did well, along with Ben Galluzzi from Springfield (TN) and Denarius Barnes from Hopkinsville (TN).

Max Goodwin, LB, Evansville Reitz (IN): The 6-foot and 210-pound junior held his own, with Will Gusmus from Houston (TN) and Dallas Darden from John Paul II (TN).

Payne Morgan, LB, St. Benedict of Auburndale (TN): The 5-11 and 210-pound freshman-to-be has a bright future, so does Austin Gough from Owensboro (KY).

Matt Needham, OL, Houston (TN): In a class all his own, the 6-6 and 310-pound junior has interest from Eastern Kentucky, Memphis, Murray State and Tulane.

Matt Bedford, OL, Cordova (TN): The 6-5 and 260-pound junior had his way with just about everyone down deep in the trenches. His name is one to remember.

Nathan Havrda, OL, Houston (TN): The 6-3 and 260-pound junior did well here, so did Alex Litle from Perry County (TN) and Andrew Farmer from Sunbright (TN).

William Long, OL, Hopkinsville (KY): The 6-foot and 255-pound freshman is about to hit a growth spurt. Once that happens, watch out, he’ll be difficult to deal with.

Braxton Ashabraner, DL, Jo Byrns (TN): Fully capable of lining up at the linebacker spot as well, versatility is the biggest asset for the 6-2 and 235-pound junior.

Ross Johnson, DL, Cedar Bluff (AL): With a motor that didn’t stop once throughout, it was full-speed ahead, all gas and no brakes, for the 6-2 and 275-pound junior.

Colton Spears, DL, Livingston Academy (TN): Strong, with good balance, the 6-2 and 260-pound junior has tools. With continued improvement, he’ll be just fine.

Trace Brown, DL, Seymour (TN): Forget about the fact the 6-2 and 235-pound sophomore is an underclassman. His peers did not recall age by day’s end.

Editor’s Note: For more information about the nationwide series of All-American Combines, specifically speaking the statistics, we’ve got you covered, look no further and follow the link (click here).

Additionally, those who did well at this workout, in due time, could be invited to one of the brand’s All-American Bowls held at NFL stadium and nationally broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks.

The games take place at one of several well-known venues: Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium and Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field. 

Moving forward, the Blue-Grey Football Selection Committee will consider a number of different factors before making an all-important decision on invites to the All-American Bowl. Stay tuned.