Tennessee Football Stars 2025 | Game-by-Game Spotlight & Underrated

Talent Tuesday Feature | Triple Threat Sportscast

The postseason stage reveals who is built for the moment. Across Tennessee, proven leaders and hungry playmakers stepped up when it mattered. This breakdown covers their most recent games and why each athlete continues to shape this year’s playoff run.

Spotlight Players

Briggs Cherry, QB, Baylor School (Chattanooga)

Cherry guided Baylor to a 49–28 win over Knoxville Catholic with an efficient night through the air. He completed 16 of 24 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The offense stayed in rhythm. Play action opened windows. Cherry managed protections and kept the ball out of harm’s way. That control sets the tone for a deep postseason push.

Stat line: 16 of 24, 269 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Why it matters: Efficient decision making and clean execution against a quality opponent

Lionel Brooks, RB, Spring Hill High (Columbia)

Lionel Brooks — photo courtesy credit Fieldlevel

Brooks put on a statement performance in the playoff win over White House. He churned out 325 rushing yards on 30 carries with four rushing touchdowns and also threw a touchdown. Vision and balance showed up on inside zone and counter. Finishing runs through contact kept the chains moving and the game under control.

Stat line: 30 carries, 325 rush yards, 4 rush TD, 1 pass TD
Why it matters: Workhorse production and explosive plays in a playoff setting

Taylor Hasselbeck, QB, Ensworth School (Nashville)

Taylor Hasselbeck— photo credit The Tennessean

Hasselbeck steered Ensworth to a 28–7 win over Montgomery Bell Academy with calm pocket presence and on-schedule throws. Short and intermediate accuracy kept the offense ahead of the sticks. He set the pace, controlled field position, and finished drives when the Tigers needed it most.

Result: Ensworth 28, Montgomery Bell Academy 7
Why it matters: Composed leadership and tempo control against a familiar rival

Underrated Stars

Jaylan Strong, DB/WR, Maplewood High (Nashville)

Strong impacted all phases in the win over Waverly Central. He set an aggressive tone on defense, rallied to the football, and provided timely production on offense. His versatility gives Maplewood answers on third down and in the red zone.

Result: Maplewood 24, Waverly Central 6
Why it matters: Two-way value that shows up in critical moments

Landan Left, DB/RB/PR, Pearl-Cohn High (Nashville)

Left delivered a momentum swing in the first-round rout of Battle Creek with a punt return touchdown. He threatened the edge on offense, tackled in space on defense, and flipped the field on special teams. One touch can change a game. That is his calling card.

Result: Pearl-Cohn 70, Battle Creek 7
Why it matters: Three-phase impact that creates short fields and quick scores

Jack Nimitz, QB, Franklin Road Academy (Nashville)

Nimitz kept the offense humming in a 35–6 win over Lakeway Christian. He threw for 171 yards and a touchdown, distributed the ball on time, and avoided negative plays. Quick release and clean reads showed maturity beyond his class.

Stat line: 171 passing yards, 1 TD
Why it matters: Efficient playoff execution and smart distribution

Final Takeaway

Cherry’s control, Brooks’s power, and Hasselbeck’s composure lead the spotlight tier. Strong’s toughness, Left’s spark, and Nimitz’s poise headline the underrated group. Different roles. Same impact. These are the players raising their teams when the lights are brightest.

Internal: Player Spotlight Page

External: Tennessee High School Football Stats

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