This weekend, talent from nine different states will converge on Nashville for the Music City 7-on-7 Classic. This event held at Vanderbilt has become one of the premier 7-on-7 events in the south, and this year’s group of talent looks to be one of the deepest ever at the event.
The tournament is open to the public, and there are several high quality athletes for fans to watch this weekend. Vanderbilt commitments Gerald Perry, Jashon Roberson, and Darrius Simms will be participating, as well as several Vanderbilt targets including Jalen Ramsey, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Walker Jones.
Today, we will take a look at the top prospects from the class of 2013 expected to be in attendance.
Here are the top prospects to watch including a brief overview (these prospects are placed in no particular order):
Mark Dodson- Whitehaven (TN)- RB- As a junior, Dodson exploded onto the scene as he rushed for over 2,100 yards and 28 touchdowns on his way to being ranked the 7th best prospect in Tennessee. In May, Dodson chose Ole Miss over several other offers including Arkansas, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.
Chris Lee- Wilson Central (TN)- WR- After missing the majority of his junior season due to injury, Lee created some buzz after an impressive summer camp circuit. Standing at 6’1 and weighing 195 pounds, Lee was clocked at a 4.3 forty at one of Ohio State’s summer camps. Lee currently holds an offer from Ohio Dominican.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin- Clarksville Northeast (TN)- ATH- Ranked as the state’s 2nd best prospect, Reeves-Maybin is one of Vanderbilt’s key remaining targets. The versatile athlete does a little bit of everything for Clarksville Northeast, from quarterback to running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. With a decision likely coming in August, many believe Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee are the top contenders in the hunt for Reeves-Maybin’s talents.
Darrius Sims- Whitehaven (TN)- DB- Despite being slightly undersized, the Memphis native is known as one of the most physical defensive backs in the south, and he has impressed nearly everyone that has seen him during the summer camp circuit. The Vanderbilt commitment is ranked as the 13th best prospect from the Volunteer state and chose the Commodores over Ole Miss, Memphis, and Cincinnati.
Deondre Moore- Fairview (TN)- WR- Moore put himself on the map as one of the top receivers in the state as a junior. Moore had over 900 yards receiving, but he really showed his athleticism as a punt returner where he averaged over 35 yards per return. Moore holds an offer from South Dakota State.
Max Staver- Brentwood Academy (TN)- QB- The Florida commitment will not be hard to find as he is a big quarterback with an even bigger arm. Don’t mistake his size for lack of speed, as Staver possesses great feet and adequate speed. The bad news for opposing teams is that Staver also has plenty of talent to get the ball to as well.
Adam Collins- Whitehaven (TN)- LB- Ranked as the 49th best player in Tennessee, Collins holds offers from Memphis and Cincinnati. He is an athletic linebacker that does a great job patrolling the field from his middle linebacker position at Whitehaven. With his speed, Collins makes tackles sideline to sideline.
Garret Dooley- Rochester (IL)- LB- Ranked as the 12th best prospect in Illinois, Dooley committed to Wisconsin over offers from Illinois, Vanderbilt, and Northern Illinois. This athletic linebacker also excels at running back at the high school level. Many teams were attracted to Dooley due to his great instincts and athleticism.
Walker Jones- ECS (TN)- LB- The Jones name is a familiar one as Walker is the brother of current Alabama players Barrett Jones and Harrison Jones. Jones is ranked as the 14th best prospect in Tennessee, and he recently cut down his list of schools to five. Those schools include Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.
Jalen Ramsey- Brentwood Academy (TN)- DB- Ramsey is rated as the top player in Tennessee and for good reason. At last year’s Music City 7-on-7 event, Ramsey already had the physique of a SEC defensive back, and he did not disappoint with his play on the field. Ramsey has several offers, but USC and Vanderbilt currently lead for his services. Ramsey is set to make a decision on July 16th.
Patrick Smith- Whitehaven (TN)- ATH- Smith wants to play quarterback at the next level, but most schools are recruiting him as a wide receiver/ defensive back. Smith explodes off the line of scrimmage as a wide receiver. He claims offers from Arkansas, Memphis, and Mississippi State.
Darian Banks- Gallatin (TN)- DB- Ranked the 43rd best prospect in Tennessee, Banks is an explosive athlete that has made several plays for the Green Wave the past two seasons. Banks projects as a corner at the next level, but he will lead the defense from his safety position. Banks holds offers from Army, Elon, and Tennessee State.
Gerald Perry- Whitehaven (TN)- WR- When Franklin took the Vanderbilt job, he said that he wanted to improve the level of speed of his football team. He did just that when he secured the commitment of Gerald Perry. Considered one of the top receivers in Tennessee, Perry gives the opportunity to score on each and play.
D’Montre Wade- Brentwood Academy (TN)- ATH- Wade is another standout from last season’s Music City 7-on-7. Versatility is what separated him from many of his peers. Even though Wade plays mostly running back, he has shown that he can easily transition to slot receiver, as he has soft hands and runs precise routes. Wade is ranked the 31st best prospect in Tennessee.
Levi Bufford- Wren (SC)- RB- Bufford had a solid junior season as he rushed for 827 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. With a new starting quarterback at Wren this season, Bufford looks to take the next step in production this season. Bufford is ranked as the 43rd top prospect in the state of South Carolina.
Justin Hunt- Whitehaven (TN)- WR- Hunt is a tall receiver at 6’3, and he has great body control. Hunt understands how to use his big frame to his advantage and catches the football over smaller defenders. Hunt is ranked as the 53rd best prospect in the state of Tennessee.
- Justin Angel
- Contributor - Vandy247