Now #D1Highlights fans, understand that everyone knows the phenom 5 star running-back Jalen Hurd. This young man is a beast, don’t get me wrong…..I may even name my first unborn child Jalen. But after him who is the name you should be listening and watching out for here in the middle Tennessee area?
MontgomeryBellAcademy running back Michael Lacey is a name that you’re going to hear a lot this season in the Division II AA circles. Lacey a 5’8, 165lbs, junior is poised to have a coming out party this season and will be a sure bet going into his senior season next year. This iron man athlete plays both ways splitting time at the corner back position as well. His true value is more on the offensive side of the ball running the rock behind his talented/massive offensive line led by Alex Bars and DJ Mott just to name a few. We are looking forward to watching Lacey’s explosiveness and quick misdirection running this season. MontgomeryBellAcademy is primed to make a run at the state title this season under head coach Marty Euverard. Mr. Lacey, best of luck this season, you are definitely a #D1HIghlight!
Gabe Angel
After Lacey we have the Wilson Central Wildcat running-back Gabe Angel. This massive and still growing 6’2, 225lbs sophomore running back is going to a force to be reckoned with. Angel, already receiving offers from Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and visit to Alabama just to name a few, is one of the biggest names being talked about in SEC networks around this region. As a freshmen last year Gabe played with the big boys at the varsity level, this year it seems he will be splitting time with a stable of backs including fellow sophomore Victavious Johnson. This season we feel Gabe will be used tremendously in the offense as his best is still yet to come as he continues to learn and develop into a legitimate dynamic high school athlete. His power, speed, and shiftiness allows him to run over, by, and around would be tacklers. Again, only a sophomore this kid is already and will be a #D1Highlight athlete! Best of luck this season GA!
Jalen Manning
Coming from SmithCountyHigh School this muscle bound running back in our opinion is one of the best pound for pound backs in middle Tennessee if not all of Tennessee. Jalen Manning, standing at 5’10, and190lbs of lean muscle, comes in this season with a chip on his shoulder to make a name for himself with other running backs in the area. This YouTube sensation is just plain POWERFUL! In a YouTube clip posted last year Manning was seen benching 390lbs, and with him squatting 500lbs this mighty mouse can either run over you or move the pile for the tough yards that are needed to win games. Coming off a great junior season campaign, Manning won District 8AA Running Back MVP honors and looks to build from that. His 4.5 speed with combined power and experience makes this season for Manning one to be watched. Manning has drawn the attention of major programs like the University of Louisville and MississippiState. This will be a season for the record books for Mr. Manning. We at D1Highlights wish you and your team the best of luck this season! You sir are certified!
Have you heard of the name Mr. D’Andre Ferby? Well let me introduce you to him, “FERBY” is what his peers from powerhouse DII Ensworth High School call him. Standing 6’1, 220lbs, this ready made prodigy running back has the build for many college programs. D’Andre has received interest from Western Ky, Vanderbilt, and Murray St just to name a few. D’Andre is looking to make a name for himself following in the footsteps of ex-teammate and now Miami Hurricane Corn Elder. Ferby is poised to be one of Tennessee’s premier backs in no time at all. He is shifty, speedy, has great balance, and an eye for hitting the hole at full speed. We will take a leap of faith and say that, outside of Mr. Hurd at Beech, Ferby will be in the top 2-3 leading rushers this season in middle Tennessee. Ferby, best of luck this season and let’s continue the state championship legacy you have started, #D1Highlights…
Last but definitely not least by any stretch of the imagination is Dontavious Fort-Merriweather from Clarksville North East High School. DFM is a “can do offensive athlete” from wide receiver, slot receiver, kick returner to most notably a legit D1Highlight running back. This 5’10, 170lbs back is lined up mostly in the back field but you can find him all over the offensive side of the ball. Going into the his senior season and having the spotlight on him with the departure of University of Tennessee, and former Eagle standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DFM will be counted on this season as the work horse. This 3 time All District /Player of the Week, is gaining interest from Western Ky, MTSU, UTC and Austin Peay just to name a few. Double digit TD’s will pile up from several opportunities in the offense and special teams game, we feel like this season for the Eagles will be one to remember with DFM leading the offense. Best of luck DFM, you are a #D1Highlight self made!
