Every recruiting service has its algorithms. Every college program has its scouting department. But in the small towns, the earliest and often most accurate scouting reports still come from the people who never miss a Friday night: the parents, the neighbors, and the die-hards who fill a comment section the moment a “who’s breaking out this year” post goes up.
That’s exactly what happened recently, when a Facebook thread asking fans to name an overlooked or under-the-radar player heading into the 2026 season lit up with responses. Three names stood out for the programs and storylines behind them: Redding Wilson at Lexington, Gavin Gray at Huntingdon, and Zak Summers at Milan.
Redding Wilson, Lexington
Redding Wilson Is Emerging as Lexington’s Next Homegrown Star
Sometimes the best evaluations come long before the recruiting services catch up.
When we asked fans to name the most overlooked high school football players in the state, Lexington’s Redding Wilson quickly became one of the most consistently mentioned prospects. Commenter Kory Patrick Wilson kept it simple: “Redding Wilson Lexington HS.” Another fan, Emmett Slone, expanded on the thought, predicting that “several from L-town gonna wake some people up this year in 4A.”
Based on Wilson’s trajectory, that confidence doesn’t seem misplaced.
His rise has been years in the making. Long before Friday night lights, Wilson helped Lexington’s Little League All-Star team capture a district championship in 2022, showing the competitive edge that would become a trademark. Two years later, he was already making an impact on the middle school football field, helping lead scoring drives while establishing himself as one of the area’s brightest young athletes.
Now entering his sophomore season in the Class of 2029, Wilson has already become a two-way contributor for the Tigers. He lines up at quarterback on offense and safety on defense, demonstrating the versatility that has drawn early attention from college recruiters. That attention has already translated into Division I offers from Memphis and Central Arkansas, an impressive accomplishment for a player with several years of high school football still ahead.
Wilson also proved he belongs against elite competition during the Centennial Bank West Tennessee All-Star Game. Working primarily at safety, he delivered one of the game’s most memorable hits on a Union City ball carrier while finishing with approximately six tackles. When given opportunities on offense, he flashed his athleticism with a 32-yard run that showcased his explosiveness in space.
The football field isn’t the only place where Wilson is turning heads.
A standout baseball player, he excels as both a shortstop and outfielder. Showcase testing has backed up the athleticism visible on film, with Prep Baseball Report recording a 95.5 mph exit velocity, a 6.91-second 60-yard dash, and a 75 mph infield arm. Those verified metrics reinforce what coaches already see: Wilson possesses the kind of multi-sport athletic profile that translates across the field.
Lexington enters the upcoming season looking to build on last year’s campaign and make a deeper postseason run in TSSAA Class 4A. If Wilson continues developing at his current pace, he could become one of the program’s foundational pieces for years to come.
The fans recognized it first. The offers have already followed. It would not be surprising if the rest of the state catches up next.
Gavin Gray, Huntingdon
Gavin Gray Is Ready to Build on a Championship Season at Huntingdon
Championship teams are often filled with star power, but some of their most important players don’t receive the attention they deserve.
When fans were asked to identify Tennessee’s most overlooked football players, Derrick Hubble wasted no time pointing to one name: “Gavin Gray LB from Huntingdon HS.”
It’s a fitting endorsement for a linebacker who has already established himself as one of the anchors of one of the state’s premier programs.
Gray played a pivotal role in Huntingdon’s memorable 2025 season, helping lead the Mustangs to the TSSAA Class 2A state championship under head coach Eric Swenson. Huntingdon capped its championship run with a 20-7 victory over Marion County in the title game after surviving one of the postseason’s most dramatic contests, a 35-34 second-round win over rival Milan.
While Huntingdon’s championship attracted statewide attention, Gray quietly built an impressive résumé of his own.
The standout linebacker earned Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State honors as an underclassman, a rare accomplishment that speaks to both his production and impact on one of the state’s best defenses. Earning All-State recognition on a championship-caliber unit is no small feat, especially for a player still early in his high school career.
Gray’s physical style of play, instincts at linebacker, and ability to consistently make plays around the football helped establish the defensive identity that carried the Mustangs through a demanding playoff run. His presence in the middle of the defense gave Huntingdon the consistency needed to navigate a postseason filled with high-pressure moments.
Now, with a state championship ring already on his hand and All-State recognition on his résumé, Gray enters the upcoming season with even greater expectations. Huntingdon isn’t simply trying to have another successful year. The Mustangs are aiming to defend their Class 2A title, and Gray is expected to be one of the leaders tasked with making that happen.
For programs chasing championships, replacing production is often the biggest challenge. Huntingdon believes it already has one of the next great defensive leaders in place.
The fans have already taken notice. After an All-State season on a championship defense, Gavin Gray appears poised to become one of the next standout linebackers in West Tennessee.
Zak Summers, Milan
Zak Summers Has Quietly Become One of West Tennessee’s Most Respected Leaders
Some quarterbacks command attention with highlight plays. Others earn respect through consistency, humility, and the trust of their teammates.
When fans were asked to identify Tennessee’s most overlooked football players, Hayley O’Connor Summers nominated someone who emphasized character over statistics. “Zakary (Zak) Summers, Milan High School, QB. Hard worker, silent leader, and always willing to take the back seat to let others shine.”
That description mirrors the path Summers has taken throughout his high school career.
Before arriving at Milan, Summers established himself at Union City, where he became the starting quarterback as a sophomore in 2024. He helped lead the Golden Tornadoes to a 10-win season and a Region 7-A championship, earning Co-Offensive MVP honors on the All-Region team.
His move to Milan brought new expectations, but Summers didn’t miss a beat.
In his first season with the Bulldogs, he became the catalyst for an offense that powered Milan to an undefeated regular season and another deep postseason run. Summers completed 80 of 121 passes for 1,317 yards and 15 touchdowns while posting a 128.3 quarterback rating, efficiently distributing the football and making winning plays throughout the year.
Milan’s championship aspirations ultimately came to an end in one of the season’s most memorable playoff games, a 35-34 second-round loss to eventual Class 2A state champion Huntingdon.
Now entering his senior year, Summers returns with unfinished business.
The Bulldogs once again have the talent to compete for a state championship, and their veteran quarterback will be counted on to lead the way. While his numbers speak for themselves, those closest to the program point to something less measurable: his willingness to lead without seeking the spotlight.
The fans who nominated him weren’t talking only about production. They were talking about the kind of player every championship-caliber team hopes to have under center. As Milan prepares for another title run, don’t be surprised if Zak Summers’ quiet leadership becomes one of the biggest reasons the Bulldogs are once again playing deep into November.
If you know of a student-athlete who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear their story. Contact NILvana Sports at [email protected] or connect with us on social media through X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. We’re always looking to spotlight athletes who are making an impact both on and off the field.
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