#TN2023: Hidden P5/D1 Talents (Defense)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153183' first='Marceo' last='Collins, Jr'] </strong>(6'3 255) - <strong>Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the best defense's in the state this season has been at Baylor where Collins, Jr has been a major player, disrupting things in the trenches and taking his recruiting stock to another level. Recently committed to Austin Peay, Collins, Jr is an athletic and versatile D-lineman that could grow and develop into an interesting piece on defense where his size and talents can be utilized in multiple ways. He may be best suited for a 3-4 defense where he can work the edge as a run stopper or slide inside and provide a pass rush.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before his commitment to the Governors, Collins, Jr had built a solid profile for himself but hadn't received the D1 offers he thought he would. That could change over the coming weeks as he has played well this season for the Red Raiders and he has the size, strength and potential that D1 coaches are looking for. If this Chattanooga area D-lineman doesn't make it to the D1, Austin Peay will be getting a steal and a future star in the trenches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6180185/62f53b9de97a190614a0a52a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6180185/62f53b9de97a190614a0a52a</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":466249,"width":299,"height":299,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/marcollins-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-466249" width="299" height="299"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201095' first='Chris' last='Hunter'] </strong>(6'6 275) - <strong>Karns&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This East Tennessee product has the college size and physical traits that coaches want in the trenches but his recruitment has yet to explode, however that could change soon. Over this current season, Hunter has shown flashes of dominance and the ability to get after the quarterback while also being a brick wall against the run. Hunter is a big dude that simply looks the part the moment he steps on the field, so his size alone brings college eyes his way but he is still waiting to hear from those bigger named schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Beavers senior D-lineman still has a ways to go before he is a finished product and is still raw in a few areas but the upside and potential is there to develop into a monster that can play a variety of roles in the line of scrimmage. Hunter holds a couple of FCS offers at the moment but the possibility is there to see his offer list expand over the next few months because it's hard to find guys with his size that moves the way he does, so watch out for this guy going forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16015869/6335e3a1f5610604e41c0063">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16015869/6335e3a1f5610604e41c0063</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340409' first='Brison' last='Jackson'] </strong>(6'4 280) - <strong>Lebanon </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top breakthrough stars this season from the senior class has been Jackson and he has created this buzz by showing explosive, pass rush traits that translate very well to the next level. A little known recruit going into summer camp season, Jackson burst on the scene then and started to build his stock but he expounded on that this season by continuing to show that he is one of the best interior D-line pass rushers that we have in this state. The Blue Devils senior moves very well for size, showing nimble lower body movements along with knowing how to use hands to get off blocks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches started to recognize this Middle Tennessee product a few months ago as Jackson holds multiple FCS offers with several others showing interest. What this Lebanon based D-lineman has done this season is boost his stock even further and by looking at his film, you will see D1 traits and upside that bigger schools should be looking into much further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15519949/630d690a386dfd01242f29e2">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15519949/630d690a386dfd01242f29e2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell'] </strong>(6'0 220) - <strong>Lipscomb Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Longwell has been one of the best defensive prospects in the entire state at this point in the season and I don't see him slowing down until he and his Mustangs finish the year in Chattanooga. This hard hitting, fierce middle linebacker has flashed in many ways this season showing his tremendous instincts along with range to track the ball anywhere on the field, Longwell is a bonafide D1, Power Five prospect. What has stood out the most is his quick feet and instincts towards the ball, diagnosing the play before anyone else. His football IQ is extremely high and when you combine that with physicality and speed, you get a prospect that is made for the big stage of college football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs senior backer holds several D1 offers at the moment, so options are there but Longwell is on this list because he took his game to another level, making himself a legit Power Five prospect. His film shows all these traits and more and expect to see those Power Five start to offer this guy very soon, especially as we inch closer to postseason play and the beginning of the first signing period in December.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15060483/631763f04210a60a1c7abd2e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15060483/631763f04210a60a1c7abd2e</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":303387,"width":299,"height":299,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/blongwell.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303387" width="299" height="299"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. </strong>(Edge LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='234967' first='Desmond' last='Lockett'] </strong>(6'5 230) - <strong>Karns</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you're looking for a prospect that will be a project on the next level but sports some of the best quicks off the edge in this state, Lockett is your guy. Having great size along with very long arms, Lockett presents a lot of physical traits that should be very appealing to collegiate coaches but they have yet to bite on this guy's potential. So far this season, Lockett has shown improvement against the run and that's due to adding more weight to his frame while also continuing to bring the speed off the edge. His sack numbers aren't where he would like them to be but the pass rush upside is definitely there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockett has yet to see the offers come his way and some of that may be due to off the field details but when you look at his film, you see the size, length and speed that warrants more looks. I personally feel this is at least an FCS prospect but Lockett has the upside to reach bigger heights on the D1 or Power Five level if somebody takes a flier on this East Tennessee speed rusher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16246210/6321f45b1761c5097cc1da50">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16246210/6321f45b1761c5097cc1da50</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153513' first='Garrett' last='Hawkins'] </strong>(6'2 215) - <strong>Sevier Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For almost three years now, Hawkins has been one of the most productive tacklers in this state and his senior season is no different as this East Tennessee linebacker has been a force for his Smoky Bears defense while taking his recruiting stock to another level. Going into the final stretch of the regular season, Hawkins is one of the top statistical leaders in tackles and a prime candidate to earn All-State honors. That kind of play is what can boost someone's recruiting status and take it to another level but we gotta get those D1 coaches to get involved one way or another.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out about Hawkins on film that can appeal to college coaches is his instincts, football smarts and range towards the ball. The Smoky Bears senior leader simply has a nose for the ball and tends to diagnose the play before it even starts. His high football IQ is a great trait to build around on defense while also sporting the character you want in a team captain. Hawkins holds a few FCS offers at the moment but this could be a sneaky recruit that picks up steam from D1 schools before his recruitment is finalized.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12831217/633612fcab93fa088cc80f69">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12831217/633612fcab93fa088cc80f69</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":438826,"width":280,"height":280,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/ghawkins2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-438826" width="280" height="280"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222271' first='Luke' last='Cook'] </strong>(6'2 175) - <strong>Gallatin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Cook recently took his name off the recruiting board as he gave his commitment to Lindenwood and that very well may be where he ends up but this is a talented natural athlete that could become a last second find by D1 coaches and be given an opportunity to play on the biggest stage of college football. The trait that stands out the most about Cook when watching him on film is his speed and range to chase down the ball. This guy can really run and fits the mold perfectly as a free safety and center fielder that can read and react quickly, finding the ball anywhere on the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lindenwood is getting a steal with Cook but I feel that if bigger schools come calling and start to look deeper into this Green Wave safety, he may find himself playing on the D1 level. I know for a fact bigger programs have looked into Cook, so he is on their radar. It's just a matter of going all in on this Middle Tennessee defensive back and I bet he would be worth it because Cook has great speed and tremendous upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13000272/63122679478d7716d00f8330">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13000272/63122679478d7716d00f8330</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267061' first='Mose' last='Phillips III'] </strong>(6'2 190) - <strong>Cane Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the hottest names on the recruiting circuit throughout this Fall football season has been Phillips and while he does hold a few D1 offers already, I believe this Middle Tennessee safety is a Power Five talent waiting to be found. Big, physical and rangy along with strong instincts, Phillips brings a lot of tools to the football field that translate well to the college game. He is also a strong athlete as well that can run and matchup against bigger receivers, tight ends and cover them with ease. A steady performer, Phillips is ready to play college ball tomorrow and I feel his best football days are certainly ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The buzz for Phillips has grown over the past two months where he has added several new offers but the Ravens safety is still waiting on those big ones to come through. I believe the big boys will come calling soon, especially as the bigger schools start to look for under the radar seniors and their film. Phillips has some strong highlights that showcase all his physical traits and game play, so expect to continue to see the Middle Tennessee safeties stock soar over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9325707/631682cf5caa590570cc6868">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9325707/631682cf5caa590570cc6868</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":342169,"width":350,"height":350,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/mphillips.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-342169" width="350" height="350"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185583' first='Marco' last='Tyson'] </strong>(6'0 185) - <strong>Bartlett&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Panthers have one of the best secondaries in the state and Tyson is the guy back there with the most upside to play his play on the D1 level and possibly even Power Five ball. Over the past two years, Tyson has been one of the more consistent ball hawks in the state that roams the back end either breaking up passes or coming up and playing physical against the run. This Memphis based safety brings a lot of maturity and smart football play to the field as well, so his value to the secondary and team as a whole is very high.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyson has seen his recruitment go in waves as earlier this summer he picked up an offer from Arkansas St. but has since seen everything go quiet. Things shouldn't remain dormant for much longer as Tyson has put together some strong senior film, continuing to prove how talented and valuable he is on the back end of the defense. This is another under the radar talent that would be a steal for whatever D1 or Power Five program decides to take a chance on Panther ball hawk.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15079691/63362b7b2ab07308141b588c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15079691/63362b7b2ab07308141b588c</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200381' first='Mark' last='Joseph'] </strong>(6'2 180) - <strong>Sheffield&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Joseph is one of the true underrated prospects not only in this state but the country as this dude is simply a playmaker in the secondary that knows how to track the ball. The Knights senior safety is the state leader in interceptions (8 through eight games) for the second year in a row while also handling quarterback duties on offense for his Sheffield team. Joseph is handling a lot of roles this year but is shining bright and producing at a high level each and every game. Bigger schools need to start paying attention to this Memphis area playmaker because he simply just knows how to play the game of football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout his recruitment, Joseph has added a few FCS offers and interest from others but none of the D1 schools have pulled the trigger. He has the stats and film over the past two years that warrant bigger looks and I feel that after coaches go over his senior highlights, those offers might start coming his way. Whoever lands this ballhawk will be getting a steal and someone with upside to take his football talents to bigger heights.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Updated Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13622969/632932f35ef73a09f421f0cd">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13622969/632932f35ef73a09f421f0cd</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":481905,"width":306,"height":306,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/mjoseph.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481905" width="306" height="306"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pay Attention to These Others …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102196' first='Taeshawn' last='Clark'] </strong>- Northeast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226009' first='Eriq' last='George'] </strong>- MBA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102261' first='Ethan' last='Jones'] </strong>- Lausanne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295469' first='J'Addison' last='Brown'] </strong>- Germantown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102318' first='Drew' last='Scott'] </strong>- Lausanne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102190' first='John' last='Carlevato'] </strong>- Knox. West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102311' first='Langston' last='Rogers'] </strong>- Lausanne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102212' first='Byron' last='Davis'] </strong>- Cane Ridge </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(CB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323158' first='Derrick' last='Burroughs'] </strong>- Nolensville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->