#TN2023 Best Available/Unsigned Defensive Prospects

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Inching closer to the 2nd signing day of the #TN2023 cycle, here we look at the top defensive prospects remaining from our in-state class. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102196' first='Taeshawn' last='Clark'] </strong>(6'3 255) - Kenwood: This Clarksville native may be headed for the JuCo ranks but he is definitely the most talented defensive lineman left in the #TN2023 class. Clark is a physically well built young man with a nice motor and the ability to bend around the corner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340409' first='Brison' last='Jackson'] </strong>(6'4 285) - Lebanon: Jackson is a late bloomer that picked up steam through the Fall season but things have quieted down of late. This is a talented prospect that shows on the film to rush the backfield from the middle while also having the size and mobility to play several roles across the D-line.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102261' first='Ethan' last='Jones'] </strong>(6'2 280) - Lausanne: If it wasn't for an injury that took Jones out of the mix last year and this offseason, this Memphis area D-lineman would have been one of the best at his position. The talent is still there and the upside to develop further on the next level, so somebody could get a steal with Jones.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Know: <strong>LaJarius Abernathy</strong> - Pearl Cohn, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265405' first='Taylor' last='Burton'] </strong>- Whitehaven, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102200' first='Demonte' last='Cook'] </strong>- Lebanon, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150355' first='Bralynn' last='Morris'] </strong>- Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":521091,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/brijackson.jpg?w=399" alt="" class="wp-image-521091" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell'] </strong>(6'1 225) - Lipscomb Academy: Longwell is one of the best overall available prospects left from the #TN2023 class and several high quality programs are hot on his trail. Auburn has been the biggest school to join the mix of late with multiple others close to pulling the trigger on an offer. Look for news about Longwell to pop over the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410569' first='Jaylon' last='Johnson'] </strong>(6'4 235) - Cane Ridge: Some of the biggest upside of any prospects listed in this article resides with Johnson. This is a big, long and athletic edge rusher that screams potential but unfortunately, Johnson must head to the JuCo ranks before he reaches his Division One dreams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155800' first='Tyler' last='Nix'] </strong>(6'4 220) - Beech: Sporting great size, length and athleticism, Nix is a potential filled prospect that sits available for the taking. The Bucs star defender had a strong senior season but for some reason, it hasn't led to more offers but this guy is definitely talented with his best football days ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242086' first='Tanner' last='Schuck'] </strong>(6'3 235) - Ravenwood: This past football season was a breakout year for this Mid-Tennessee pass rusher as Schuck has picked up a few FCS offers while gaining interest from others. Schuck is a physical guy with a nice burst off the edge that will only develop further and get better under a college system.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Know: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102318' first='Drew' last='Scott'] </strong>- Lausanne, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215067' first='Andrei' last='Delinois'] </strong>- McCallie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='234967' first='Desmond' last='Lockett'] </strong>- Karns, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102229' first='Jerrell' last='Franklin'] </strong>- Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":517298,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/tanschuck.jpg?w=358" alt="" class="wp-image-517298" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185583' first='Marco' last='Tyson'] </strong>(6'0 185) - Bartlett: A ball hawk with size and closing speed, Tyson is one of the more underrated talents in this state that for one reason or another, has yet to break out on the recruiting scene. This guy is legit. Tyson knows how to play football and brings a lot of strong traits to the football field that translates well to the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150379' first='A.C.' last='Mason-Young'] </strong>(5'11 175) - Covington: At one point and time, Mason-Young was a heavily recruited prospect that saw him destined towards the D1 ranks but here he sits available for the taking. Athletic and fast with versatility, Mason-Young is a highly talented guy that would be a steal for whoever lands his signature.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301351' first='Javon' last='Drake'] </strong>(6'1 190) - LaVergne: Drake positioned himself as one of the top DB prospects from the Mid-Tennessee region after a strong summer camp season and he maintained that status throughout his senior season. Drake sports a lot of physical college traits and he can run which brings strong versatility to the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200381' first='Mark' last='Joseph'] </strong>(6'1 180) - Sheffield: If you're looking for a playmaking ball hawk, Joseph is your man! Nobody has more interceptions than this West Tennessee safety does over the past two years and he would be an outstanding addition to anybody's secondary on the next level as he could be utilized in multiple ways.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Know: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102212' first='Byron' last='Davis'] </strong>- Cane Ridge, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228639' first='Rahmaan' last='Rinkin'] </strong>- Bartlett, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304888' first='Greg' last='Mangle'] </strong>- White Station</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":290522,"width":315,"height":315,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/mtyson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-290522" width="315" height="315" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Athletes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102344' first='Marquez' last='Taylor'] </strong>(6'0 180) - McKenzie: Taylor is one of the best overall prospects remaining from our #TN2023 and as of now, it's unclear as to where this West Tennessee product will land. Early on, Taylor obtained several big time offers but things went quiet for a while. The JuCo ranks may be where this guy lands but his talents are definitely D1 capable.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201098' first='Courtland' last='Simmons'] </strong>(6'0 185) - Davidson Academy: This is another D1 level prospect that sits available currently but it's unclear as to what is goin on with Simmons recruitment. Things have been quiet with this Mid-Tennessee product but he is definitely legit and someone that could excel once he reaches the college level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='302319' first='Jordan' last='Harris'] </strong>(6'0 175) - Alcoa: This multi time champion and 2022 #PRZTN Class 3A POY could soon be off the board as it looks like Tennessee Tech could be in the driver seat for his signature. Harris is an ultra talented, two-way talent that would be a steal for whoever's roster he lands on.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Know: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301352' first='Rodney' last='Broadnax'] </strong>- Cleveland, <strong>Zachariah LaBoo, Jr </strong>- East Hamilton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102319' first='Ian' last='Scott'] </strong>- Brentwood Acad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":394516,"width":400,"height":312,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/csimmons.webp?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-394516" width="400" height="312" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->