#TN2023 Best Available/Unsigned Defensive Prospects
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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. Defensive Line – Taeshawn Clark Taeshawn Clark 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Kenwood | 2023…
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Continue ReadingInching closer to the 2nd signing day of the #TN2023 cycle, here we look at the top defensive prospects remaining from our in-state class.
Defensive Line
– Taeshawn Clark Taeshawn Clark 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Kenwood | 2023 State TN (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.
– Brison Jackson Brison Jackson 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL Lebanon | 2023 State TN (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.
– Ethan Jones Ethan Jones 6'2" | 275 lbs | DL Lausanne | 2023 State TN (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.
Others to Know: LaJarius Abernathy – Pearl Cohn, Taylor Burton Taylor Burton 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Whitehaven | 2023 State TN – Whitehaven, Demonte Cook Demonte Cook 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Lebanon | 2023 State TN – Lebanon, Bralynn Morris Bralynn Morris 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Ensworth | 2023 State TN – Ensworth
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Linebackers
– Bryan Longwell Bryan Longwell 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Lipscomb Academy | 2023 State TN (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.
– Jaylon Johnson Jaylon Johnson 6'4" | 235 lbs | LB Cane Ridge | 2023 State TN (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.
– Tyler Nix Tyler Nix 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Beech | 2023 State TN (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.
– Tanner Schuck Tanner Schuck 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Ravenwood | 2023 State TN (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.
Others to Know: Drew Scott Drew Scott 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Lausanne | 2023 State TN – Lausanne, Andrei Delinois Andrei Delinois 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB McCallie | 2023 State TN – McCallie, Desmond Lockett Desmond Lockett 6'5" | 230 lbs | LB Karns | 2023 State TN – Karns, Jerrell Franklin Jerrell Franklin 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Oakland | 2023 State TN – Oakland
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Defensive Backs
– Marco Tyson Marco Tyson 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Bartlett | 2023 State TN (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.
– A.C. Mason-Young A.C. Mason-Young 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Covington | 2023 State TN (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.
– Javon Drake Javon Drake 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB LaVergne | 2023 State TN (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.
– Mark Joseph Mark Joseph 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Sheffield | 2023 State TN (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.
Others to Know: Byron Davis Byron Davis 5'10" | 185 lbs | DB Cane Ridge | 2023 State TN – Cane Ridge, Rahmaan Rinkin Rahmaan Rinkin 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bartlett | 2023 State TN – Bartlett, Greg Mangle Greg Mangle 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB White Station | 2023 State TN – White Station
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Athletes
– Marquez Taylor Marquez Taylor 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB McKenzie | 2023 State TN (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.
– Courtland Simmons Courtland Simmons 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Davidson Academy | 2023 State TN (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.
– Jordan Harris Jordan Harris 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Alcoa | 2023 State TN (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.
Others to Know: Rodney Broadnax Rodney Broadnax 6'5" | 210 lbs | ATH Cleveland | 2023 State TN – Cleveland, Zachariah LaBoo, Jr – East Hamilton, Ian Scott Ian Scott 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Brentwood Academy | 2023 State TN – Brentwood Acad.