#TN2023 Rankings Preview: Defensive Prospects

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Several players from the defensive side of the ball took a step up with their games this Fall and became bigger college prospects. Here we provide those players in our rankings preview. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recruiting cycle for the 2023 in-state recruiting class has been completed but before we move on to the next crop of prospects, it's time for our final #TN2023 rankings and here we breakdown some of the biggest defensive movers and stories from our senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over a 12 month process, the #TN2023 prospects went through the rigors of camps, practices and an entire season that for some, did not end until December but most everybody in this class got better and positioned themselves to become a future college football player.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below we go position by position, breaking down the top players at each defensive position that made the biggest noise throughout the process and saw their stocks rise to place themselves high within our final #TN2023 rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Throughout the entire process, Father Ryan and future Purdue Boilermaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102191' first='Drake' last='Carlson'] </strong>was the #1 ranked D-lineman but that may not be the case when we release our final #TN2023 senior rankings. He has some stiff competition for the number one spot, coming from the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150365' first='Taylor' last='Wein'] </strong>from Nolensville and future Tennessee Vol, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102223' first='Trevor' last='Duncan']</strong>. Both Wein and Duncan put forth strong senior season's to put themselves in contention for the top spot while Carlson didn't have the kind of year that was expected of him. All three of these guys have potential to become game changers on the next level but only one will be considered the best defensive lineman for the #TN2023 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":509493,"width":322,"height":322,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/twein.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-509493" width="322" height="322" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102361' first='Braxton' last='Wilson'] </strong>- Fayetteville: This past Fall was a breakout year for Wilson where he ended up receiving more than 15 college offers before landing with ETSU. This Tigers versatile D-lineman showed nice pass rushing abilities from multiple areas across the line, which boosted his stock and pushed him up the senior rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340409' first='Brison' last='Jackson'] </strong>- Lebanon: Jackson is the top available D-lineman left unsigned from the #TN2023 class and he would be a steal for whoever lands his services. This Blue Devils defender brings size, athleticism and explosive traits to the football field that could develop further within a college program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150355' first='Bralynn' last='Morris'] </strong>- Ensworth: Indianapolis gained a steal with this Tigers D-lineman, who brings versatility to the line that the Greyhounds can use in a variety of ways. Morris vastly improved his pass rushing this season while also continuing to develop his body and strength. The guy's best football is ahead of him and his final senior ranking will warrant that.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- You won't see any movement at the top of linebacker board as Riverdale senior and future Tennessee Vol, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102249' first='Caleb' last='Herring'] </strong>will remain the #1 guy but who will place right behind him as there is some strong competition for those spots. One guy who fought Herring for that spot is new to this position and that's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102193' first='Arion' last='Carter']</strong>. The Smyrna two-way talent is headed to college at linebacker and proved this year his upside to excel at that position in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One guy who probably had the best season as a linebacker in the Fall was Lipscomb Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell']</strong>. The future Vanderbilt Commodore had a stellar senior year where he put himself in contention as the defensive MVP for the entire state for how he played during his final year at Lipscomb.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410569' first='Jaylon' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Cane Ridge: We must wait a few years before we see Johnson on the D1 level as he must go through the JuCo route first but this guy is talented with size and great burst off the edge. He has all the physical tools and athletic traits to become a force down the road on the biggest stage of college football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242086' first='Tanner' last='Schuck'] </strong>- Ravenwood: One of the biggest stock risers on defense will be Schuck, who will see a large increase in his #PRZTN ranking when they are released soon as this guy is a beast on the edge with physical game play and the ability to rush the backfield. Schuck is headed to Furman this Fall and he has a great chance at receiving early playing time due to his physical stature.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102202' first='Jamar' last='Carnell'] </strong>- Clarksville: Carnell was a one man wrecking crew this past Fall for his Clarksville team, where he not only churned out big yards at running back but also created jar shaking hits on defense at linebacker. His play as a senior went to a new level, which not only launched up the #TN2023 rankings but also a spot with the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102242' first='Bronco' last='Hanks'] </strong>- Beech: Steady as they come, Hanks is a tackling machine that put forth another strong campaign last Fall, leading his team in tackles and earning more postseason honors to add to his collection. His play on the field earned him a spot with Tennessee Tech while also boosting his ranking in a major way. Look for this Buccaneers linebacker to land within the top 20 at his position when the final #TN2023 rankings are released.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":652963,"width":346,"height":346,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/jayjohnson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-652963" width="346" height="346" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267061' first='Mose' last='Phillips III'] </strong>- Cane Ridge: Nobody will have a bigger jump in the rankings than this Middle Tennessee safety, who is taking his talents to the ACC next season to play with the Virginia Tech Hokies. Phillips is a big and athletic defensive back that took his game to another level last Fall, turning himself into a bonafide D1 prospect that could play his way into the NFL with further development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185583' first='Marco' last='Tyson'] </strong>- Bartlett: For one reason or another, this Panthers safety still sits available for the taking as he is one of the better ballhawking defensive backs we have in the #TN2023 class. Tyson had a solid season numbers wise but his film is outstanding, showing strong athletic movements and the upside to play D1 ball. His final ranking may surprise some but to these scouting eyes, it's well worth it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323158' first='Derrick' last='Burroughs'] </strong>- Nolensville: This guy went from an unknown to one of the better cover corner prospects in the state by the end of the 2022 season. Burroughs was a ball hawk that produced more than 5 interceptions on the year, which eventually landed him a spot with Tennessee Tech.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215069' first='D.J.' last='Adams'] </strong>- Cleveland: Athletic, fast and rangy, Adams took advantage of senior season in a major way, turning himself into one of the best defensive back prospects from the East Tennessee region. His play this past Fall earned him a scholarship to Chattanooga where he will develop into a cornerback under the Mocs defensive scheme.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304888' first='Greg' last='Mangle'] </strong>- White Station: His team didn't have the year everyone expected but Mangle certainly stood out and even took his game to another level. This versatile defensive back displayed excellent coverage on the outside while also showing support versus the run. Mangle has the upside to possibly stay on the outside during his time at Alabama State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":410446,"width":378,"height":378,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/dburroughs-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-410446" width="378" height="378" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Athletes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor'] </strong>- Oakland: Coming off another state title, Taylor was a major reason why the Patriots brought home another “Gold Ball” and now this Mid-Tennessee talent is set to take his abilities to Troy this Fall. The question for Taylor is what position he will play with the Trojans as this guy could excel at either running back or defensive back inside the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='337227' first='Josh' last='Mailander'] </strong>- Pope Prep: Mailander heads into our final rankings as one of the more underrated talents from our in-state #TN2023 class and that's due to a big breakout senior year where he produced big time on defense with six interceptions while also being a go-to guy on offense at receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102214' first='Terrance' last='Dedmon'] </strong>- Upperman: Fast and physical, Dedmon had his best season yet as a Bee where he barely left the field as one of the team's key running backs while also making tons of tackles on defense at linebacker. He signed with Tennessee Tech as an athlete due to his upside to play on either side of the ball in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":440414,"width":324,"height":324,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/tdedmon.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-440414" width="324" height="324" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->