#TN2023 Rankings: Top Defensive Stock Risers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Diving back into our final senior rankings, here we breakdown the biggest risers from the defensive side of the ball, who not only saw a big jump in their rankings but everybody below signed to play college ball in the Fall. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150365' first='Taylor' last='Wein'] </strong>(6'5 245) - Nolensville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 1st ranked DL (16th overall)   Signed w/ Oklahoma</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This Mid-Tennessee pass rusher was one of the best defensive prospects from the entire state this past season as Wein was an absolute force that could not be stopped. He turned that sensational season into a scholarship from Oklahoma and a chance to play on the Power Five level as well as becoming the #1 ranked in-state defensive lineman by #PRZTN. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":509493,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/twein.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-509493" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102281' first='Jayden' last='Marable'] </strong>(6'2 280) - Smyrna&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 7th ranked DL (66th overall)     Signed w/ Memphis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Smyrna had one of the best defenses in the state last Fall and Marable was a major reason for their success. His play and development pushed him into D1 status as he eventually signed with Memphis and placed himself inside the top 70 prospects in the state, ranked by Prep RedZone Tennessee. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102262' first='Jamarr' last='Jones'] </strong>(6'2 270) - Pope Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 16th ranked DL (115th overall)    Signed w/ Chattanooga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Bringing athleticism and D-line versatility to the field, Jones had a stellar senior year where he was near unblockable at times as he played equally well at rushing the passer while playing strong against the run. Jones is now headed down to Chattanooga to play his college ball while also placing himself among the Top 20 ranked D-linemen in the state by #PRZTN. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150355' first='Bralynn' last='Morris'] </strong>(6'2 265) - Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 18th ranked DL (128th overall)    Signed w/ Indianapolis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Throughout his career at Ensworth, Morris always had the look of a college ball player but this past Fall, he really put it together as he became a force on the D-line, both against the rush and the pass. Signing to play his college ball with Indianapolis, Morris produced six sacks on the season while also causing many disruptions against the opposition's backfield, which pushed his #PRZTN ranking up big time! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell'] </strong>(6'1 225) - Lipscomb Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 3rd ranked LB (23rd overall)    Signed w/ Vanderbilt </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Mustangs won another state title this past Fall with one of the best defenses in the state, spearheaded by the play of Longwell and his demeanor to attack everything he saw. He was a force this year that pushed his ranking into Power Five status and one of the best linebacker's not only in the state but the entire Southeast region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":303387,"width":363,"height":363,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/blongwell.jpg?w=615" alt="" class="wp-image-303387" width="363" height="363" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102202' first='Jamar' last='Carnell'] </strong>(6'0 210) - Clarksville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 13th ranked LB (126th overall)     Signed w/ Tennessee Tech </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Carnell was a revelation this season as a two-way talent for his Wildcats team that led his squad in both rushing yards and tackles on the season while boosting his ranking and overall recruiting stock. This Mid-Tennessee linebacker will be headed to Tennessee Tech in the Fall where he will get the chance to learn on the spot with the Golden Eagles and possibly carve out a role as a true freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102242' first='Bronco' last='Hanks'] </strong>(6'1 220) - Beech</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 18th ranked LB (145th overall)     Signed w/ Tennessee Tech </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Much of what was said above about Carnell can be put here about Hanks as well because this guy had yet another consistent, steady year where he helped lead his Buccaneers team to the Class 6A title game in Chattanooga. Hanks was a tackling machine this year that lifted his ranking into the Top 20 LB's in the state while also signing to play his college ball with Tennessee Tech. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267061' first='Mose' last='Phillips III'] </strong>(6'1 190) - Cane Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 1st ranked DB (32nd overall)     Signed w/ Virginia Tech </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the biggest breakthrough defensive stars this past season was Phillips, who took his game, his ranking and his recruiting stock to another level as he eventually signed to play his college ball with the Hokies. Tall and long with range and physicality, Phillips is a well put together young man who is now the #1 ranked defensive back in the state by #PRZTN. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":342169,"width":371,"height":371,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/mphillips.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-342169" width="371" height="371" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185583' first='Marco' last='Tyson'] </strong>(6'0 185) - Bartlett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 2nd ranked DB (58th overall)     Signed w/ Coahoma CC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you turn on the tape, Tyson presents tons of upside as a ball hawking safety that can play on the D1 level one day. He is instinctive, rangy and athletic along with having the size that collegiate coaches like to work with. All those traits and more pushed Tyson up to the 2nd ranked defensive back in the state and the best at his position in the West Tennessee region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(CB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215069' first='D.J.' last='Adams'] </strong>(6'1 165) - Cleveland&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 13th ranked DB (98th overall)    Signed w/ Chattanooga </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Athletic and fast with secondary versatility, Adams is a high riser in our final #TN2023 rankings as he worked his tail off throughout the entire 2023 season to turn himself into a legitimate college recruit, who you will see this Fall at Chattanooga. This East Tennessee product has the height, length and speed to play cover corner on the next level, which is a big reason why Adams is now a Top 15 ranked DB by #PRZTN. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":536795,"width":355,"height":400,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/djadams.jpeg?w=907" alt="" class="wp-image-536795" width="355" height="400" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304888' first='Greg' last='Mangle'] </strong>(5'10 172) - White Station</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 14th ranked DB (116th overall)    Signed w/ Alabama St. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Hornets gained a steal with this under the radar Memphis area defensive back that can play a variety of roles in the secondary, during his time at Alabama State. Mangle is an aggressive, athletic and instinctive guy who developed his skill set further his senior year to become a Top 20 ranked defensive back by #PRZTN and a guy who could see the field early, playing in the SWAC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-----------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201100' first='Zecheriah' last='Prince'] </strong>(6'2 200) - East Robertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Ranking: 7th ranked Ath (113th overall)     Signed w/ Indiana St. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Prince has a senior year for the ages where he was Mr. Everything for his Indians squad, helping lead his team to a region title and deep playoff run but also earned a Mr. Football finalist spot at season's end. As of now, it looks like Prince is headed to Indiana St. as a running back but if that doesn't work out, he certainly has the size to move over to linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2023-rankings/">#TN2023 Senior Rankings</a></strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others Stock Risers To Know </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340409' first='Brison' last='Jackson'] </strong>- Lebanon, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534518' first='Jaylen' last='Thomas'] </strong>- White Station, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102320' first='Luke' last='Scott'] </strong>- Daniel Boone - (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410569' first='Jaylon' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Cane Ridge, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242086' first='Tanner' last='Schuck'] </strong>- Ravenwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102300' first='Stef' last='Ponder'] </strong>- Father Ryan, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150371' first='Aaron' last='Davis'] </strong>- Alcoa - (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278345' first='Kamm' last='Baah-Slay'] </strong>- Father Ryan, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466228' first='Bryant' last='Loving'] </strong>- Lipscomb, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102241' first='Quincy' last='Hamilton'] </strong>- Westview - (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='337227' first='Josh' last='Mailander'] </strong>- Pope Prep, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='552638' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] </strong>- Haywood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102214' first='Terrance' last='Dedmon'] </strong>- Upperman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102272' first='Aidan' last='Littles'] </strong>- Pigeon Forge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":377177,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/zprince.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-377177" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->