Inside The Rankings: #TN2024 Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This may be the deepest position group of all from the 2024 senior class with more than 20 prospects destined for the P5, D1 or FCS levels. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/?position=DB">#TN2024 Defensive Back Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149389"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBeasley is not only our top ranked defensive back but he is also a top five overall prospect that has the size, footwork and football knowledge to develop into a lockdown cover corner during his time inside the Southeastern Conference. The Mustangs senior defender committed to Tennessee months ago after a long recruitment that saw Beasley bring in more than twenty Power Five offers, placing himself as a national recruit. What got him that status is his consistent game play on the field, locking down opposing receivers and while showing support in the run game. Beasley is a clean, technique sound player that brings a lot of value to the secondary and that's why Tennessee and many pursued this Nashville area defensive back.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["258805"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis West Tennessee product may have as much potential as any defensive back from the #TN2024 class as Nicholson has the true upside to develop in college as a lock down cover corner. Athletic and fast with easy moving hips, Nicholson is a natural athlete that could develop at multiple positions besides cornerback as this Memphis area product has tons of football smarts and the speed to play anywhere if asked. He just has a good feel for what he is doing on the field and it shows on film as he consistently places himself in the right position to make plays on the ball. Many Power Five schools have already offered with several others showing interest. Look for Nicholson to continue picking up steam over the next few months with him possibly making a commitment before the start of his senior season. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["332310"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the hottest defensive prospects in the state over the last few months has been this Chattanooga area defender who is turning into a national recruit due to his size, speed and position versatility. Ranked currently as the 3rd best defensive back, Barnes, Jr brings a lot of strong traits to the football field that gets you excited! His size alone provides a mismatch problem for smaller receivers but it also lends strong in his potential to become a cover corner on the next level. Many college coaches are recruiting this guy simply as a defensive back as Barnes, Jr could play a variety of roles within the secondary but you don't know where just yet. That's a good thing because Barnes, Jr is well versed in the game of football and a natural athlete that just needs to be put on the field and he will excel. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["289545"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSome may not see it as I do but down the road, Maynard may turn out to be the best defensive back prospect from this #TN2024 class. Naturally athletic with great ball skills, Maynard is a smooth moving guy who transitions his feet and hips very well when playing man coverage while sporting the instincts to break on the ball quickly. His lower body is so light and easy that Maynard can develop and stick on the outside at cover corner in the college game and possibly beyond. The Red Hawks senior defender has the athleticism to also play nickel or free safety as well, so he brings a lot of value to the secondary that collegiate coaches would love to develop. I can easily see this Mid-Tennessee product move up the rankings, into maybe the Top Ten by season's end with continued work on his body and game.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["270395"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRanked as the top safety prospect currently by PRZTN, Goree, Jr is an athletic, rangy defender that plays the ball hawk role very well but can also come down the line and make plays against the run. This East Tennessee product is a multi talented guy that could play several roles inside the secondary due to his athleticism, speed and football instincts. Committing to the Vols recently, Goree, Jr is better suited right now to play the center field role in college but has the frame to take on more weight and move over to strong if needed. His talents should flourish and excel during his time at Tennessee and in the SEC if he continues to develop and mature his game the way his potential shows on the field.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["360065"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRecently taking himself off the market by giving his commitment to Purdue, Marable is a hard hitter at safety that brings the kind of athleticism and versatility that could be utilized in many ways on defense. The first thing you notice when watching over his film is his explosion. Marable doesn't hesitate when diagnosing the play as he explodes quickly towards the ball then finishes with controlled violence. This East Tennessee prospect has the unique athleticism at safety to make plays against the pass while also moving up to the line, helping stop the run. Marable shows ball hawk traits on film, so his interception numbers could double once he reaches the college ranks. Purdue is getting a steal with this guy and someone that could compete for early playing time the moment he arrives on campus.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["301382"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis guy may be one of the best hidden gems in the #TN2024 class as Herring has the physical traits and potential to develop into a true lock down cover corner on the next level along with the upside to take his game past the college ranks. Herring is a smooth moving guy that shows good hip movements and quick feet on film to stay on track with the receiver and compete to break up the pass. This is a patient defender that shows focus and nice body control playing on the outside, putting himself in position to shut down the opposition. Herring also plays with good instincts and a good feel for the game, so this Dragons defensive back is dependable and someone you can rely on to play consistent football. Offers have already started to arrive for Herring but he is missing those Power Five schools at the moment, however I think that changes soon.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["301354"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTall and long with a great build for added weight, Collier is a very interesting talent that brings the physical traits and game play to the field that translate well to the college game. This is a versatile defender that could excel at multiple roles inside the secondary with the possibility of developing and playing outside at cover corner. What Collier does very well is use his body and length to engulf the opposition then play the ball at its highest point. The Saints defender shows a good vertical on film along with the physicality and willingness to help in run support. He also has the versatility to drop back and develop at safety as well. Collier is a top 10 ranked defensive back for a reason. He sports multiple offers already with several big schools showing interest along with the upside to become a college starter down the road.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["316773"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIf this Middle Tennessee safety would have included himself more into offseason camps and 7v7, you would be hearing much more about Reed as this guy is one of the more talented defensive backs we have from the #TN2024 class. Sporting great size, length and physicality, Reed immediately looks the part walking off the bus then plays like a beast when stepping onto the field. This dude has a great feel for the game, showing on film the ability to place himself around the ball on a consistent basis. If he isn't making an interception or breaking up the pass, Reed is playing close to the line providing violent hits against the run. This Cougars senior is very talented but sits a little bit under the radar at the moment, however I feel he will bust loose with offers after he competes this summer at college camps.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["149845"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCommitting recently to Miami Ohio, Martin is an ultra talented defender that is honestly underrated compared to fellow defensive backs and someone I could see developing into a starter and possible All-Conference player during his time with the Red Hawks. Martin is a big guy who moves well, sporting the athleticism and versatility to play multiple roles within the secondary. He shows excellent feet and the ability to drive on the ball quickly then finish with controlled violence. His game style and overall abilities might fit best back at safety but Martin has enough speed and body control to give it a go out at cornerback. Either way, the Red Hawks are receiving a diamond in the rough and a player that is far from reaching his maximum potential.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644abe4609988"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Ten Defensive Backs …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149390' first='Jaylen' last='Thompson'] - Riverdale (11th ranked DB): </strong>A future Michigan St. Spartan, Thompson is a tall and long defender that brings versatility to the secondary and the potential to try it out at cornerback during his time in the Big Ten.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149393' first='Devin' last='Rutherford'] - Bartlett (12th ranked DB): </strong>I'm a big fan of Rutherford as this guy has a ton of value in the secondary as someone that could develop on the outside but could also drop into safety and excel with maybe his biggest upside coming at nickel back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372306' first='Ja'Quis' last='Williams'] - Pearl Cohn (13th ranked DB): </strong>Quick to the ball with a violent mentality, Williams is one of the biggest hitters in the #TN2024 class and someone that is definitely sitting way under the radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152933' first='Stephen' last='Ellison'] - Oakland (14th ranked DB): </strong>A versatile defender, Ellison is an active guy who fits the center fielder role nicely on the back end of the secondary. He also has enough athleticism to play nickel back if needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":297328,"width":404,"height":404,"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/sellison2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-297328" width="404" height="404" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='286599' first='Keshawn' last='Williams'] - Riverdale (15th ranked DB): </strong>Coming off an injury, Williams has a little buzz right now in recruiting but he provides nice size, skills and athleticism that translate well at safety to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237052' first='Thomas' last='Jones'] - Smyrna (16th ranked DB): </strong>A track star for the Bulldogs, Jones is a speedster who plays a highly intelligent brand of football. His versatility is key as Jones could play multiple roles within the secondary while also being a dangerous threat in the return game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205153' first='Brody' last='Blankenship'] - Carter (17th ranked DB): </strong>Blankenship is a big guy with nice athletic traits that translate well at safety into the college game. His instincts are strong along with having the range to chase down the ball carrier.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480633' first='Nyziah' last='Whaley'] - Baylor (18th ranked DB): </strong>A natural athlete with good length, Whaley is an intriguing talent that could boost up recruiting boards after strong showings this summer at camp and definite improvement throughout his senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520487' first='Jacquan' last='Davis'] - Fairley (19th ranked DB): </strong>The state's leading returner in interceptions, Davis has a nose for the ball and unique feel for taking the right angles. This is a versatile guy as well who could play cover corner, nickel or safety in college. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207309' first='Joshua' last='Hampton'] - Baylor (20th ranked DB): </strong>Hampton is a big dude that has a nice frame to put on more weight and develop into a ballhawking safety on the college level. His body/game maturity will go a long way towards if he can stay at free safety or move over to strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/">Tennessee Top 150 (Senior Rankings)</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":803618,"width":311,"height":467,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/drutherford.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-803618" width="311" height="467" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->