Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Canada
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • 7 on 7 7 on 7
    Showcases
    • Combine Series Combine Series
    About Our Events
  • Prep Redzone for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Tennessee
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Watch List

    • 2029 Rankings

  • Player Database
  • Team Database
  • Scores
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Canada
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Mississippi
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • 7 on 7 7 on 7
      Showcases
      • Combine Series Combine Series
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Redzone for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

#TN2024 Explosive Defensive Backs to Watch

#TN2024 Explosive Defensive Backs to Watch
Drew Toennies
Drew Toennies July 7, 2023 @ 07:05 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Marcellus Barnes, Jr
Marcellus Barnes, Jr 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB | 2024
TN
Nigel Maynard
Nigel Maynard 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB | 2024
TN
Marcus Goree, Jr
Marcus Goree, Jr 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB | 2024
TN
Kaleb Beasley
Kaleb Beasley 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB | 2024
TN
Ondre Evans
Ondre Evans 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB | 2024
TN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an exciting season of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts on the field last year. Today, we will be continuing our evaluations of the defense as we move onto another group of talented rising senior stars. After breaking down some high-level linebackers, here's my list of the top 2024 defensive backs in the state of Tennessee to keep an eye on this upcoming season.</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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a82f4488477"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='149389' first='Kaleb' last='Beasley'], a 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back at Lipscomb Academy. Beasley was one of the most explosive defensive weapons on the Mustangs' roster during his junior stint of high school football last year. In addition to excellent size and speed, what stands out about Beasley is his positioning and ability to disrupt offensive production. The rising senior out of Nashville, TN. additionally capitalized off offensive errors, hauling in nine interceptions last season and a few defensive touchdowns. Beasley also caught my eye with his ability to put pressure on the quarterback and will definitely be an intriguing defensive back to watch next season as he's committed to the University of Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14531692/630ec9900427f80be4cae6e6">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149166"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a82f44884d8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claiming a second place finish on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='149166' first='Ondre' last='Evans'], a 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Evans was one of the most efficient defensive talents on the Lions' roster during his junior season of high school football last year. In addition to size, speed and defensive toughness, what stands out about Evans is his solid footwork, positioning off the snap and his ability to be disruptive down the stretch. The rising senior out of Nashville, TN. additionally caught my attention with his ability to push off receivers and position himself for the pick. After a strong year on the field, Evans is definitely an intriguing defensive back prospect to watch as he's committed to Louisiana State University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17408442/638e4296ff025803d03c6ce3">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["332310"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a82f448851e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the number three spot on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='332310' first='Marcellus' last='Barnes, Jr']., a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defensive back at McCallie High School. Barnes made a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball during his junior stint of high school football with the Blue Tornado. In addition to outstanding size, speed and physicality, what stands out about Barnes is his field awareness and ability to constantly adjust his position on the field to get open for the interception. The rising senior out of Chattanooga, TN. also impresses with his ability to pounce on the quarterback and make significant stops. After a strong defensive performance last year, Barnes is definitely worth watching as he's committed to Virginia Tech University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JuShd">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["289545"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a82f448855c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At number four on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='289545' first='Nigel' last='Maynard'], a 6-foot-0, 175-pound defensive back at Stewarts Creek High School. Maynard was one of the most explosive defensive machines on the Red Hawks' roster during his junior season of high school football last year. On top of excellent size, speed and game awareness, Maynard showed off his solid footwork, positioning and the ability to pick off the quarterback down the stretch. The rising senior out of Smyrna, TN. additionally impressed me with his quickness and physicality in coverage, using his defensive toughness and ability to adapt to his opponent to keep receivers occupied. After a great season, Maynard is definitely a high-level defensive back prospect in the state to watch out for next season as he's committed to the University of Pittsburgh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11571239/631b83775ef69509d0dafc00">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270395"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a82f4488599"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='270395' first='Marcus' last='Goree, Jr']., a 6-foot-1, 170-pound defensive back at Bradley Central High School. Goree made a huge difference on the defensive side of the ball for the Bears during his junior stint of high school football last year. In addition to impressive size, speed and versatility down the stretch, what stands out about Goree is his ability to be disruptive in coverage, utilizing his toughness to stun receivers and get in prime position for the interception. Goree also impresses with his ability to read the offense and put heavy pressure on the quarterback in the air and on the ground. After a strong showcase last year, Goree is definitely a talented defensive back prospect to watch as he's committed to the University of Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12751619/6313c21fb53ecb0ab8ecc652">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

After an exciting season of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts on the field last year. Today, we will be continuing our evaluations of the defense as we move onto another group of talented rising senior stars. After breaking down some high-level linebackers, here's my list of the top 2024 defensive backs in the state of Tennessee to keep an eye on this upcoming season.

Tennessee
Kaleb Beasley

Kaleb Beasley

TN
DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 175
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Kaleb
Beasley DB
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
175
HS
Lipscomb Academy
|
TN

Kaleb Beasley

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Lipscomb Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Georgia
Ondre Evans

Ondre Evans

TN
DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Ondre
Evans DB
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
185
HS
CPA
|
TN

Ondre Evans

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: CPA
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Syracuse
Marcellus Barnes, Jr

Marcellus Barnes, Jr

TN
DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 175
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Marcellus
Barnes, Jr DB
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
175
HS
McCallie
|
TN

Marcellus Barnes, Jr

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: McCallie
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Pittsburgh
Nigel Maynard

Nigel Maynard

TN
DB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 170
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Nigel
Maynard DB
Class
2024
Height
6'0"
Weight
170
HS
Stewarts Creek
|
TN

Nigel Maynard

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Stewarts Creek
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tennessee
Marcus Goree, Jr

Marcus Goree, Jr

TN
DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 180
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Marcus
Goree, Jr DB
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
180
HS
Bradley Central
|
TN

Marcus Goree, Jr

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Bradley Central
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Redzone

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

629 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Jared Curtis

    Jared Curtis

    Nashville Christian

    Georgia
  • 2
    Kamari Blair

    Kamari Blair

    Kirkwood

    Tennessee
  • 3
    Tyreek King

    Tyreek King

    Knox. Catholic

    Tennessee
  • 4
    Chaston Smith

    Chaston Smith

    Knox. Catholic

    Notre Dame (IN)
  • 5
    Caden Harris

    Caden Harris

    Haywood

    Georgia
View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Week Four Slate (Top Games/Matchups)

    Week Four Slate (Top Games/Matchups)

    Chris Smith • September 11

  • Four 2027 Receivers With Breakout Seasons on the Horizon

    Four 2027 Receivers With Breakout Seasons on the Horizon

    Shayne Pickering • September 11

  • Five 2028 WRs To Keep An Eye On

    Five 2028 WRs To Keep An Eye On

    Conner Smith • September 11

  • PRZTN Top Performers: Week Three POTW

    PRZTN Top Performers: Week Three POTW

    Chris Smith • September 10

  • TNHSFB Stat Stuffers (Week Three)

    TNHSFB Stat Stuffers (Week Three)

    Chris Smith • September 10

Follow Us

  • Chris Smith

    Chris Smith

    @CSmithScout

  • CJ Marable

    CJ Marable

    @TorranceMarable

  • Alan Popadines

    Alan Popadines

    @ALPopsFootball

  • Cooper Morreale

    Cooper Morreale

    @CooperMorreale

  • Shayne Pickering

    Shayne Pickering

    @shaynep_media

Loading...
Home Tennessee #TN2024 Explosive Defensive Backs to Watch

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Redzone. All rights reserved.