#TN2024 Explosive Defensive Backs to Watch
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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…
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Continue ReadingAfter 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.
At the top of my list of standouts is Kaleb Beasley Kaleb Beasley 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Lipscomb Academy | 2024 State TN , 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.
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Claiming a second place finish on my list is Ondre Evans Ondre Evans 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB CPA | 2024 State TN , 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.
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In the number three spot on my list of standouts is Marcellus Barnes, Jr Marcellus Barnes, Jr 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB McCallie | 2024 State TN ., 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.
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At number four on my list is Nigel Maynard Nigel Maynard 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Stewarts Creek | 2024 State TN , 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.
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Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is Marcus Goree, Jr Marcus Goree, Jr 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Bradley Central | 2024 State TN ., 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.