#TN2025 Rankings Breakdown: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Possibly the deepest position group of all from our in-state junior class, the defensive backs rankings were tough to sort through but we got things settled to bring you this breakdown on some future Power Five, D1 prospects! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/">#TN2025 Top 100</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149392"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThe number one ranked defensive back from our junior class headed into the 2023 season is this Murfreesboro area product who put together such a strong off-season campaign that it placed him among the top five overall prospects from the #TN2025 Top 100. The biggest reason for Grant landing at the #1 spot is because of his size and ability to possibly play cover corner at 6'3 on the collegiate level. The Stars junior defender is long with great instincts and the foot speed to keep up with receivers on the outside. Grant can smother his opponent with his length then use his speed to jump the route. This guy is a worker too, so you can bet this Mid-Tennessee talent will continue to get better throughout the next two years of his high school career. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b34366a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Desh2t1/status/1681128316114280448?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Desh2t1/status/1681128316114280448?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["328635"],"_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: 400u0022u003eA multi talented defender that can play a variety of roles within the secondary, Jimcoily played significant snaps as a sophomore last year on the Mustangs 2022 championship team but this year, the 6 '1 junior will be looking to make a statement as one of the teams top defensive players. Jimcoily is a well built young man that looks the part of a safety and that may be where he ends up in college but he is fast enough with technique sound game play that can allow him to play on the outside. The great thing about this Mid-Tennessee product is that he will get bigger and faster as he continues to mature with two years of HS ball remaining. His stock is already high on the national scene, so at this point it's all about Jimcoily developing further and maintaining his status.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["309135"],"_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 is the best prospect to come out of the young Rockvale program to this date and Morgan is a talent that is still developing but brings a clean, athletic style of play to the field that translates well to the next level. What you see from Morgan when you turn on his film is consistency. This guy is always around the ball and that's due to his football smarts, instincts and athletic abilities. Morgan can handle a variety of roles in the Rockets secondary but looking forward, this Mid-Tennessee talent might fit best at safety. His ball hawk skill set would develop nicely on the back end where he can use his range and speed to track the ball and make plays against the run and the pass. I'm a big fan of this guy and how he plays the game and I feel he will only get better as he continues to grow and mature. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["467267"],"_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: 400u0022u003eKeep an ear out for this Murfreesboro defender moving forward as Crisp may have as much upside as any defensive back from our #TN2025 class. Standing 6 '2 with a long, lanky frame, Crisp has great physical traits that will fill out over the next few years along with the athletic abilities to handle several roles within the secondary. Crisp has the height, length and quick moving lower base to develop at cornerback but also has the ball hawk mentality to excel at free safety as well. His recruitment has yet to really take off. The Patriots rising junior holds a few offers in hand but this is Power Five talent waiting to be found and I think he is on the brink of his best season yet this coming Fall football year.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["219397"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis Murfreesboro area product had one of the best off-season's of any defensive back from our #TN2025 class and a prospect that took his stock from unknown into Power Five status by the end of the summer. This coming Fall season looks nothing but a breakout year ahead for Taylor as he steps into a lead secondary role for the Warriors as well as contributing on offense at receiver. He is tall, long and proved this summer at camps that he can run! Taylor clocked a 4.4 forty as well as showed quick feet and smooth hip movements that could provide him upside to play cornerback on the next level. All the summer stock movement is excellent and needed but Taylor will need to back it up this season and I think he will as one of the best safety prospects in the state.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b343784"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BrooksAustinBA/status/1666504669865164800?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrooksAustinBA/status/1666504669865164800?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219407"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThe Eagles look to have an athletic and multi changeable secondary this Fall season with Harmon leading the way as their top prospect and a player with versatility to handle several roles on the back end. Standing about 5'10 with good arm length and foot speed, Harmon is a tad undersized but he plays much bigger by using his strong instincts and range to stay on top of the ball. His game right now I believe fits best to nickel back where Harmon can cover in space but also make plays close to the line. He does however show potential to possibly play some cover corner on the next level but increased speed must come for that to happen. The value to play several secondary roles as well as his strength to contribute on special teams makes Harmon an intriguing prospect for collegiate coaches to recruit. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["334645"],"_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: 400u0022u003eOne of the most well known names from our junior defensive back class, Carter, Jr is a well put together safety prospect that holds multiple Power Five offers and the potential to earn a starting role on that level one day. Rangy with ball hawk potential, the Tigers junior prospect has all sorts of athletic tools that can develop and translate well to the college game but continued work on his agility and consistency must be done to reach his maximum capabilities. What I like most about Carter, Jr right now is his tackling and ability to get to the ball quickly. This dude is a hard hitter that runs to the ball without hesitation then finishes with violence. This coming junior season will be big for Carter, Jr and him establishing himself as one of the best at his position from the #TN2025 class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b34382a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/StephenHargis/status/1680000784606408705?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/StephenHargis/status/1680000784606408705?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["258657"],"_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: 400u0022u003eSutton jumped onto the scene in a big way this off-season by landing offers from Memphis, Vanderbilt and others while also taking his stock to another level by becoming one of the best DB prospects from the greater Shelby County area. The Gryphons rising junior transitioned fully to defensive back this off-season and immediately saw a difference in his game as he displayed on several occasions his ability to back pedal and cover while also having the closing speed to chase down receivers. What makes Sutton such an interesting talent for P5, D1 coaches is his potential to play cover corner on the next level. As a matter of fact, I could see this West Tennessee product developing into one of best cornerback prospects in the state for our in-state junior class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b343889"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chasesutton_8/status/1667994397227597827?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chasesutton_8/status/1667994397227597827?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749820"],"_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: 400u0022u003eIt was only a matter of time before this West Tennessee talent was found as Williams landed several offers this off-season after strong performances on the camp scene and now he must back up that interest on the field this season for his junior year. Big and physical with length and range, Williams looks the part of a college safety right now, so I'm expecting a big junior year ahead where the Cougars defensive back is making tackles everywhere on the field and continuing to boost his college stock. One area where Williams must continue improving is with his speed. The dude can run but if he can increase that speed further, Power Five programs might start getting involved, which I think they will sooner than later because this Munford safety is too big and too good to look past.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["301402"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThe Hurricanes have one of the best secondaries from the greater Chattanooga area with senior u003c/spanu003eu003cbu003e[player_tooltip player_id='285353' first='Kireese' last='Willis'] u003c/bu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eleading the way and this rising junior who might be better and someone with tons of back end versatility. Hinton is an athletic guy that plays an aggressive style of game along with the range and closing speed to play cover corner, nickel back or safety on the collegiate gridiron. This season as a junior, Hinton will be given more responsibility and expected to dominate his position and if he does so, watch his recruitment take off because he brings too much value for this Chattanooga area defender to stay under the radar much longer.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["812480"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis guy's junior counterpart on the back end in Carter, Jr might get all the hype and it's warranted but Smith might have as much upside as him and be more athletic as well. Standing almost 6 '2 with a frame to take on more weight and great length, Smith has all the physical traits that college defensive back coaches look for and the great thing about the Panthers junior defender is that he still has a long ways to go before he fills out and reaches his maximum capabilities. What Smith brings to the field is versatility as he could develop on the outside but his upside may sit best at safety. We should learn a lot about this Chattanooga area defensive back over the next year as he steps into a starting role this Fall and begins to play up to his potential as possibly one of the best at his position for the junior class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["480919"],"_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: 400u0022u003eEvery recruiting cycle you tend to find certain guys who just move the needle for you and McDougal is that guy for me this season. Standing 6 '2 190 pounds, the Tigers junior safety is a big dude who moves very well, showing excellent range on film as well as the ability to be a playmaker from the back end of the secondary. McDougal is a physical guy who plays with controlled violence but is also a natural athlete that could translate well to the D1, even possibly the Power Five level. Coming from Whitwell, McDougal might not get the recognition that others might but trust me, this guy can play. Big time college programs are aware of this Chattanooga area defender and will be keeping tabs to watch his progression this season. This guy is a stock riser that I feel will see a boost in his ranking and his recruiting stock by the end of the school year. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b343990"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BM_4man/status/1609766712424947712?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BM_4man/status/1609766712424947712?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834606"],"_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: 400u0022u003eBefore the college camp season began, Bryant was a guy that sat below the radar for me but after watching him perform multiple times in person, the Fighting Irish junior defender can play with the best of the best at his position and someone that will get better with more playing time. Bryant is an aggressive guy that plays a fearless brand of football that fits very well at nickel back. He does a good job at bump and run coverage as well as slide off the route and move quickly towards stopping the run. This Nashville area defender also plays a technique sound game that will only mature further as he continues to develop. Bryant will be limited in height but he plays much bigger and provides a lot of value to a college secondary. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["353442"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAll the physical traits you desire and want for a defensive back resides here with Brown but he is still far from a finished product and raw, however highly talented and the potential to make it to the D1 level. The Roadrunners junior defender has good height and length along with excellent range and closing speed that can be developed further under collegiate coaching. His playing style fits best at safety but Brown is athletic enough to give you snaps at nickel or cover corner. Going into his junior year, Brown is poised for a breakout season as a key starter on the back end of the Roadrunners defense and someone that should contribute on offense at receiver. How he performs this Fall will go a long way towards his recruitment and interest from bigger schools.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6e4b343a2d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/?position=DB">#TN2025 Defensive Back Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Watch List .....</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898263' first='Caiden' last='Anku'] </strong>- Father Ryan: Anku is a kid that has been on my radar for a few years now and he looks like he is starting to come into his own as this off-season he developed further increasing his speed and technique, turning himself into a legit college recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605418' first='Taylon' last='Carpenter'] </strong>- Brighton: Tall and long with a great frame for added size, Carpenter is an under the radar talent now that could become a known prospect this time next year. If he can show more explosion and defensive playmaking, watch out!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581939' first='Amarion' last='Dickens'] </strong>- Roane Co.: Dickens is one prospect from the junior DB class that I am eager to learn more about this season as I see someone with the potential to make it into the D1/FCS ranks at cover corner or nickel back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819506' first='Ke'Darean' last='Fletcher'] </strong>- Cane Ridge: This could be the next great defensive back out of Cane Ridge, if Fletcher realizes his full capabilities. Sporting great size and length, the Ravens junior should step into a starting role this Fall and begin establishing himself as a star player.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625527' first='Mason' last='Goree'] </strong>- Bradley Cent.: Another Goree is the pipeline at Bradley, this rising junior is a versatile player that could develop on the outside due to his athleticism and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497426' first='Israel' last='Small'] </strong>- Anderson Co.: An aggressive tackler with position versatility, Small is one of the better tackling defensive backs within the junior class with an upside that fits very well at nickel back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841237' first='Alex' last='Wallace'] </strong>- USJ: Big and physical with nice range, Wallace is an intriguing talent that looks the part but must continue developing his agility and speed to move up in our rankings. I think he can though because I see the potential!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":842807,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/awallace.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-842807" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->