Stock Rising Safeties #TN2026
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The 2023 football season is approaching rapidly, and many players have a chance to improve their stock. The 2026 class will be on display and many of them for the first time. After watching the film, I’m excited to watch…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 football season is approaching rapidly, and many players have a chance to improve their stock. The 2026 class will be on display and many of them for the first time. After watching the film, I’m excited to watch it play out and have found 4 safeties worth keeping an eye on for this upcoming season.
Justin Hopkins Justin Hopkins 6’0″ | 165 lbs | DB Ensworth | 2026 State TN athleticism stands out on the film right away at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds out of Ensworth High School. He is a ball hawk on the back end, playing both split field and post field safety. Good instincts and range, Hopkins is a natural at reading the QB and route concepts with the speed to close and make plays at the catch point. Good run defender, he closes fast from a deep alignment while staying under control with good technique. Consistent tackler, he breaks down and squares up ball carriers and will create some forced fumbles.
Highlights
Craig Tutt Craig Tutt 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB Oakland | 2026 State TN has plenty experience playing as a physical box safety at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds out of Oakland High School. Good physicality in the flat, he will reroute and disrupt the timing of concepts. Good ball skills, he shows good tracking ability and in air athleticism. Excellent run defender, Tutt plays like a linebacker in the box. He is instinctive vs the run and works through the trash with active eyes while staying square. Good taking on blocks, he is disciplined and will scrape over the top once the ball carrier declares. Overall, Tutt is a strong and consistent tackler.
Highlights
Kaedyn Marable Kaedyn Marable 6’3″ | 170 lbs | QB BGA | 2026 State TN is a long and smooth defensive back at 6-foot-2, 165 pounds out of Battle Ground Academy High School. He shows good closing speed from 2 high looks and is overall a good athlete. Good understanding of how to use his length at the catch point with excellent ball skills. Nice timing and tracking, he is great in air while making plays at the catch point. Solid ability to play the slot, Marable showcases good mirror and match ability. Good versatility to play both safety spots and the nickel. Overall, he will get physical and lay the wood to dislodge the ball.
Highlights
Spencer Makuch Spencer Makuch 6’1″ | 185 lbs | ATH Walker Valley | 2026 TN is a play making defensive back at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds out of Walker Valley High School. Overall, he shows good instincts and really excels vs screens with good closing downhill speed. Good depth from split field looks, Makuch shows a good understanding of leverage and puts himself in good position versus downfield route concepts. Good consistent tackler, he breaks down and squares up the ball carrier.