#TN2024 Defensive Backs to Watch For in Week 11
In this article:
With another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to visit the Volunteer State to highlight some highly explosive standouts that have made their presence known on the field and should be gamechangers this upcoming Friday…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to visit the Volunteer State to highlight some highly explosive standouts that have made their presence known on the field and should be gamechangers this upcoming Friday night. Today, we will be focusing on some high-level prospects at defensive back that are worth keeping an eye on in week 11 of competition in Tennessee.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Kaleb Beasley Kaleb Beasley 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Lipscomb Academy | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back at Lipscomb Academy. Beasley and the Mustangs are coming off a hard-fought 24-17 win over Brentwood Academy last week. What impresses me most about Beasley is his athletic edge and breakaway speed, contributing on both sides of the ball this past week. Defensively, Beasley caught my attention with his disruptiveness and ability to shut down reliable passing lanes with his quickness and relentless physicality in coverage.
Highlights
I am additionally impressed with Ondre Evans Ondre Evans 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB CPA | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Evans and the Lions picked up a 24-7 victory over Franklin Road Academy this past week. What impresses me the most about Evans is his breakaway speed and ability to overwhelm receivers in coverage, shut down the short pass and beat the offense to the ball in the air. With excellent size and electric quickness down the stretch, Evans has showcased his ability to be in prime position to pick off the quarterback and prevent offensive production in the air.
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Jaylen Thompson Jaylen Thompson 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Riverdale | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 175-pound defensive back at Riverdale High School. Thompson and the Warriors picked up a 49-7 blowout victory over Siegel last week. Thompson’s ability to protect the backfield and blast receivers to the ground on short passes stands out. I also like how Thompson can read the offense and quickly execute on mistakes, proving he can attack the ball and pick off the quarterback. Thompson also makes a difference due to his physicality in coverage, showing off his disruptiveness and ability to keep the offense off the scoreboard.
Highlights
Another skilled prospect to watch for is Thomas Jones Thomas Jones 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Smyrna | 2024 State TN , a 5-foot-11, 170-pound defensive back at Smyrna High School. Jones and the Bulldogs claimed a 30-26 victory over Antioch in their most recent matchup last week. Jones contributes impressive size, speed and physicality, showcasing his playmaking ability on both sides of the ball last week. Defensively, Jones stands out due to his explosiveness and ability to immediately apply pressure and sack the quarterback off the snap. Jones also showcased his ability to suffocate the rush from outside the pocket, ensuring the opposition stays out of the backfield.
Highlights
Coming in at number five on my list is Joshua Hampton Joshua Hampton 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Baylor | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 175-pound defensive back at Baylor High School. Hampton and the Red Raiders collected a 35-0 blowout win over Montgomery Bell Academy last week. Hampton stands out due to his ability to read the quarterback as well as his ability to pick up speed at opportune moments to get in front of the ball for the interception. Another aspect of Hampton’s playstyle that has made a difference this season is his ability to withstand physicality in coverage and keep receivers overwhelmed in the backfield with his persistent strength.
Also worth mentioning is Jaren Sensabaugh Jaren Sensabaugh 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Ensworth | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 170-pound defensive back at Ensworth High School. Sensabaugh and the Tigers are coming off a 21-12 victory over Briarcrest Christian this past week. What I like about Sensabaugh is his his commanding size, speed and stopping power, barreling into receivers on short passes. Sensabaugh’s ability to jump in front of the ball at the last minute and use his arms to deflect the ball makes him a formidable foe in the backfield. I also like how Sensabaugh challenges the receiving core in coverage and helps to keep the offense out of the endzone.