#TN2024 Post Signing Day Best Available (Defense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The first signing day left several talented prospects available, including these defensive players below that will see multiple guys ink their names with a college come February. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Available Defensive Talent </strong></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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOnce committed to Virginia Tech but now back on the open market, Barnes, Jr is the top ranked defensive prospect available from the #TN2024 class and should be one of the more pursued recruits during the month of January. Several Power Five and D1 programs have been in touch with Barnes, Jr since his decommitment with Syracuse becoming a big player. The Blue Tornado senior defender is a talented young man with good size and a skill set that could be developed at either cornerback or safety. Barnes, Jr has already announced that he will make his commitment in February on signing day, so it will be interesting to see where he eventually lands.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b16544a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301377"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis is one prospect from our available senior prospect list that I am surprised hasn't received more recruiting attention throughout this process but here we are with Smith still there for the taking. A 6 '3 broad shouldered pass rusher with active hands, Smith has the look and talents to become an eventual starter in the college game along with the versatility to play inside at tackle if needed. At one time, Smith was possibly headed to Memphis but things must have changed, now leaving this East TN talent without a college home. If my scouting is correct, you will see this Rebels defensive end pursued in great measure over the next month and become a steal for whoever he signs with. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b165503"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149393"],"_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 ball hawk with great instincts, Rutherford had another strong high school football season but as we type this, the Panthers senior defensive back sits uncommitted, looking for a college landing spot. His recruitment has been interesting as Rutherford has added several FCS offers but has yet to break through that D1 ceiling, however he is definitely worthy of bigger looks. Size may be the biggest thing holding teams back from getting fully on board with this Memphis area product but Rutherford can play and he has proved it for multiple seasons against top competition. This defender will sign in February but right now it's a question as to who it will be and what level. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b1655a2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149385"],"_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 year starter and state champion, Ball brings a lot of strong traits to the table for collegiate programs that can develop this guy into a formidable defensive end. Throughout this recruiting process Ball has picked up multiple offers, including a few from the D1 level but he sits available while holding out hope to hear from some bigger schools. The Cyclones senior defender has some schools in hot pursuit right now, especially Jacksonville St, Navy and a few others. Ball has taken some visits already and will be willing to take more next month before he makes a final decision. Look for this East TN talent to sign in February and possibly do so with a D1 program.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b16563f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207301"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis West Tennessee big man is one of the more athletic D-linemen we have from the #TN2024 class that could have a bright future on the collegiate level with further development. He remains uncommitted at the moment, still looking for a college home and willing to listen to all suitors, though I feel Hunter will be signing with a FCS team come February. If that doesn't happen, look for Hunter to go the JuCo route but I do think this guy could be a steal down the road for whoever he signs with. The Tigers senior product has a great body for added size along with lower base mobility, so I see a bright future ahead for Hunter once he fully develops and matures.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b1656cf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["605380"],"_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: 400u0022u003eLawrence is one of the more intriguing defensive talents we have from the #TN2024 class as someone that could develop and excel at either linebacker or safety. Many college coaches throughout this process have looked in on Lawrence to see if his speed translates to either one of those positions and I believe it does, simply as a defensive athlete. Several offers came through for this Nashville area prospect but he has yet to make a decision. It's a little unclear as to who is currently on the radar for Lawrence but I know this guy is talented with tons of upside for the college game that will be a great add for whoever signs this Mid TN product. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b165762"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754806"],"_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: 400u0022u003eMoore is someone I like a lot and a player that I feel will be even better over time on the collegiate level. Athletic and quick with great feet, the Tigers senior prospect has the tools and upside to develop into an excellent cover corner prospect in college but for one reason or another, Moore has yet to see his recruitment take off. I do think however that his senior tape could turn over some rocks in his recruitment and spring more interest. At one point and time, Moore held offers from Arkansas St., Ball St., Eastern Ky, TSU and UT-Martin but the FCS options may be the only ones on the table at the moment. It will be interesting to see if Moore adds more interest in the month of January then proceed to see where he goes come signing day part two.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dc9b1657ff"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["345975"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAggressive and fast with a nose for the ball, Burruss burst onto the scene this Fall as a breakout senior star that produced at a high level for his Cookeville team while also boosting his college stock. Holding offers from Arkansas St., Charlotte, ETSU and TN Tech, Burruss remains available for the taking as we head closer to the February signing day. New staffs are being formed across the state and country, so new options may come his way over the coming month and I think they should because this guy can play. Burruss is a true middle backer with great instincts and closing speed that translate very well to the next level, so expect to see this guy's recruitment continue to expand. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dd14eafa82"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["228698"],"_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: 400u0022u003eBig and physical with closing speed, Taylor had a tremendous senior year during his lone season at Bartlett but he has yet to reach a decision on where he will play his college ball. The Panthers senior defender added several offers throughout the process, however most of those offers may be off the table now after our 1st signing day. Taylor could be a guy headed down the JuCo route to begin his career but it will be interesting to see if any G5 or FCS schools come calling over the next month and eventually extend an offer. This is a true middle backer with straight line speed that plays up well on the college level along with the upside to rush the backfield.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dd14eafb1e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["534518"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis guy is a beast that will have to go the JuCo route to begin his college career but expect to hear about Thomas down the road, even possibly on the Power Five level. His senior work this Fall pushed that narrative further for me, including outstanding work at the TNFCA All-Star game this month. The Spartans senior defensive tackle has the college size, girth and athletic abilities to develop into a force on the highest stage of  football one day. He has to continue working on his conditioning as well as overall technique work but the natural abilities are definitely there.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dd14eafbc6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864980"],"_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 two time state champion, Scott is a winner and the ultimate competitor you want with your linebacking corps as well as your locker room but he has yet to find a college home. The Rebels senior defender landed a strong offer recently from Eastern Illinois and has received continued interest from Wake Forest as well as several FCS, D2 programs but I believe Scott is holding out hope for more schools to get involved before he shuts down his recruitment. Whoever lands this East Tennessee will be getting a smart and highly active linebacker that will work his tail off to earn his spot and work towards becoming an eventual starter.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dd14eafc3e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["480630"],"_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: 400u0022u003eCurry is a true hidden gem that many others around the state may not see the upside as I do because I see a tall and long edge rusher with a tremendous first step that can be developed much further on the next level. Holding several FCS or D2 offers at the moment, Curry has yet to breakthrough with his recruitment and the JuCo route may be where this Nashville area player begins but he has the potential and upside to compete on the D1 level one day. The Eagles senior defensive end does need more development both on the field and in the weight room but the natural tools are there to become an excellent college pass rusher in the near future. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dd14eafcdf"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":1090008,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/11/jburruss.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1090008" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->