#TN2024 Rankings: Defensive Stock Risers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This side of the ball saw a big increase of talent added and spread throughout our new senior rankings with several prospects taking major jumps up the charts. Here we breakdown the biggest stock risers on defense inside the latest #TN2024 rankings. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/">#TN2024 Senior Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["228694"],"_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: 400u0022u003eLaw ended his stellar high school career by winning a state title for his CPA squad then he walked away as the D2-Class AA Mr. Football this year. He also took his game to another level by increasing his speed, range and football intelligence, so there was no question that Law had to be bumped up in our latest rankings update to a Top 15 overall in-state prospect. The Lions senior prospect has all the tools to develop into a starting middle linebacker during his time at North Carolina. Law is physical and smart along with the range to chase down the ball sideline to sideline. He also has the athleticism and speed to rush the backfield or pull back and play in coverage. This is a warrior on the football field that gives his all and will not give up or slow down his motor till the final whistle. The Tar Heels are getting a stud here and someone that could see the field in Chapel Hill sooner than later. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a0275633f2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["286599"],"_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: 400u0022u003eOne of the biggest risers within our senior rankings is this Murfreesboro area two-way talent that is headed to Michigan St. to play in the Spartans secondary and with the kind of athleticism that Williams sports, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a college field sooner than later. Dynamic with natural playmaking abilities, Williams went hard this year to establish himself as one of the better athletes in the state and he did just that by dominating both sides of the ball this season. Williams is a quick twitch athlete with great instincts, which makes him an excellent ball hawk prospect for the college game. He has enough speed to compete at cornerback if needed but I feel his best position on the next level will be safety and it could be at free or strong. More maturing must take place for this Warriors product to become he I and others think he can be but the potential and upside is certainly there!u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a02756346c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["149317"],"_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: 400u0022u003eGoing into the Fall football season as a marked man, Benton had no problem taking care of business as the Jaguars senior D-lineman produced at a high level for a 5A team that was one step away from competing for a championship. The future Memphis Tiger, Benton took on several roles across the Jaguars defensive line this year and handled himself just fine, showing off a variety of ways to get into the backfield while also stacking blocks and stuffing the run. He sports a good feel for knowing how to work towards the ball then finishing with physicality and violence. Benton fits best on the college level on the end where he can bend and get after the quarterback but also use his powerful hands and ability to get off blocks to help against the run. More time in the weight room is needed for Benton but the tools are there to become a multi year starter and possible All-Conference during his time at Memphis.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a0275634ca"} /--> <!-- 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: 400u0022u003eFor multiple years now, Rutherford has been as steady as they come at the defensive back position with his senior year possibly being his best yet. The Panthers senior prospect took his game to another level this Fall by displaying enhanced coverage skills on the outside while also continuing to boost his ball hawk mentality. The entire season, opponents had a hard time throwing against Rutherford due to his ability to place himself around the ball on a consistent basis. His versatility is what appeals to me the most. Rutherford could develop and stay on the outside at cover corner but also slide back to safety and play the back end with ease. Recruiting has started to pick up for this Memphis area product but as we have him rated inside the Top 10 defensive backs for the #TN2024 class, we feel his abilities and potential warrant bigger looks, so it will be curious to see where his recruitment goes from here.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a027563523"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277759"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAthletic, aggressive and fast, Beach went to another level with his game this past season, turning himself into a legit D1 prospect that I can see starting for multiple years within the college game. Before getting hurt and lost for the season, Beach was a tackling machine that opposing teams could not block. His ability to read the play and immediately attack was tough to deal with. Beach fits the role of middle backer perfectly but because of his athleticism and speed, you could work him on the edge if needed. This is a sideline to sideline tackler with outstanding range and the versatility to rush the backfield or drop into coverage to play in space. Beach is currently committed to Austin Peay but with a new staff in place, I'm sure as to how that will play out but whoever lands the Pearl Cohn defender will be getting a gem of a prospect.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a027563576"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["695080"],"_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 a breakout 2023 season for Simpson-Smith as he now sits as one of the best available defensive prospects we have left from our #TN2024 class. The Firebirds defensive standout displayed his best football year yet by becoming the team's top rusher on offense and a versatile guy on defense that mainly played inside backer but could be moved into a variety of spots. Looking into his future, Simpson-Smith has the look and game play of an edge linebacker/defensive end that plays in the backfield against the pass while using his physicality to help stop the run. All those traits above as well as his strong work ethic are reasons why this Nashville area defender moved up into the #PRZTN Top 100 and sits as one of the hottest recruits in the state for our senior class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a0275635c7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816074"],"_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: 400u0022u003eSporting nice size and arm length, Sensabaugh brings several traits to the table that translate well to the college game and you can see why several Power Five schools are currently in pursuit. The Tigers senior defender jumped onto the scene in a big way after a stellar camp season then proceeded to perform at a high level throughout his senior season that bumped him up into our Top 100 but also turned him into one of the hottest recruits in the state. What coaches like about Sensabaugh is his height, length and ability to play cover corner but also versatility to play several positions within the secondary if needed. This is a late bloomer that is still coming into his own with plenty to learn but the tools are there to be developed into a possible lock down corner that could take his talents beyond the college game. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a027563617"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491413"],"_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: 400u0022u003ePotential and upside are two key words when you talk about this Mid-Tennessee talent. Committing recently to Chattanooga, Harris III is a tall, long and active defender that screams pass rushing upside but the Lions senior still has a ways to go before he reaches his maximum capabilities. This guy has gotten better and better over the last few years while at CPA, developing his body properly while continuing to enhance his athletic skill set. Harris III is a very good athlete that could have gone to college as a tight end but myself, Chattanooga and others see his best potential at defensive end where his length, bend and explosion can be used to rush after the quarterback. The Mocs gained a steal here with this Nashville based product as I see this guy's best football days ahead of him with the potential to turn into an All-Conference player while also sporting the upside to take his game past the college gridiron. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a02756366b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["372301"],"_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: 400u0022u003eGoing into the 2023 Fall football season, Feggins was an under the radar middle backer with not a lot of recruiting suitors but the Cherokees senior linebacker turned all that around this year with a stellar senior campaign that pushed him inside the Top 10 players at his position within the #TN2024 class. Aggressive, instinctive and violent, Feggins plays and looks the part of a college middle linebacker that has the kind of game to see the field early in his college career. Feggins is a clean ball player, meaning he does all the technique sound things properly as well as compete hard on every snap. This guy's motor is non-stop. He embraces the physical aspect of the game in a big way as you don't want to be in his path when he's running down hill. College interest has started to pick up for Feggins as well. Look for this East TN talent to come off the board as soon as he could be close to making his decision and whoever lands this guy is getting a true hidden gem!u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a0275636c0"} /--> <!-- 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: 400u0022u003eTall and long with fluid body movements and the athleticism to play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball, Lawrence is one of the more intriguing prospects we have in the #TN2024 class. The Cougars senior defender has a lot of physical traits that appeal to me and I'm sure collegiate coaches as well that screams potential! Lawrence has tremendous range, showing the closing speed on film to chase down the ball from anywhere while also sporting the instincts to be a ball hawk within the secondary. What will be interesting about this Mid-TN talent is his ability to pack on more weight so we can see if Lawrence will be a linebacker or a safety in college. He fits the star position many defenses are running these days. No matter what he develops into, Lawrence is an “athlete” that has playmaking abilities that can definitely be utilized on the defensive side of the ball in college. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a027563713"} /--> <!-- 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 took on a big role this season for his Tigers team as a full time two-way player that was expected to produce and he did. Moving all the way up into our PRZTN Top 100, Moore earned it by his play at both receiver and defensive back where he became a feared player due his athleticism, speed and playmaking abilities. The Tigers two-way talent is quick with excellent feet and smooth hips. Those traits could translate to multiple positions but I see defensive back as his calling card on the next level, even possibly cover corner. Moore has that kind of athleticism and speed with an easy moving lower base to develop on the outside but those traits alone allow him versatility to play anywhere in the secondary. His commitment is still up for grabs and whoever lands this Nashville area product will be getting a steal with tremendous upside for a position that is tough to find.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a027563764"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["194503"],"_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: 400u0022u003eSporting great size, length and natural athletic abilities, Davis has some of the biggest potential of all prospects within this list and Ball St. is hoping to pull it out of him once he arrives on campus next Fall. Committed to play his college ball in the MAC, Davis is a two-way talent that could develop and excel at either receiver or safety but the Cardinals are bringing him in to play defense where they feel his upside resides the best. The Lions senior product is a rangy guy who covers a lot of ground with his length and speed but also has the ball skills to take it away if it comes in his vicinity. His defensive versatility is strong too as you could use him in a linebacker role, playing close to the line against tight ends and running backs. Davis is still developing into his body a bit but is still a big dude with a wide radius that could find the field quickly during his time at Ball State due to his natural athletic abilities.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657a0275637b5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Def. Stock Risers: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='306578' first='Amanuel' last='Dickson'] </strong>- Greeneville, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='345975' first='Jourdyn' last='Burruss'] </strong>- Cookeville, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207329' first='Jackson' last='Lowe'] </strong>- Brentwood, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='510639' first='Jay' last='Morrow'] </strong>- Lausanne, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150287' first='Caden' last='Marshall'] </strong>- Henry Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/">Tennessee Top 300 </a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1114377,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/jmorrow.jpg?w=399" alt="" class="wp-image-1114377" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->