#TNAllStar: Top Defensive Performers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defense shined big time last Friday at the TNFCA All-Star game where several TN2024 prospects stood out as game changers while taking their recruiting stocks to another level. It's a strong list below full of uncommitted players! </h2>     Defensive Standouts   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='258668' first='D.J.' last='Allen'] - Germantown (West)    - Allen was an absolute menace at the TNFCA All-Star game where he produced 7 tackles and 3 sacks on the night. The Red Devils senior defensive end was near unblockable as he used his size, physicality and edge speed to consistently play in the East squads backfield. It was an outstanding performance that proved to me that Allen was indeed a Power Five guy and that's where he landed with a recent commitment to the Purdue Boilermakers.    (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1117637' first='Taeshawn' last='Jefferson'] - Germantown (West)   - This Fall football season has been a breakout party for this Germantown safety and his strong play continued in the TNFCA All-Star game where he made several tackles but produced two Int's that proved to be difference makers in this contest. Jefferson was a ball hawk and an issue all night long for the East Team. His ability to make quick decisions reading the pass was exceptional but he also played with a “Dog” mentality that I like very well for the next level.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/sf_tae/status/1733589884038758691?s=20 </div></figure>     (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='277761' first='D.J.' last='Curll'] - Centennial (West)   - Starting at outside linebacker, Curll was one of the top tacklers from the West Team last Friday night where he displayed excellent instincts and range along with some physical hitting. The Cougars senior backer also showed his ability to drop in coverage, which Curll has vastly improved upon during his final season at Centennial. He remains uncommitted at the moment but interest is there and steadily growing as we inch closer to the first national signing day.    (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='301354' first='Kollin' last='Collier'] - Munford (West)    - Collier was easily one of the best defensive back performers from both teams in Clarksville as he handled the cornerback role just fine, continuing to show off his versatility to play multiple roles within the secondary. Standing 6 '2 with good arm length, Collier presented a lot of problems for the East receivers due to his size and ability to turn and run, staying on path with them. It's very interesting to see Collier still without a college home as I think he brings a lot of value to the secondary that I feel will develop even further on the next level.    (S) [player_tooltip player_id='289545' first='Nigel' last='Maynard'] - Stewarts Creek (West)    - Starting at safety for his West Team, Maynard had an impressive evening as the last line of defense where he did not allow a single pass over his head the entire game. Not only was the Red Hawks defensive back a safety net on the back end, Maynard also made several strong hits, tackles against the run. His overall game was excellent, showing me how versatile he can be during his time at Pittsburgh. I still think Maynard could play some corner in college but this All-Star performance proved he could be even better at free safety.    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='811071' first='Jaylen' last='Thomas'] - White Station (West)    - This Memphis big man may have as much college/NFL upside as anybody on this list as Thomas has the size, power and mobility that translate well to the next level. Throughout practice and into the game itself, Thomas was a dominating guy who could not be blocked and when he made contact, the opposition certainly felt it. The Spartans senior D-lineman has all the tools to develop into a major force in the trenches that could take his football talents all the way to the top.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1733314397802578046?s=20 </div></figure>     (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'] - Upperman (East)   - Harris was an intense competitor from start to finish, who made it a point to play hard with a high octane motor until the final whistle. The Bees senior defensive end showed that motor as he made it into the West backfield on several occasions, chasing the quarterback out of the pocket and finishing with some violent hits. Harris also showed the ability to either play with his hand in the dirt or stand up on the edge, which should increase his college value moving forward.    (S) [player_tooltip player_id='277797' first='Dawson' last='White'] - Moore Co. (East)   - Possibly the biggest surprise of all competitors at the TNFCA All-Star game was this Class 1A Mr. Football winner that impressed many on the defensive side of the ball. A star running back for his Raiders team, White also handled safety duties and he looked comfortable in that role last Friday evening. He made several thunderous hits that made the crowd go “ooohhh” while also displaying excellent discipline and football instincts. This guy is simply a “football player” that will make any college team better.    (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='345976' first='Evan' last='Poticher'] - Northview Academy. (East)    - Last Friday night in Clarksville was the 1st time for me to see Poticher in person and he is someone that I do think can play on that D1 level and become a future starting D-lineman. He has nice size and a good body to mold but also an aggressive motor that showed up plenty through the All-Star game. Poticher brings some versatility to the trenches. I see a good fit within a 3-4 defense where you can play him on the edge but also move inside to rush up the middle. His performance in Clarksville proved that this East Tennessee big man is worth a bigger look.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LaraTrentham/status/1733292857979740467?s=20 </div></figure>   (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='149393' first='Devin' last='Rutherford'] - Bartlett (West)   - I honestly can't think of one single pass thrown at or completed against Rutherford throughout the entire TNFCA All-Star game and he played a lot of snaps! The Panthers stud defender absolutely locked down his side of the field, allowing zero separation while playing an aggressive brand of football. He has upside to stay at cover corner but Rutherford is an athletic guy who could play multiple positions within the secondary on the collegiate level.    Three Others to Note: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='308779' first='Antomme' last='Cowthorn'] - Marshall Co. (East), (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior'] - South Pittsburg (East), (S) [player_tooltip player_id='306300' first='Clarence' last='Cobbins'] - Springfield   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/clarencecobbin2/status/1733508813771120696?s=20 </div></figure>