Scouting The Class: #TN2025 D-linemen

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The trench monsters we have from the defensive line in this year's recruiting class may be the deepest yet! Here we provide an in-depth look at all the top names to know from across the state of Tennessee. </h2>     East TN   - The East region of state is headlined by a current Power Four offered prospect with several others sitting right behind in that “under the radar” tag, sporting the potential to turn into FCS, possible D1 guys. Jefferson Co. (TN) two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='504236' first='Nic' last='Moore'] is considered one of the best at his position in the state that could actually contend for a starting spot in college on either side of the line.    Moore is a load up front with great power and natural strength along with good athleticism that helps provide a pass rush into the backfield. His future on either side of the line will be dictated on what school he signs with and the system they run.    New to the state of Tennessee for the 2024 season, McCallie senior D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1222988' first='Etison' last='Pholo'] should be an excellent addition to the Blue Tornado defensive line as on film this 6 '2 big man shows excellent get-off and closing speed towards the ball along with excellent physicality.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EtisonPholo/status/1777696753665347625 </div></figure>   Alcoa senior [player_tooltip player_id='1189145' first='Jamir' last='Turner'] is one of the more intriguing big men coming out of the East Tennessee region this year. This 6'4 D-Tackle has a great physique (well built body) along with good athleticism and natural power. The question about this guy is will he be a D-lineman or O-lineman on the next level? Turner has the size and skill set to potentially excel on either side of the ball.    A pair of D-Tackles to pay attention to this summer in camps and this Fall during the football season are [player_tooltip player_id='800785' first='Boston' last='Yeager'] out of Bearden and Greeneville senior [player_tooltip player_id='390665' first='Quinton' last='Humphrey']. Both of these guys have qualities to reach the D1 level but more work must be done.    Yeager is a guy I'm really interested in, especially after going in-depth with his film. This guy can move as he shows explosive play on film along with strong hands and the ability to shed blocks. Humphrey is more of your run stopper in the middle, bringing great size (6'4 285) and the power to move the line of scrimmage. If he can develop his athleticism further, Humphrey could see a significant increase in his recruiting stock.    Tyner Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='467259' first='Jaeden' last='Isbell'] may be the best edge rusher coming out of the East Tennessee region for the #TN2025 class. For multiple years now, Isbell has been producing behind the line tackles for his Rams team as one of the better sack masters coming out of the Chattanooga area. He must continue developing and adding in the needed weight but the raw tools are certainly there.    Looking through the rest of the D-line crop coming out of East Tennessee, we have four guys here in [player_tooltip player_id='1206484' first='C.J.' last='Wyller'] (Baylor), [player_tooltip player_id='1106234' first='Evan' last='Allen'] (Gatlinburg-Pittman), [player_tooltip player_id='219406' first='Braydon' last='Coffelt'] (Marion Co.) and Heritage senior [player_tooltip player_id='1102500' first='Cole' last='McCampbell'] that may not be the flashiest of prospects but they have talent and upside to reach the college game.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/cjwyller.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1251832" style="width:312px;height:auto" /></figure>   Wyller is a physical pass rusher that can work the edge or slide inside. He is a bit undersized at 6'1 but Wyller does a good job of using his upper body strength and hands to shed blocks. Allen had himself a breakout season as a junior last year where he took on a starting role and handled business. This 6'2 edge defender works well against the run but shows on film the upside to rush the backfield as well.    Playing linebacker for his Marion Co. team, Coffelt is a physical and active defender that translates best to the college game at defensive end where he can use his upper body strength and bend to chase down quarterbacks. McCampbell is a tall and long defensive end prospect that is still raw and developing but he shows the burst and get-off on the film that college coaches.   Mid TN   - The crop of defensive linemen coming out of the Mid-Tennessee region this year is deeper than I can remember and maybe the deepest of all time. Just in this region alone, we could have 15 plus prospects sign with D1 or FCS programs with a few others sitting right behind with potential to reach that status themselves.    Ensworth senior [player_tooltip player_id='219447' first='Ethan' last='Utley'] sits at the top of charts of the D-linemen and not just in this region but the entire state. Recently committing to Tennessee, Utley is a versatile guy that has the athleticism, power and size to work either on the edge or slide inside. He should fit in nicely within the Volunteers D-line over the coming years with the potential to take his game beyond the college ranks.    Playing alongside each other on the Lipscomb D-line, [player_tooltip player_id='219400' first='Antonio' last='Carter, Jr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='323137' first='Amir' last='Leonard-Jean Charles'] sport some of the best offer lists you will find in this state and two lineman with different skill sets. Carter, Jr is your pass rusher with an active motor while Jean-Charles is your run stuffer that moves well laterally, clogging up lanes. Both of these Mustangs will be taking official visits this summer and should be signing with Power Four programs come December.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/aljc.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1251834" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure>   Staying on the inside of the D-line, Columbia Central senior [player_tooltip player_id='611956' first='Jhrevious' last='Hall'] and Blackman big man [player_tooltip player_id='390644' first='Archie' last='Roseman'] are two Mid-Tennessee trench performers that scream upside and the abilities to become standout starters in college.    Hall is an athletic guy with an explosive first step and great closing speed. For someone at 280 pounds plus, Hall moves very well, showing some of the best potential on the D-line for the #TN2025 class. Roseman is more of your run stuffer in the middle that does have enough athleticism to provide a pass rush. The Blaze D-Tackle could become one of the hotter pursued recruits in this state over the next couple of months due to his size and ability to move.    Over the past three years, Page defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] has been the most productive player at this position in the state and one of the best sack artists not just here in Tennessee but the entire Southern region. So far throughout his recruitment, Hazzard has landed 20 plus offers but those Power Four programs are finally starting to pay attention, so expect to hear more and more about this Williamson Co. edge rusher over the next few months.    Speaking about pass rushers, these three in [player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] (Mt. Juliet), [player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'] (Riverdale and [player_tooltip player_id='1112606' first='Elliot' last='Hampton'] from Ravenwood have some of the best upside off the edge in the #TN2025 class with Fiorita being the top name among the three at this current time. The Golden Bears senior defender put up 18 sacks last year as a junior, putting himself on the map as a legit college recruit. Fiorita now holds 15 plus offers with some top level programs in pursuit.    Haynes is still raw and developing but the physical traits and upside are certainly there. The Warriors 6 '5 225 pound edge rusher is tall and long with a great frame for added weight and the burst to develop nicely as a pass disruptor in college. Hampton is still developing his body but his junior tape definitely shows the potential to become a force in college but will that be on the edge or the inside as this Raptors defender has the body frame to take on more size.    Another top level Power Four D-lineman to talk about here is Pearl Cohn senior [player_tooltip player_id='855556' first='Kyler' last='Garcia']. Standing 6 '5 275 pounds, Garcia is a big guy that brings position versatility to the D-line along with a developing pass rush and the power to make a difference against the run. This guy is one of the more intriguing D-linemen in the entire state as he has the physical traits to work the edge or the middle in college.    Davidson Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='1248115' first='Isaiah' last='Mullins'] returns for the 2024 season as one of the top pass rushers from the greater Nashville area and a player the Bears will certainly lean on this year for continued top level play.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/ismullins.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1251835" style="width:330px;height:auto" /></figure>   Two under the radar talents to keep an eye on over the coming months are Brentwood senior [player_tooltip player_id='820608' first='Kaiaulu' last='Micatrotto'] and Station Camp defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1131054' first='Ocoee' last='Ellis']. Both of these Mid-Tennessee prospects show on film strong game play with two different skill sets. Micatrotto is a naturally powerful young man with an active motor from the middle that gives O-linemen fits.   Ellis is an interesting case as a defensive end that could play a little off the ball but his upside fits best with his hand in the dirt, getting up field and into the backfield. The Bison senior edge rusher uses his hands well to shed blocks while also having enough speed to chase down the ball.    Staying out on the defensive end position, three guys to know about for the coming Fall season are Aviery Haynesworth from Oakland, Stewarts Creek senior [player_tooltip player_id='1130991' first='Jonathan' last='Waller'] and Franklin edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='501903' first='Aiden' last='Elmore']. Haynesworth has the lineage and size to find his way into college ball but with us heading into the summer months, things have been quiet for this Rutherford Co. prospect. Maybe a big senior year could boost his stock.   Waller is a hidden gem that may be a tad undersized (6'1 230 lbs) but the dude can play as he shows discipline, strength and lateral quickness on film that translates well to the college game. Elmore has an excellent burst off the edge along with good closing speed. If he can continue gaining more weight along with adding the needed strength, Elmore could maneuver himself into some strong offers.    The remainder of the D-linemen from the Mid-Tennessee region are developmental prospects that sport college physical abilities as well as traits that can turn them into formidable players. Summit senior [player_tooltip player_id='491440' first='Mekhi' last='Bell'] and Beech big man [player_tooltip player_id='832830' first='Jaden' last='Owens'] are massive young men with tremendous size and skills that scream potential but still have plenty to work on before they become the kind of players they can be.    Bell stands 6 '6 250 pounds with a great body to pack on more weight and turn himself into a force from the inside of the defensive line. Owens is built basically the same at 6'5 255 pounds. The Bucs senior defender works on the edge within his defense but has the body style and gameplay of a defensive tackle that can rush the backfield from the interior of the line.    Brentwood Academy D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1213391' first='Todd' last='Hammond'] is someone I like and someone I feel could make some waves this summer in camps as well as his upcoming senior season. The Eagles senior moves well at 6'1 265 pounds while providing versatility to the line and pass rush upside.    Last Fall was a breakthrough season for Marshall Co. D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1136613' first='Reid' last='Mitchell'] as he produced 8 plus sacks on the season while being that consistent force on the Tigers line of scrimmage all year long. This Mid-Tennessee talent does have a ways to go before he reaches his maximum capabilities but the raw tools are there to become a strong pass rusher within a 3-4 college defense.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/133-Reid-Mitchell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138289" style="width:401px;height:auto" /></figure>   West TN   - Everything on the D-line from the West Tennessee region begins with a pair of defensive tackles that are destined for the Power Four level. Dyersburg senior [player_tooltip player_id='611975' first='Kalen' last='Edwards'] and Humboldt nose tackle [player_tooltip player_id='403566' first='Stephon' last='Shivers'] are two top level recruits with the ability to change the line of scrimmage due to their physical strength, size and overall talents. Edwards is an athletic guy in the middle that can rush the backfield or use his power to stuff the run.    Shivers comes from a small town and small program, so the competition he faces isn't as strong but I as well as the coaches at Georgia (Where he is currently committed) see something special in this guy and his potential for the college game.    South Gibson edge defender [player_tooltip player_id='848818' first='Gabe' last='Lovorn'] is looking to continue the momentum of D1 guys coming out of the Hornets program and I think he will do it. Making the transition from linebacker to defensive end, Lovorn has added the needed weight to sustain on the outside while sporting great hands and a motor that doesn't stop.    Speaking of motors, Memphis Central senior [player_tooltip player_id='341252' first='Brycen' last='Boone'] and Lausanne D-tackle [player_tooltip player_id='467234' first='Skylan' last='Staten'] are two highly active linemen that can provide a pass rush from multiple areas across the defensive front. Boone is one of the more underrated prospects in my eyes as this guy is an athletic, smooth mover that can get after the quarterback or use his strength to stifle the run. He is a tad undersized but Boone plays much bigger with a fearless attitude.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/skystaten55/status/1772456447915303294 </div></figure>   Much of the same can be said about Staten. Standing only 6 '1 265 pounds, the Lynx D-lineman plays much bigger than his size along with a great first step off the snap and closing speed to chase down the ball. He will need to continue adding more weight but I like this guy's motor and his relentless aggression.    Sitting under the radar at the moment with the potential to rise up the charts over the coming months, Christian Brothers defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1230138' first='Ashton' last='Hearn'] is a tall and long edge guy that provides excellent burst off the line along with closing speed and the frame to put on more weight. The Purple Wave should be quite good on defense this season with Hearn being one of the key contributors and leaders.    Three prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='841232' first='Caleb' last='Hollowell'] (Raleigh-Egypt), [player_tooltip player_id='1102507' first='KD' last='Cunningham'] (McKenzie) and [player_tooltip player_id='1142885' first='Isaiah' last='Lackey'] all come from smaller programs that don't see the competition that others might but all three of these West Tennessee D-linemen can play while bringing different skill sets to the playing field.    Hollowell is a raw but talented prospect with great size (6'7 230) that has the makeup of a 3-technique interior D-lineman on the college stage. Cunningham is a tad undersized but is one of the more active trench monsters we have out of this region. His hand work, strength and ability to shed blocks and chase down the ball is impressive. Lackey is built almost in the same way but a tad thicker with a unique feel for getting into the backfield on a consistent basis.    [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] out of Houston and Jackson Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='1102487' first='Gavin' last='Walker'] are two interesting talents that I see upside with but need continued development to fulfill their potential. Hagan is an active ball player with pass rush traits and an active motor but I see his game fitting best inside at tackle where he can get after the quarterback from the middle of the line.    Walker is a defensive end prospect that stands 6'4 225 pounds, sporting long arms and a frame that can pack on more weight. He shows the upside to become a solid pass rusher but he must increase his explosion and speed along with adding in the proper size.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/gavwalker.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1219149" style="width:485px;height:auto" /></figure>   Collierville should have one of the better defenses in the West Tennessee region this Fall with [player_tooltip player_id='390645' first='Emmitt' last='Luellen'] being their stalwart up front. This 6'3 250 pound versatile D-lineman had a solid junior year but should be ready for a breakout senior campaign. He brings good athleticism to the line along with burst and active hands but also the ability to play the edge or work from the interior.    Both Southwind and White Station will be looking for big years out of [player_tooltip player_id='611950' first='Taylor' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1102514' first='Dylan' last='Bolden'] for the Fall season. Both of these guys work best on the edge where they can use their athleticism and burst to get after the quarterback. Jones could actually gain weight and move inside if needed while Bolden is a true defensive end that can take a big step in his game and recruitment with increased agility, bend and speed.    Joining Jones at Southwind this season is 6'4 defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='841166' first='Cornelius' last='Thompson']. Sporting good size with a physical build, this Jaguars senior prospect has been on the radar for a couple of years now but has yet to develop fully. Maybe this move to Southwind will pay off for Thompson as he has the look and skill set to reach the college game.    Wrapping up our look at the West Tennessee D-linemen, we have three interior D-linemen that may sit under the radar for coaches right now but could put in work this Summer and Fall to put themselves in the mix for offers.    Memp. Central senior [player_tooltip player_id='1248910' first='Caleb' last='Garrett'] is a people mover at 6'0 295 pounds that has deceptive athleticism and mobility. Westwood versatile D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1102506' first='Cedarrein' last='Kelly'] plays for a smaller program but shows good work on film that can be further developed on the next level. Memp. Overton D-Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1102503' first='Romalic' last='Carter'] is a good athlete at 6 '0 280 pounds that can push the pile from the middle while providing a pass rush.    This West Tennessee crop is solid for this recruiting cycle with a few Power Four prospects at the top but aided with good depth and players that can develop and position themselves as top tier guys by the time we reach signing day in December.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/stephonshivers1/status/1773093770499600438 </div></figure>