Scouting The Class: #TN2025 Defensive Backs

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is one of the deepest position groups of all from the in-state senior class. Here we provide an in-depth look at the top talent and some underrated prospects from each region coming out of the secondary this year. </h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospect-database/?player_name=&high_school_name=&class%5B%5D=2025&position%5B%5D=DB&commitment=">#TN2025 Def. Back Database</a>   East TN   The East Tennessee region has been producing some talented defensive backs of late but for the #TN2025 cycle, things don't look as deep this year, however we still have some talented prospects worthy of competing on the big stage of college football.    Without question the top prospect coming out of East Tennessee this year is McCallie safety and current Vanderbilt commit, [player_tooltip player_id='219372' first='Carson' last='Lawrence']. The Blue Tornado ball hawk has set himself apart over the past eight months as the top safety prospect in the state this year due to his high level instincts and intelligence along with his natural athletic abilities and range. After committing to the Commodores months ago, Lawrence has seen a bevy of big time offers come his way, only solidifying his status as the top safety in the #TN2025 class.    Joining Lawrence on the back end at McCallie is senior safety [player_tooltip player_id='1128449' first='Sean' last='Couvertiere']. Standing 6 '0 180 pounds, this Blue Tornado defender plays a physical brand of football that definitely translates well to the next level but also shows good reaction skills and a quick 1st step towards the ball.    Bearden has a Couvertiere of their own in versatile senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1104939' first='Ethan' last='Couvertiere']. This 6'2 Bulldog defender has tremendous upside and will be highly ranked in our coming #TN2025 rankings due to his size but also because of his potential to play cover corner. If playing on the outside doesn't work out for Couvertiere, his size and athleticism would do very well at safety.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/ecouvertiere.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1183036" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure>   The more and more I watch Knox. Webb safety [player_tooltip player_id='1269174' first='Hal' last='Niendorff'], the more I think this East Tennessee talent can play on the D1 level. I really like the way this guy plays the game. Niendorff is an instinctive guy that runs well while playing a physical brand of football. This guy is a ball hawk who I feel could be a D1 level multi-year starter.    Two guys I've known about for a few years now but have been quiet on the scene for some time are Brainerd senior [player_tooltip player_id='812480' first='Jayun' last='Smith'] and Austin-East safety [player_tooltip player_id='353442' first='DeCoriyeon' last='Brown']. Both of these East Tennessee products are talented ball players that have good size and natural athletic abilities but have yet to either develop at a proper rate or just haven't hit their mark yet.    Many may know the brother but Bradley Central defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='625527' first='Mason' last='Goree'] has some talent of his own and a versatile game that could work at several positions within the secondary. His film shows work at both corner and safety along with upside to handle nickel as well. Goree is a good athlete that could play some cornerback but would boost his stock further with added weight and overall size.    Anderson Co. senior [player_tooltip player_id='497426' first='Israel' last='Small'] and Knox. Catholic safety [player_tooltip player_id='1266544' first='Shannon' last='McKinney'] are two under the radar prospects that I see could work from on film along with the potential to boost their stocks big time with strong work this summer in camps and their upcoming Fall senior years.    Small is a sneaky good athlete that makes quick decisions, reactions on the ball along with a versatile skill set that could be used all over the secondary. McKinney is well put together at 6'0 180 pounds, so he looks the part but if he can increase his explosion and speed, college programs may start taking a longer look at his upside.    Whitwell doesn't produce too many college level athletes but [player_tooltip player_id='480919' first='Bennett' last='McDougal'] has a shot to be one of them. Standing 6 '2 195 pounds, the Tigers senior defender has produced a lot of tackles and big plays over the past two years but has yet to see his recruiting take-off. Part of that could be that McDougal may fit best in college at linebacker and maybe if he shows some work there this Fall, coaches could start paying attention.    Red Bank senior [player_tooltip player_id='467266' first='Markee' last='Crutcher'] is an under the radar type guy that has good film and the ability to play corner or nickel in the college game. The Lions defensive back is a bit undersized at 5'10 165 pounds but he makes up for it with an aggressive style of play along with great reactionary skills. His work in the weight room this off-season will go a long way towards boosting his recruiting stock.    The depth isn't there for East Tennessee at the moment but that could change in the coming months as new guys may jump on the radar while others could develop much further into bonafide college prospects.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/hniendorff.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1271187" style="width:303px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -   Mid TN   - This region is absolutely loaded with secondary talent for the #TN2025 class with tons of prospects destined for the Power Four, D1 and FCS college ranks. The Mid-Tennessee area also has variety, sporting a mix of cover corners, safeties and nickels along with multiple under the radar defenders that have the potential to become heavily recruited through the Fall months.    Two of the top defensive back prospects in the state reside in this region and from the Murfreesboro area with Siegel senior and Purdue commit [player_tooltip player_id='149392' first='Tarrion' last='Grant'] sitting at the very top and Rockvale senior [player_tooltip player_id='309135' first='Jaylan' last='Morgan'] coming in close behind.    Grant is dripping with potential as he stands 6'3 180 pounds plus with the ability to play cover corner in college or at worst, drop back and be a ballhawking safety. Morgan has some of the same traits. Just a little shorter at 6 '0, the Rockets defender is a natural athlete that can run and who has the upside to play on the perimeter.    For two years now, Lipscomb Academy defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='328635' first='C.J.' last='Jimcoily'] has been one of the more well known prospects in this class due to his natural look and size of an eventual college guy. The Mustangs senior still could play a variety of roles in college but it's looking like safety could be his future.    One of the hottest prospects in the state right now is Ravenwood senior [player_tooltip player_id='820942' first='Donovan' last='Starr']. The Raptors versatile defender is building tons of buzz right now due to his upside on the outside at cornerback and his track speed. Just about every Power Four is after this Williamson County defensive back right now and I expect several others to get on board soon.    The Williamson County area is actually quite strong this cycle in the defensive backfield. Starr may be the top guy to mention in this area but others like [player_tooltip player_id='219407' first='Kolbe' last='Harmon'] (Brentwood Acad.), [player_tooltip player_id='219351' first='William' last='Wiebush'] (Page), [player_tooltip player_id='1001170' first='Taylor' last='Lawrence'] (Independence) and a few others to mention here in a bit.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/wwiebush.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1250273" /></figure>   Harmon is a versatile guy that I see best fitting in college at nickelback but his athletic skill set gives him a shot to compete and develop at cornerback and safety as well. Wiebush is a bonafide free safety and one of the fastest overall players in the state, regardless of position. His first step reactions, quickness and range are elite and with more experience on the back end, I could see Wiebush starting for multiple years on the big stage of college football.    Lawrence is one of the more intriguing prospects from the #TN2025 defensive back class as he sports a nice mix of athleticism, size and versatility that could be utilized at multiple secondary positions. He shows potential to handle cover corner in college with maybe his biggest potential coming on the back end at safety.    Not to be outshined, Rutherford County has a talented crop of defensive backs as well, led by a pair of safeties in [player_tooltip player_id='467267' first='Bronson' last='Crisp'] (Oakland) and [player_tooltip player_id='219397' first='Dominic' last='Taylor'] (Riverdale). Both of these ball hawks are natural athletes that bring good size to the field along with the range to make plays all over the field. Both Crisp and Taylor hold multiple D1 offers with Power Four schools sniffing around.    Joining Taylor at Riverdale is versatile defender [player_tooltip player_id='219453' first='Camryn' last='Darden']. This 5 '10 senior has a good skill set that could be developed at multiple areas in the secondary with possibly his biggest upside coming at nickelback.    LaVergne defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='858830' first='Malik' last='Hicks'] is a prospect that sits way under the radar right now but is someone I like a good bit as a potential cover corner inside the college game. His film is excellent, showing the ability to run and cover on the outside along with sporting nice size (6'1 170), length and natural athletic abilities.    Blackman has a pair of senior defenders in [player_tooltip player_id='1136682' first='Jalen' last='Anderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1207762' first='Trey' last='McGaffee'] that have put together strong off-season thus far and look poised for big senior years. Anderson has  put in the work over the past few months to develop his body while increasing his athleticism and speed. McGaffee is an interesting guy to me as he shows on film good upside to handle a variety of roles within the secondary with nickelback and safety being his best positions.    Moving a little north, into the greater Nashville area sits multiple defensive backs that have either burst onto the recruiting scene thus far with others still waiting to see things take-off. Two of the better secondary performers coming out of this area for this cycle are East Nashville teammates [player_tooltip player_id='835861' first='Austin' last='Kent'] and 5'10 senior [player_tooltip player_id='1159809' first='Antoni' last='Morton'].    Kent is a tall and long defender that has a unique skill set that could translate to either cover corner or safety. His stock has been increasing fast over the past several weeks and I expect bigger schools to become interested soon. Morton has a versatile game as well where he handles cornerback for his team and could develop there but his biggest upside may reside at nickelback or safety in college.    Father Ryan senior [player_tooltip player_id='898263' first='Caiden' last='Anku'] has generated some buzz for himself this off-season by landing a few D1, FCS offers while increasing his game. Anku plays corner for his Fighting Irish team and he may have a chance to stay there in college but I personally like him best at safety where he can use his range and strong tackling to his advantage.    [player_tooltip player_id='819506' first='Ke'Darean' last='Fletcher'] out of Cane Ridge, [player_tooltip player_id='1071176' first='Isaiah' last='Williams'] from Brentwood Academy and Ravenwood senior [player_tooltip player_id='1159791' first='Jayden' last='Smitherman'] are three talented, hidden gems that all bring different skill sets to the secondary. Fletcher is a tall and long guy that works well on the back end at safety, using his range and size to his advantage.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/87-Isaiah-Williams.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138242" style="width:346px;height:auto" /></figure>   Williams is a versatile defender that could give you snaps at cornerback, nickelback or safety. The Eagles senior is a tough, hard nosed competitor that could also become a valuable piece on special teams. Smitherman had a best season yet last year as a junior and looks poised for another strong campaign in the Fall where his physicality and smarts should do wonders for his Raptors defense.    White House-Heritage senior [player_tooltip player_id='1118589' first='Dason' last='Springer'] and Northwest safety [player_tooltip player_id='1224005' first='Anthony' last='Holland'] are two under the radar talents that I feel will be steals for whoever they sign with and two guys to keep an eye on as potential sleeper Mr. Football picks for the coming Fall season.    Rounding out our look at the Mid-Tennessee defensive backs, Antioch senior [player_tooltip player_id='1177681' first='Andrew' last='Cross-Adams'] and Mt. Pleasant product [player_tooltip player_id='1102524' first='Avery' last='Johnson'] are two guys to pay attention to moving forward as they both show flashes on film of big time play and potential for the next level.    Cross-Adams is a two-way talent for his Bears team that some schools may like at receiver but I personally like his game best in the secondary where his height, length and athleticism can shine the best. Johnson comes from a small area in Southern Mid-Tennessee that has the college physical look and athletic skill set to excel in college. If he can increase his speed, bigger schools may become interested.    If you want secondary talent, the Mid-TN area is full of it this year and I think you can find multiple guys in this region that can not only contribute in college but become eventual starters.    - - - - -   West TN   The greater Memphis area, especially Class 6A-Region 8 has some of the better defensive back prospects in the state this cycle with at least five guys headed to the Power Four, D1 or FCS ranks.    Coming off a state championship, Houston returns one of the better secondaries in Tennessee this year with teammates [player_tooltip player_id='529774' first='Ladeadrick' last='James'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1110694' first='Andre' last='Allen'] leading the way on the back end. James is an athletic ball hawk that can handle a variety of roles in the secondary with several D1 programs hot on his trail. Allen is starting to take-off in recruiting with recent offers from Arkansas and Boston College as those schools and others see a rangy safety that can play sideline to sideline.    Germantown senior [player_tooltip player_id='461255' first='Yasir' last='Muhammad'] has some of the best upside of all defensive backs from the #TN2025 class. A track star with big time speed and a physical body, Muhammad has traits and the upside to develop at cover corner in college but at worst provide versatility to the secondary as this Red Devils senior could play anywhere on the back end.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/9-Yasir-Muhammad-e1670873750462.jpg?w=741" alt="" class="wp-image-546116" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of upside, Bartlett senior [player_tooltip player_id='258657' first='Chase' last='Sutton'] is someone that has been quiet this off-season but is starting to pick up steam on the recruiting trail due to his capabilities at handling cover corner in college. Sutton has some of the best upside in this state to play the boundary but will need more weight and continued development to become the kind of player I and others see.    Many coaches or scouts may not know too much about Whitehaven senior [player_tooltip player_id='1102532' first='Harlan' last='Bledsoe, Jr'] right now but they need to as this Tigers defender has outstanding film and some of the best aggressive, first step action I've seen scouting this off-season. I'm not sure yet as to where he fits best but I like how Bledsoe, Jr plays and how his game fits well on the next level.    Staying in the West TN region but outside the Memphis area, we have a few defensive back prospects that sit unknown at the moment but show upside on film to be considered for college options.    One guy who has started to take-off is Crockett Co. defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='829084' first='Deuce' last='Greenhill']. This 6'0 two-way talent may be one of the fastest in the state at his position. Greenhill is a natural athlete that moves well, showing upside to possibly play cornerback on the collegiate gridiron.    Brighton senior [player_tooltip player_id='605418' first='Taylon' last='Carpenter'] and Munford defender [player_tooltip player_id='1185009' first='Josh' last='Griffin'] are two hidden gems that I think can push themselves into the college game with a big summer camp season and strong senior years. Carpenter is tall and long, bringing the look and upside of a college safety while Griffin has a versatile skill set that may work best at nickelback.    Southwind senior [player_tooltip player_id='1134335' first='Keshun' last='Archie'] has a chance this season to become the Jaguars top defensive back prospect and take his game into the college ranks with continued work in the weight room and increasing his athleticism and speed.    Finishing up our look at the West Tennessee defensive backs, we wrap it up with three under the radar prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='841237' first='Alex' last='Wallace'] (USJ), [player_tooltip player_id='1269150' first='Omari' last='Bonds'] (Southwind) and First Assembly senior James Watts that have physical abilities and traits that can reach the next level.   Wallace is a big boy at 6'1 200 pounds that handles the safety role in high school but may translate best in college at linebacker. Bonds handles cover corner for his Jaguars team and shows good athletic skills but he will need plenty of work, if he wants the college game. Watts is an intriguing talent due to his height (6'2), length and versatility. The Crusaders senior handles some cornerback for his defense but looking into the future, Watts may fit best on the back end at safety.    This is a solid crop of secondary defenders this year for the #TN2025 class coming out of the West Tennessee region. It may be top heavy in this area but I can see several guys that's under the radar at the moment taking big steps with their games this summer and fall to see their recruitments go into a positive direction.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/taycarpenter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1271201" style="width:347px;height:auto" /></figure>