#TN2025 Rankings Breakdown: Defensive Line

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Going through our D-line rankings, what you see is one of the deepest crops we have had with this group in several years. It's deeper than ever with at least 15 to 20 guys destined for the P4, D1 or FCS ranks. </h2>   The Top Ten    Taking the top spot among our #TN2025 D-linemen is this Nashville native that will be playing his college ball in Knoxville with the University of Tennessee next Fall. Standing 6 '4 270 pounds plus, Utley has the size and athletic skill set to handle a variety of roles across the defensive line. He shows the ability to rush the backfield from both the end or the interior while having the active hands and strength to shed blocks and compete versus the run. Utley is still growing into his body, so there is plenty of room for more power and weight going forward. Even though Utley has been a known name around these parts for a few years now, I still think he hasn't played his best football and the best days are ahead of him. Tennessee is getting a good football player that could turn into a multi year starter in the SEC.    - - - - -    Ranking second and not too far behind the top spot, Edwards has some of the best interior D-line film you will find in this state, so it's no question why Power Four programs are in hot pursuit. The Trojans senior big man is a powerful load up front that O-linemen have a problem dealing with and when you throw in his athleticism as well, Edwards has the potential to be one of the better defensive tackles prospects from the 2025 recruiting class. His play in the trenches, on both sides of the ball, will be critical towards his team's success this year as the Trojans have a shot to compete for state title with Edwards at the forefront of those efforts.    - - - - -    One of better interior pass rushers from our #TN2025 class, Carter, Jr is an athletic guy that gets off the snap quickly then gets into the backfield to punish whoever has the ball. The Mustangs senior D-lineman does a nice job of getting into small creases quickly to find the backfield or use his active hands to shed blocks to chase down the ball. Another trait I like a lot about this Nashville area D-lineman is his closing speed. Carter, Jr shows some giddy up once he releases from blocks then chases down the ball with veracity. His ability to find the ball could be utilized at both defensive end or inside at the 3-technique. I like how this guy plays and I think he might have his best season yet this Fall as a senior.    - - - - -    A hot commodity right now on the recruiting trail, Moore is one guy in this state that could start and excel on either side of the line but from my scouting point of view, I like this East TN talent best for defense. The Patriots senior big man has an excellent combination of agility, athleticism and power that allows him to rush the backfield but also stack blocks and stop the run. Moore has a unique skill set that allows him to play both nose guard or the 3-technique. That ability along with his O-line potential makes the Pats lineman such an intriguing take for college coaches. Moore has been taking an official visits this month, so look for this #PRZTN Top 30 prospect to make his commitment very soon.    - - - - -    The leading sack artist in the state returns for his senior season to cap off his career with that elusive state title while also continuing to boost his stock into one of the top defensive prospects in the state. Hazzard has done nothing but play in the backfield since the moment he became a starter his freshman season and now places himself in position to become one of the more heralded pass rushers of all time with another big year. The Pats senior edge rusher has obtained more than 20 college offers but is looking to bust through that Power Four door. Hazzard does hold an offer from Louisville and the Cards could be in the lead but with another strong showing this Fall, this Mid-TN defensive talent could see other big programs come through with offers.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/?position=DL">#TN2025 Defensive Line Rankings</a>   - - - - -    Pearl Cohn has had one of the better defenses in the state over the past few seasons with Garcia at the forefront of those efforts. He was a major factor behind the Firebirds championship run last year and this Fall, he will be asked to produce at a higher level to help put his team back in title contention. What I like most about Garcia is his line flexibility along with his size. He has the skill set to play either defensive end or slide inside to tackle in college. I think his best football days are ahead as Garcia is just scratching the surface of his abilities. Several Power Four and D1 programs are in hot pursuit as Garcia has already taken official visits to Louisville and Purdue with a few other visits coming over the next several weeks.    - - - - -    Recently committing to Indiana, Hall is an impressive looking D-lineman that brings some of the best athletic and explosive play from the interior of the line while still having tons of room for development. The Lions senior big man shows excellent burst off the snap along with some quick movements towards the ball. Hall shows as one of the better interior pass rushers in the state but he is still raw in some ways, which makes his future look bright, if he continues to develop on the proper path. He has the kind of strength and athletic traits to play either the nose or 3-tech while during his time at Indiana. It will be interesting to see where Hall has developed the most this off-season throughout the coming Fall football year.    - - - - -    Jean-Charles has been a known name around these parts for the better part of the last two years and now he heads into his senior campaign as one of the better nose tackle prospects from the #TN2025 class. Standing 6 '4 305 plus pounds, Jean-Charles has the physical size to compete on the biggest stage but is also a deceptive athlete that I feel will improve in that area once he gets into college. He stacks blockers well then sheds them to find the ball and when he does, the Mustangs senior punishes whoever has it. Several Power Four and D1 programs are in pursuit. Jean-Charles will be making his decision soon (June 19th) and could continue to see his stock rise with a strong senior year and improvement with his athletic and explosive play.    - - - - -    Coming in ranked 9th within our D-line rankings, Shivers is load up front, presenting some of the best beef in the trenches from the #TN2025 class and with his move to BA this Fall, the future Georgia Bulldog could see his stock rise in a big way. Standing 6 '5 320 pounds, Shivers is a massive man in the middle that plugs the run well but also shows deceptive athleticism to make plays in the backfield. Coming from a small area like Humboldt, Shivers didn't see the competition and size up front like he will this year at BA, so we will get a great look at how good this big man can be playing on the D2-Class AAA level and beyond. Shivers will definitely be one guy I and others follow this Fall to see how he develops against bigger and better competition.    - - - - -    A new prospect to the state of Tennessee for the Fall football season, Pholo is an active, physical and violent competitor that fits the 3-tech well but has the body to take on more weight and play nose guard as well. Pholo will likely stay away from tackle in the long term due to his athleticism, explosion off the snap and quick feet towards the ball. Pholo also works well versus the run as he shows on the film the ability to shed blocks and get to the ball quickly. His addition to the Blue Tornado defensive line this season should pay off in a big way as his play and presence should help others around him. Recruiting has yet to pick up for Pholo but I believe that will change after his summer camp season and his debut with McCallie this Fall.    - - - - -   Ranked D-linemen Inside Top 200   [player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] - Mt. Juliet (11th ranked DL/61st overall)   - One of the top returning sack artists for the 2024 season, Fiorita has a chance to boost his stock significantly with a strong summer camp season and another big year on the field. His ability to bend and get after the quarterback are prized traits by college coaches, so don't be surprised if more D1 schools get involved sooner than later.    [player_tooltip player_id='390644' first='Archie' last='Roseman'] - Blackman (12th ranked DL/62nd overall)   - Recently landing an offer from Vanderbilt, Roseman has made it on the scene and it's not surprising as this Murfreesboro area D-Tackle has some of the best upside from our D-line class. Roseman has the beef needed to compete on the big stage but if he can improve his athleticism, look for other P4 schools to get involved.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/aroseman.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1300868" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='848818' first='Gabe' last='Lovorn'] - South Gibson (13th ranked DL/69th overall)   - Lovorn is one guy on this list that I foresee advancing up our rankings during our next update. The Hornets edge defender has put forth a strong camp season thus far where he has landed offers from Memphis, Ole Miss and others. Look for his stock to continue to rise over the next several months and place himself the PRZTN Top 50.    [player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'] - Riverdale (14th ranked DL/72nd overall)   - Tall and long with a wide radius, offensive lineman have problems with this Murfreesboro edge rusher due to those physical traits. Once Haynes fully fills into his body and gains more experience, you could have a stellar pass rusher on your hands here with long term potential.    [player_tooltip player_id='820608' first='Kaiaulu' last='Micatrotto'] - Brentwood (15th ranked DL/88th overall)   - Undersized but highly active with great hands and quick feet, Micatrotto is a player to watch this Fall as someone that could put up big numbers on the Bruins defense. He plays with a high motor and a quick get-off that should allow him to play in the opponent's backfield all season long.    [player_tooltip player_id='467234' first='Skylan' last='Staten'] - Lausanne (16th ranked DL/92nd overall)   - Quick bursts off the snap along with active hands are the first two things that stand out about Staten. One of the better interior pass rushers from the #TN2025 class, Staten does a nice job of getting off the snap quick, finding creases in the line then darting towards the ball. Additional weight will help his cause a lot further.    [player_tooltip player_id='800785' first='Boston' last='Yeager'] - Bearden (17th ranked DL/111th overall)   - Sporting good size at 6'4 275 pounds plus, Yeager brings the size to the table to compete at a high level but is also a good athlete too that has some of the best interior pass rushing abilities in the state. If the Bulldogs big man can gain more power and strength, more college coaches will start paying attention.    [player_tooltip player_id='341252' first='Brycen' last='Boone'] - Memp. Central (18th ranked DL/115th overall)   - Boone is an athletic guy that has flown under the radar for two years now but has continued to produce at a high level for his Warriors team. You can use this Memphis area prospect as your 3-tech or play him at defensive end. Boone provides not only versatility but tenacity and quickness off the snap.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/bryboone.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1300869" style="width:318px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1142885' first='Issiah' last='Lackey'] - Sheffield (19th ranked DL/117th overall)   - The Knights have put forth a strong defense over the past few years and Lackey has been a major component in the cause. The 6'1 interior D-lineman sports an active motor along with active hands that helps him play in the backfield on a consistent basis. His play this season will be critical towards the team's overall success.    [player_tooltip player_id='480658' first='Aivery' last='Haynesworth'] - Oakland (20th ranked DL/121st overall)   - Haynesworth is honestly the biggest unknown to me headed into the 2024 season. I haven't heard a peep out of this guy since last season ended but his film shows the size and skill set to develop nicely on the defensive line. He will need more time to develop but the physical tools are there.    [player_tooltip player_id='1257697' first='Lawrence' last='Taylor'] - Bartlett (21st ranked DL/137th overall)   - This Memphis area D-lineman jumped on my radar late in the spring and he is someone I and others must follow this coming season. Taylor has a nice build (6'3 240) with the arm length and initial burst to become a nice edge rusher with more development on the collegiate level.    [player_tooltip player_id='1189145' first='Jamir' last='Turner'] - Alcoa (22nd ranked DL/139th overall)   - Well built physically at 6'4 285 pounds, Turner is an intriguing prospect due to his size and athletic upside. He handles both lines of scrimmage for his Tornadoes team and his play this Fall will not only dictate what side of the ball he plays on in college but at what level it will be as well.    [player_tooltip player_id='1230138' first='Ashton' last='Hearn'] - Chrst. Brothers (23rd ranked DL/141st overall)   - Sporting great size and length, Hearn is a long term, big pay off prospect that could take his game even further with a breakout senior year. The Purple Wave defensive end shows excellent get-off on film along with nice hand work and closing speed towards the ball. If he can keep packing on the weight while developing his game, Hearn could play his way down the road into D1 status.    [player_tooltip player_id='841232' first='Caleb' last='Hollowell'] - Raleigh-Egypt (24th ranked DL/157th overall)   - Standing 6'7 230 plus pounds, Hollowell immediately looks the part, bringing the size needed to play on the college level but he sits under the radar at the moment. Part of that reason is that Hollowell needs to improve his athleticism, agility and bend and if he does that, you could see FCS and possible D1 schools get involved.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/chollowell.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-1194576" style="width:317px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1248115' first='Isaiah' last='Mullins'] - Davidson Acad. (25th ranked DL/161st overall)   - One of the more under the radar pass rushers from our #TN2025 class, Mullins is a tad undersized at 6'2 230 but the Bears defender has a unique feel for getting into the backfield on a consistent basis while showing nice closing speed towards the ball.    [player_tooltip player_id='491440' first='Mekhi' last='Bell'] - Summit (26th ranked DL/162nd overall)   - Keep an eye out for this Mid-TN product this Fall! Bell is a big dude with length and a frame that can take on more weight. He provides the size and athletic skill set to play multiple positions across the defensive line but will need more time to develop and fill out into his body before he reaches his maximum potential.    [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] - Houston (27th ranked DL/186th overall)   - Hagan has been a starter on the Mustangs D-line for the past two years and now he is a veteran, looking to put forth his best season yet. He provides a good pass rush from a variety of positions across the line of scrimmage while sporting a nice body to pack on more size in college.    [player_tooltip player_id='1102507' first='KD' last='Cunningham'] - McKenzie (28th ranked DL/192nd overall)   - Quick off the snap with a nose for the backfield, Cunningham plays an aggressive style of game that allows him to stay around the ball. He is undersized but makes up for it with his motor, active hands and lower base agility. His senior play this Fall will go a long way towards boosting his college stock.    [player_tooltip player_id='1131054' first='Ocoee' last='Ellis'] - Station Camp (29th ranked DL/196th overall)   - This Bison senior edge defender sits under the radar right now but could boost his stock significantly with a big senior year. Ellis stands about 6'2 230 pounds with nice arm length and bend around the edge. If he can increase his speed and overall athleticism, this Mid-Tennessee talent could find his way into the FCS ranks.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/oellis.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1300872" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/">Tennessee Top 250 Rankings</a>   - - - - -   Other D-linemen Inside Top 250   [player_tooltip player_id='1112606' first='Elliot' last='Hampton'] - Ravenwood (30th ranked DL/202nd overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='467259' first='Jaeden' last='Isbell'] - Tyner Acad. (31st ranked DL/204th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='1102487' first='Gavin' last='Walker'] - Jackson Chrst. (32nd ranked DL/213rd overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='390665' first='Quinton' last='Humphrey'] - Greeneville (33rd ranked DL/216th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='390645' first='Emmitt' last='Luellen'] - Collierville (34th ranked DL/219th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='832834' first='Taysean' last='Johnson'] - Hardin Co. (35th ranked DL/227th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='1102514' first='Dylan' last='Bolden'] - White Station (36th ranked DL/238th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='501903' first='Aiden' last='Elmore'] - Franklin (37th ranked DL/241st overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='841166' first='Cornelius' last='Thompson'] - Southwind (38th ranked DL/248th overall)   [player_tooltip player_id='1130991' first='Jonathan' last='Waller'] - Stewarts Creek (39th ranked DL/250th overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/aelmore.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-501905" style="width:336px;height:auto" /></figure>