#TNHSFB Season Preview: Top D-line Units
![#TNHSFB Season Preview: Top D-line Units](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ghagan-crop-1248x820-1719417841.jpg?w=800)
In this article:
The big men in the defensive trenches are very important towards achieving region or state titles and these teams below show the depth and talent to become top units this Fall season. 1. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs Antonio Carter, Jr Antonio…
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Continue ReadingThe big men in the defensive trenches are very important towards achieving region or state titles and these teams below show the depth and talent to become top units this Fall season.
1. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs
Antonio Carter, Jr
Antonio
Carter, Jr
6'2" | 265 lbs | DL
Lipscomb Academy | 2025
State
TN
,
Amir Leonard-Jean Charles
Amir
Leonard-Jean Charles
6'4" | 305 lbs | DL
Lipscomb Academy | 2025
State
TN
,
Kobie Collins
Kobie
Collins
6'3" | 320 lbs | DL
Lipscomb Academy | 2026
TN
,
Danny Brown
Danny
Brown
6'4" | 230 lbs | DL
Lipscomb Academy | 2026
State
TN
, Tristan Dillon
– For the upcoming 2024 season, Lipscomb is absolutely loaded on the defensive line with multiple college level guys and game changers that should be pillars in what could be a championship year for the Mustangs. They have two stalwarts up front in Carter, Jr and recent West Virginia, Jean-Charles that are difference makers. Carter, Jr is your interior pass rusher while Jean-Charles is your run plugger. Sitting behind Jean-Charles is a rising junior in Collins that should gain strong experience this season then take over the lead role next year. He too is a future college guy and potential Top 30 in-state prospect. Much of the same can be said for Brown, who should be the defenses top pass rusher.This is a very talented D-line that can be a major cause in the Mustangs chase for the D2-Class AAA title this year.
– – – – –
2. Ensworth Tigers
Ethan Utley
Ethan
Utley
6'4" | 265 lbs | DL
Ensworth | 2025
State
TN
, Brandon Collins,
Malachi Battle
Malachi
Battle
6'1" | 275 lbs | OL
Ensworth | 2025
TN
, Rodger Grant,
Andrew Hogan
Andrew
Hogan
6'2" | 270 lbs | DL
Ensworth | 2026
State
TN
– When you have the #1 ranked D-lineman in the state, you are already off to a good start but Ensworth has depth and a line that can turn the Tigers defense into one of the best for the 2024 season. Utley is the top prospect on the Ensworth roster and a Top 5 in-state player that will be playing his college ball at Tennessee. He is the headliner but the Tigers have several others up front that should contribute in the big way. Collins should be the top pass rusher this season and while he is undersized, he brings an active motor and relentless play to the field. Hogan could be the next stud coming out of Ensworth and this year should be a proving ground for him. Grant is unknown to most due to him being a basketball player but he could be a breakout star if he continues to develop at either defensive end or tight end. Battle provides beef and depth up the middle. The Tigers have the talent and numbers here to become quite formidable this year and if they play up to standards, Ensworth could go on a deep playoff run.
– – – – –
3. McCallie Blue Tornado
Etison Pholo
Etison
Pholo
6'2" | 280 lbs | DL
McCallie | 2025
State
TN
, Eythan Serrano,
Jaden Hudgins
Jaden
Hudgins
6'2" | 230 lbs | DL
McCallie | 2026
TN
, Mael Rodney, Michael Osborne, Max Hood
– Last season was a bit of a rebuilding year on the D-line for McCallie but this Fall should be different, especially with the experience gained in 2023 and new additions made in the off-season. Coming up from the Sunshine State, Pholo looks to be the lead dog in the trenches. He is an athletic and physical competitor that can plug the run or work upfield as a 3-tech. He will be joined by a rising stud in Hudgins, who is built much in the same way with possibly more upside. Serrano isn’t the flashiest of players but he is rock solid with the ability to provide a pass rush. Rodney is the enigma up front for me as he has the girth to become legit in the middle but has yet to break through. Osborne and Hood are young up and comers that should provide solid depth. It will be interesting to see how this unit gels as they have the numbers and talent to become one of the best in the state by season’s end.
![](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Jaden-Hudgins-Key.jpg?w=1024)
– – – – –
4. Houston Mustangs
Garrett Hagan
Garrett
Hagan
6'3" | 240 lbs | DL
Houston | 2025
State
TN
,
Trayshon Shaw
Trayshon
Shaw
6'0" | 240 lbs | DL
Houston | 2025
TN
,
Kedrick Donald
Kedrick
Donald
6'0" | 245 lbs | DL
Houston | 2025
TN
, Tony Williams
– This unit was a major reason behind the Mustangs winning the 6A title last year and with most everybody returning up front, it could be another special defensive year for Houston. They have a trio of senior vets that have played a lot of snaps and produced. It’s a versatile line with all four guys mentioned here sporting a future in the middle but Hagan and Donald can work the end when called upon. Both of those guys are steady performers that do all the small things right. Williams is the star on the line for Houston, who broke out in a big way during last year’s playoff season. He is an athletic big man with a nice burst and active hands. Shaw is undersized with height but does a nice job of plugging up holes in the middle. If Houston is to repeat this year as champs, this defensive line will need to be superb and they have the parts to do it.
– – – – –
5. Brentwood Bruins
Kaiaulu Micatrotto
Kaiaulu
Micatrotto
6'1" | 255 lbs | DL
Brentwood | 2025
State
TN
,
William Turner
William
Turner
6'4" | 225 lbs | ATH
Brentwood | 2025
TN
,
Kyle Nabrotzky
Kyle
Nabrotzky
6'5" | 225 lbs | DL
Brentwood | 2027
TN
, Zane Carlson, Phillip Wenk
– Depth is the name of the game here with the Brentwood defensive line. They have a star to lead the way in Micatrotto but it’s the guys around him and the depth that place the Bruins within this list. Recently committing to Western Ky, Micatrotto is a high motor guy that can both work the nose or play the 3-tech. Turner is built like a future defensive end and that’s why he is listed here even though he should handle the edge inside the Bruins defense. Nabrotzky is a prospect to know about now and follow over the next three years as he has the look and size of a potential college guy. Carlson and Wenk will bring depth and are both youthful guys with bigger roles destined for them down the road. It’s a nice group the Bruins have in the trenches for the 2024 season and a unit that should continue to put Brentwood at the top as one of the best defenses in the state.
– – – – –
6. Page Patriots
Eric Hazzard
Eric
Hazzard
6'3" | 255 lbs | DL
Page | 2025
State
TN
,
Connor Coffman
Connor
Coffman
6'5" | 270 lbs | OL
Page | 2025
State
TN
,
Caleb Coffman
Caleb
Coffman
6'2" | 275 lbs | DL
Page | 2027
TN
,
Grant White
Grant
White
5'11" | 205 lbs | DL
Page | 2027
TN
– Major depth doesn’t appear as of now for the Pats D-line but that could change throughout the year, however what Page does have is the top sack artist in the state and one of the best two-way lineman in Tennessee as well. Hazzard has done nothing but sack quarterbacks since he started as a freshman and he returns for his senior campaign where he can yet again be named as a Mr. Football finalist and possibly win it this year.
Connor Coffman
Connor
Coffman
6'5" | 270 lbs | OL
Page | 2025
State
TN
is someone coaches and scouts should watch this Fall as he should be showcased on both sides of the line. He is a big guy that moves very well and could provide a pass rush up the middle. His younger brother, Caleb, should see more snaps this year at both O-line and defensive tackle. Others will need to step up to make this unit deeper but the top two alone should set the tone up front and be forces that lead the Pats deep into the 5A playoffs.
![](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/IMG_2281.jpg?w=926)
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7. South Gibson Hornets
Gabe Lovorn
Gabe
Lovorn
6'4" | 230 lbs | DL
South Gibson | 2025
State
TN
,
Yahya Gaad
Yahya
Gaad
6'5" | 250 lbs | DL
South Gibson | 2026
TN
,
Jack Smith
Jack
Smith
6'1" | 290 lbs | DL
South Gibson | 2026
TN
– Challenging for a 4A title this Fall can become a possibility for the Hornets due to their defensive line and the star power it brings to the field each Friday night. South Gibson has two of the better D-line prospects in the state with Lovorn and Gaad. The Hornets will need depth and production from others but those will be expected to produce at a high level and I expect them to. Lovorn is the team’s top pass rusher as he works the edge with an aggressive, fierce motor and some of the best hand work in the #TN2025 class. Gaad is a physical specimen that is built like a college guy right now and has an opportunity in front of him this season to place himself as one of the best at his position in the junior class. Smith is the man in the middle that moves very well for his size, providing the Hornets defense with a run plugger and occasional pass rusher. These three defenders will be key component’s on this year’s team and three guys in strong consideration for All-State honors.
– – – – –
8. Riverdale Warriors
J.C. Haynes
J.C.
Haynes
6'5" | 225 lbs | DL
Riverdale | 2025
State
TN
,
Jake Patterson
Jake
Patterson
6'1" | 210 lbs | DL
Riverdale | 2025
State
TN
,
Xavier Watkins
Xavier
Watkins
6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH
Smyrna | 2025
State
TN
,
Jaren Hollins
Jaren
Hollins
6'1" | 285 lbs | DL
Riverdale | 2026
TN
, E.J. Olguin, Jeffrey Williamson
– The Warriors bring a nice mix of depth, talent and veteran leadership to the field with their defensive line and a unit that can be a major cause in their efforts towards achieving a region and possible state title this year. The senior leadership comes on the ends with vets in Haynes and Patterson. Both guys are different players with Haynes being your tall and lean edge rusher while Patterson is your physical edge setter that plays well versus the run. Watkins transfers to the Warriors for his senior where he should be playing both ways as a tight end and a situational pass rusher on defense. Olguin is young but should add good depth at defensive end and gain experience towards eventually starting. Hollins is a guy that will be leaned upon a lot this year to plug up the middle and if he does the job well, playing college ball could be in his future. This is a good unit that could be better this season than year’s past due to the depth, experience and youthful talent.
– – – – –
9. Franklin Admirals
Aiden Elmore
Aiden
Elmore
6'3" | 225 lbs | DL
Franklin | 2025
State
TN
, Luke Denman,
Bennett Spillman
Bennett
Spillman
6'3" | 250 lbs | DL
Franklin | 2026
TN
,
Jamarion Lee
Jamarion
Lee
6'5" | 210 lbs | DL
Franklin | 2026
TN
– This is a unit that may not be on the radar as one of the best in the state right now but they could be by the end of the 2024 season. The Admirals have some legit talent within the front four and if the team can find a little more beef in the middle, this unit could be elite. Elmore is one of the more under the radar pass rushers in the state with an active motor and the potential to put up double digit sacks. He is joined on the other side by Denman, a senior that could slide inside if needed and Lee, a tall and long edge rusher that has natural athletic abilities that have yet to be tapped into. Spillman could be the best of them all. He is a well built young man that looks the part of a future 3-tech tackle on the collegiate level. All four of these guys have a chance to be highly productive this season and if they are, the Admirals should see postseason play and a possible winning season.
![](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/bspillman.jpg?w=1024)
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10. Southwind Jaguars
Cornelius Thompson Cornelius Thompson 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Southwind | 2025 State TN , Taylor Jones Taylor Jones 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Southwind | 2025 State TN , Charles Sullins Charles Sullins 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Southwind | 2026 State TN , Immanuel Lewis, Mario Martin
– The Jags could have the best D-line coming out of the West TN region and that’s due to not just talent but the depth and upside. Southwind rolls about seven deep along the defensive line with a nice mix of vets and youthful talent. The Jags were already good before Thompson came on board but his addition makes them even better as the 6 ‘4 defensive end should provide help in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Jones is undersized but is a fierce pass rusher that uses his bend, leverage and speed to get into the backfield. Sullins is the next “dude” in line that shows mature pass rush moves and the strength to stop the run. Lewis and Martin will work the middle and provide this year but look like future starters. Southwind has been stellar up front on defense over the past few years and I don’t expect the 2024 version to be any different.
– – – – –
One Extra ……
11. Baylor Red Raiders
C.J. Wyller
C.J.
Wyller
6'1" | 245 lbs | DL
Baylor | 2025
State
TN
,
Jayden Arenas-Michel
Jayden
Arenas-Michel
6'4" | 255 lbs | DL
Baylor School | 2026
TN
,
Raphy Nkunzimana
Raphy
Nkunzimana
6'2" | 275 lbs | DL
Baylor | 2025
TN
, John Amofah Jr.
– Several units were considered for this spot but I had to roll with Baylor as they have a D-line that could be among the best by season’s end, if the guys mentioned here continue to develop at a proper rate. Wyller is the clear cut leader up front that provides a nice mix of pass rushing and stopping the run off the edge. He could boost his stock further this Fall with increased explosion and speed. Nkunzimana is an absolute unknown to me. He has been on the roster since last year but hardly anything has come from him, so I’m not sure what to expect from Nkunzimana, however he is 6’2 275 lbs plus with the size to make a difference. The star of the group should be Arenas-Michel. This Canadian native should be with the Red Raiders in the coming weeks to begin his North American high school career where he can position himself as one of the best from the D-line in the #TN2026 class. Amofah is the next up and comer to know about. He is undersized but shows a mature pass rush for his age with the bend and speed to one day compete on the college level. If all the pieces here come together, Baylor should have a solid D-line group that could become major difference makers for the 2024 season.
![](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/cjwyller.jpg?w=400)
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Other Top D-line Units to Follow
Dyersburg:
Kalen Edwards
Kalen
Edwards
6'4" | 315 lbs | DL
Dyersburg | 2025
State
TN
,
Jysen Grant
Jysen
Grant
6'2" | 225 lbs | DL
Dyersburg | 2026
TN
, Lucas Pounders,
Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah
Thomas
6'3" | 225 lbs | TE
Pearl Cohn | 2025
State
TN
Brentwood Acad.:
Stephon Shivers
Stephon
Shivers
6'5" | 325 lbs | DL
Brentwood Academy | 2025
State
TN
,
Todd Hammond
Todd
Hammond
6'1" | 265 lbs | DL
Brentwood Academy | 2025
State
TN
,
Jordan Phillips
Jordan
Phillips
5'9" | 255 lbs | DL
Knoxville Catholic | 2027
TN
Jefferson Co.:
Nic Moore
Nic
Moore
6'3" | 285 lbs | DL
Jefferson Co. | 2025
State
TN
,
Israel Hurd
Israel
Hurd
6'2" | 275 lbs | DL
Jefferson Co. | 2025
TN
,
Christian Wilson
Christian
Wilson
6'2" | 260 lbs | DL
Jefferson County | 2026
TN
, Conner Verkuilen, Keshawn Boyd
Oakland: Aviery Haynesworth, Quentin Norfolk, Taurus Allen, Kham Sanders
Powell: Cardell Thomas, Dylan Goodwin, Iverson Garcia Iverson Garcia 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Powell | 2026 TN , Grayson Ravo Grayson Ravo 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Powell | 2026 TN , Gavin Byrd, William Taylor III
White Station: Dylan Bolden Dylan Bolden 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL White Station | 2025 State TN , Roman Laster, Antwan Jackson Antwan Jackson 6'5" | 225 lbs | ATH White Station | 2027 TN
Memp. Central:
Brycen Boone
Brycen
Boone
6'2" | 245 lbs | DL
Memp. Central | 2025
State
TN
,
Caleb Garrett
Caleb
Garrett
6'0" | 295 lbs | DL
Memp. Central | 2025
State
TN
,
Tylan Burgess
Tylan
Burgess
6'0"
Central | 2025
TN
Heritage: Cole McCampbell Cole McCampbell 6'4" | 215 lbs | DL Heritage | 2025 State TN , Carson Weber Carson Weber 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL Heritage | 2025 TN , Devin Kline
MBA: James Trainer James Trainer 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL MBA | 2025 State TN , Cole Sieveking Cole Sieveking 6'4" | 275 lbs | DL MBA | 2025 State TN , Luke Hutchinson Luke Hutchinson 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE MBA | 2025 State TN , Daniel McLaren
Whitehaven: Tavarious Elliott Tavarious Elliott 6'0" | 280 lbs | DL Whitehaven | 2025 TN , Cory House Cory House 6'5" | 220 lbs | DL Whitehaven | 2026 TN , Caleb Lauderdale Caleb Lauderdale 6'0" | 220 lbs | DL Whitehaven | 2026 TN
Knox Catholic:
Jacob Rice
Jacob
Rice
6'3" | 250 lbs | DL
Knox. Catholic | 2026
State
TN
,
Colton Gardner
Colton
Gardner
6'5" | 225 lbs | DL
Knox. Catholic | 2026
TN
, JR Fowler
Alcoa:
Jamir Turner
Jamir
Turner
6'4" | 285 lbs | DL
Alcoa | 2025
State
TN
,
Blair Goodson
Blair
Goodson
5'10" | 220 lbs | RB
Alcoa | 2026
TN
,
Lane Ferguson
Lane
Ferguson
6'4" | 255 lbs | OL
Alcoa | 2027
TN
,
Tysen Dorsey
Tysen
Dorsey
6'4" | 195 lbs | DL
Alcoa | 2027
TN
![](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/123-Jamir-Turner.jpg?w=1024)