#TNHSFB Season Preview: Top D-line Units

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>     1. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs   [player_tooltip player_id='219400' first='Antonio' last='Carter, Jr'], [player_tooltip player_id='323137' first='Amir' last='Leonard-Jean Charles'], [player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'], [player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown'], 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   [player_tooltip player_id='219447' first='Ethan' last='Utley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1536143' first='Brandon' last='Collins'], [player_tooltip player_id='466283' first='Malachi' last='Battle'], Rodger Grant, [player_tooltip player_id='854301' first='Andrew' last='Hogan']   - 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   [player_tooltip player_id='1222988' first='Etison' last='Pholo'], Eythan Serrano, [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'], 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.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Jaden-Hudgins-Key.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1155200" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    4. Houston Mustangs   [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'], [player_tooltip player_id='219371' first='Trayshon' last='Shaw'], [player_tooltip player_id='362010' first='Kedrick' last='Donald'], [player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='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    [player_tooltip player_id='820608' first='Kaiaulu' last='Micatrotto'], [player_tooltip player_id='1278959' first='William' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotsky'], [player_tooltip player_id='1675265' first='Zane' last='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    [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'], [player_tooltip player_id='219378' first='Connor' last='Coffman'], [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'], [player_tooltip player_id='905241' first='Grant' last='White']   - 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. [player_tooltip player_id='219378' first='Connor' last='Coffman'] 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.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/IMG_2281.jpg?w=926" alt="" class="wp-image-465648" style="width:292px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    7. South Gibson Hornets   [player_tooltip player_id='848818' first='Gabe' last='Lovorn'], [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'], [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith']   - 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   [player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1151467' first='Jake' last='Patterson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103494' first='Xavier' last='Watkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1291569' first='Jaren' last='Hollins'], 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   [player_tooltip player_id='501903' first='Aiden' last='Elmore'], Luke Denman, [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1286280' first='Jamarion' last='Lee']   - 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.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/bspillman.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1287317" style="width:411px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    10. Southwind Jaguars   [player_tooltip player_id='841166' first='Cornelius' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='611950' first='Taylor' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'], 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   [player_tooltip player_id='1206484' first='C.J.' last='Wyller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1210664' first='Jayden' last='Arenas-Michel'], [player_tooltip player_id='924551' first='Raphy' last='Nkunzimana'], 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.   <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:259px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Other Top D-line Units to Follow   Dyersburg: [player_tooltip player_id='611975' first='Kalen' last='Edwards'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'], Lucas Pounders, [player_tooltip player_id='1148636' first='Isaiah' last='Thomas']    Brentwood Acad.: [player_tooltip player_id='403566' first='Stephon' last='Shivers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1213391' first='Todd' last='Hammond'], [player_tooltip player_id='903292' first='Jordan' last='Phillips']   Jefferson Co.: [player_tooltip player_id='504236' first='Nic' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1295058' first='Israel' last='Hurd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'], Conner Verkuilen, Keshawn Boyd   Oakland: Aviery Haynesworth, Quentin Norfolk, Taurus Allen, Kham Sanders   Powell: Cardell Thomas, Dylan Goodwin, [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'], [player_tooltip player_id='1106222' first='Grayson' last='Ravo'], Gavin Byrd, William Taylor III   White Station: [player_tooltip player_id='1102514' first='Dylan' last='Bolden'], Roman Laster, [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson']   Memp. Central: [player_tooltip player_id='341252' first='Brycen' last='Boone'], [player_tooltip player_id='1248910' first='Caleb' last='Garrett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1142038' first='Tylan' last='Burgess']    Heritage: [player_tooltip player_id='1102500' first='Cole' last='McCampbell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1310381' first='Carson' last='Weber'], Devin Kline    MBA: [player_tooltip player_id='832833' first='James' last='Trainer'], [player_tooltip player_id='258335' first='Cole' last='Sieveking'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275472' first='Luke' last='Hutchinson'], Daniel McLaren   Whitehaven: [player_tooltip player_id='1297578' first='Tavarious' last='Elliott'], [player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'], [player_tooltip player_id='402529' first='Caleb' last='Lauderdale']   Knox Catholic: [player_tooltip player_id='624847' first='Jacob' last='Rice'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103027' first='Colton' last='Gardner'], JR Fowler   Alcoa: [player_tooltip player_id='1189145' first='Jamir' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='402523' first='Blair' last='Goodson'], [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'], [player_tooltip player_id='904858' first='Tysen' last='Dorsey']   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/123-Jamir-Turner.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298988" style="width:389px;height:auto" /></figure>