#TN2026 Rankings Breakdown: Defense (Part II)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Finishing our look at the defensive side of the ball within our #TN2026 rankings, here we dive into the defensive backs, athletes and more! (Rankings update will come after the 2024 season)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Prospects (Ranked 34th thru 52nd)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown'] - Lipscomb Academy (4th ranked DL/34th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The next stud D-linemen to come out of the Mustangs program is this 6 '4 junior that could be on the brink of a breakout season. Brown is an active and physical pass rusher that plays with a strong motor along with the athleticism to fall back into coverage when needed. His sophomore campaign was a testing ground for Brown as he learned on the job but the experience will benefit him moving forward, especially this Fall where I think his game will shine as opposing offensive line's focus their attention on others. Having college guys beside him, Brown could be given the chance to go-off this year and if he takes full advantage of that, his game and recruiting stock will soar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["889227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669fcc50c8cc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaad is a physical specimen that immediately looks like a college football player when he steps off the bus and he plays like one too. Headed into the 2024 Fall football season, this West Tennessee product has all the tools needed to turn into one of the more formidable D-linemen from the #TN2026 class. Sporting great size (6'5 265) with long arms, Gaad has the build and skill set to be used both off the edge and from the interior. The scary thing about the Hornets defender is that he is still learning the game, so there is plenty of growth left with Gaad. This coming season will show a lot as to where he is with his progression and what he must do to improve moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'] - Mt. Pleasant (1st ranked LB/37th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly the best prospect to come out of the Mt. Pleasant program in a long time, maybe ever, McClure is a physically well put together backer that plays a downhill attacking style of game that translates well to the college level. Standing almost 6'3 220 plus pounds, the Tigers junior linebacker has the look and size needed to compete on the college stage but McClure can run as well, showing great instincts and range to the ball. Playing on the 2A level, McClure won't see the competition as others will, so he must play like his hair is on fire game in and game out to continue boosting his overall stock. I think he will because this guy is too talented with the upside to cause damage on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] - Powell (6th ranked DL/38th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ranking just inside our Tennessee Top 40, Garcia is a multi versed D-lineman that fits best inside but has enough athleticism to play end inside a 3-4 defense. The Panthers junior prospect sports a powerful lower base and a quick burst off the snap that has put him squarely on the radar for college coaches. Holding an offer from Miami Ohio, Garcia is looking to boost his stock even further this season by showing off enhanced athleticism and play recognition from the trenches. If and when Garcia can pack on more pounds, you will see a full transition with his game into a powerful run stuffer that can provide the occasional interior pass rush.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] - Clarksville (7th ranked DB/41st overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Landing an offer early in the off-season from Vanderbilt, Watkins still sits under the radar when it comes to name recognition but not from these scouting eyes as I see a legit college prospect here with potential to play cornerback in college. The first thing you like about this Mid-Tennessee product is his aggressive nature and quick reactions towards the ball. Watkins plays hard and fast with the willingness to play physically. Those kinds of traits lend towards this Wildcats defensive back developing at nickelback or safety but trust me, this guy can cover. It will be interesting to see how he progresses and performs this year and how high he can boost his stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1167514"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669fcc50c8d2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keep your ears open about this Nashville based defensive back this Fall as I see Rush as one of the top breakout stars coming out of the upcoming football season. Currently ranked as our 7th best defensive back prospect, I think Rush can boost that ranking further with a strong junior season that shows off his natural athletic abilities and violent tackling. The Panthers junior has the potential to develop into one of the best safety prospects from our #TN2026 class with enhancement throughout his entire game. Expect to hear a lot about this Mid-Tennessee product over the next few months and watch his recruitment explode into a national prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Keep your ears open about this Nashville based defensive back this Fall as I see Rush as one of the top breakout stars coming out of the upcoming football season. Currently ranked as our 7th best defensive back prospect, I think Rush can boost that ranking further with a strong junior season that shows off his natural athletic abilities and violent tackling. The Panthers junior has the potential to develop into one of the best safety prospects from our #TN2026 class with enhancement throughout his entire game. Expect to hear a lot about this Mid-Tennessee product over the next few months and watch his recruitment explode into a national prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) Tobja Walters, Jr - Oak Ridge (7th ranked DL/48th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This summer in off-season camps, Walters, Jr started establishing himself as one of the better interior pass rushers from our junior class, so he should be poised for a big Fall season where he can continue boosting that stock further. Ranking inside the top ten of our defensive linemen, this East Tennessee product won't jump out on the page for you when it comes to overall size but Walters, Jr plays much bigger with an active motor and a quick get-off. Walters, Jr also shows some of the best handwork of any D-lineman from his junior class as well. Additional weight will help this guy grow into the kind of D1 player I think he can develop into over the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield'] - Cleveland (8th ranked DL/49th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Westfield could have as much upside as any D-linemen from our junior crop but he is still learning on the job, so this coming Fall season will be a strong indicator as to where his game is at. What I like most about this East Tennessee product is his athleticism and explosive flashes along with a broad upper body that allows him to push through O-linemen. The Blue Raiders junior brings a nice combo of interior pass rushing and stuffing the run to the playing field that should improve further with maturity. Expectations are big for Westfield to develop and turn into a force along the Cleveland D-line this year and if all goes according to plan, you could see him rise into the Top 30 of our next updated rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] - Lausanne (50th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Rodgers will be an interesting player to watch this coming season as he presents a skill set that can be developed on either side of the ball, however from these scouting eyes, I personally like his upside best on defense at safety. A playmaking, natural athlete with versatility, Rodgers can do a variety of things that can make you look good as a coach. He has a knack for making big plays or at least being around the ball. What I like that translates well to safety about Rodgers is his range and upside as a ball hawk. The Lynx two-way talent can run while also having good instincts and quick feet. His game should be leaned on a lot this Fall as Rodgers looks like the team's top overall playmaker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["480743"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669fcc50c8d73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making his mark on the field since his freshman season, McAfee is one of the more seasoned prospects we have from the #TN2026 class and he still has two years left of high school. The Bobcats junior defensive back is a technician with a nose for the ball that tends to put himself in the right spots to make plays. McAfee has a versatile skill set too. His ball hawk mentality points towards him becoming a free safety in college but his speed allows him the possibility to hang at cornerback. His development over the coming season will dictate a lot as to where McAfee will play in college. Wherever he plays, his instinctive game play should translate well and make him a valuable secondary piece. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Positional Breakdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'] - McCallie (1st ranked DB/2nd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] - Haywood (2nd ranked DB/9th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110713' first='Josh' last='Sims'] - Pearl Cohn (3rd ranked DB/16th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins'] - Ensworth (4th ranked DB/17th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>T.O Otey - BGA (5th ranked DB/22nd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] - Oakland (6th ranked DB/25th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The top six ranked defensive backs from our junior class all sit inside the Top 30 overall prospects and will be some of the most talked about defenders over the next year. All six players listed here will sign with Power Four programs with our rankings pointing towards Smith being the player with the biggest upside. Everyone listed here besides Tutt have the chance to play cover corner on the next level with all five having the versatility to play other positions as well. The biggest stock riser out of this six by season's end could be Hopkins.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] - Clarksville (7th ranked DB/41st overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167514' first='Jayden' last='Rush'] - FRA (8th ranked DB/44th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480743' first='Torin' last='McAfee'] - Knox. Central (9th ranked DB/52nd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='328897' first='Kolby' last='Barrett'] - Baylor (10th ranked DB/55th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1161079' first='Omari' last='Bledsoe'] - Oakland (11th ranked DB/56th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The next grouping of defensive backs brings a versatile set of guys that can handle several positions. Rush and Barrett are considered more of safety prospects that have ball hawk upside on the back end. Watkins is an aggressive ball player that has a chance to stay on the outside at cornerback. He is an athletic guy that could excel at nickelback or safety as well. McAfee can also work several positions within the secondary. A natural ball hawk that consistently makes plays, McAfee too has a chance to stay outside at cover corner but could definitely drop back to free safety and perform just fine. Bledsoe may have as much upside as anybody in this grouping and maybe overall. Standing 6 '4 184 pounds, the Pats junior defensive back brings excellent size and length to his position and if he can show the needed speed throughout the coming season, Bledsoe may remain on the outside in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1345990,"width":"341px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/obledsoe.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1345990" style="width:341px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='954852' first='Darius' last='McGill'] - Cane Ridge (12th ranked DB/73rd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] - Independence (13th ranked DB/84th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] - Mt. Pleasant (14th ranked DB/86th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186125' first='Charlie' last='Goss'] - First Assembly (15th ranked DB/89th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] - Page (16th ranked DB/98th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103035' first='Marlon' last='Hammond'] - Cordova (17th ranked DB/99th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Rounding out our brief look at the defensive backs, these six prospects sit on the bottom half of our initial junior rankings but are very talented with a chance to boost their stock and move up in our next update. Five of these prospects are considered safeties with McGill having the best chance at competing at corner as well. Mullen is a true ball hawk and worker that brings a lot of value to the playing field. Goss is built almost in the same way but with more size. He led the D2-Class A ranks last year in interceptions and it's hard not to think he will do it again this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The lone corner in this list is Mt. Pleasant junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith']</strong>. Coming from a small town, this 6'1 long and athletic defender has a chance to make it to the D1 level with a strong junior season. Playing significant snaps since his freshman season, Wilson is a next stud to come off the Pats defense that shows good range but is very strong versus the run. Hammond is built almost in the same manner but bigger with a wider radius. Both Wilson and Hammond sit under the radar but can break through with enhanced athleticism and speed shown on the field this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. Athletes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] - Knox. Webb (1st ranked ATH/5th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] - Bearden (2nd ranked ATH/31st overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] - Lausanne (3rd ranked ATH/50th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] - Jackson NS (4th ranked ATH/51st overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300097' first='Kaiden' last='Dewey'] - Baylor (5th ranked ATH/54th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] - Clinton (6th ranked ATH/65th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206186' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore'] - Baylor (9th ranked ATH/97th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All the “athletes” listed here have the upside to play on the defensive side of the ball in college but also have potential for offense as well. Young, Jr is the top athlete in the state and he genuinely can excel on offense or defense. Mills is almost built in the same way but personally I like his upside best on defense at safety where his size and range can be on full display. Rodgers is well scouted above as the Lynx top playmaker this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming out of the West Tennessee region, Smith is an interesting talent that could develop on either side of the ball. His competition level isn't as strong as others but this guy is a natural athlete that might have some upside for cornerback. A new prospect to the state of Tennessee, Dewey comes to Baylor as a natural athlete that could have a future in college at receiver or defensive back. Theodore is in the same boat at Baylor as is Dewey. Both these new in-state prospects have a lot to prove and show off this Fall to take their recruiting stocks to another level but the talent is there. Clinton rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] </strong>has generated some good buzz for himself this off-season by landing several D1 or FCS offers. I believe most of those offers are for the defensive side of the ball but it will be fun to watch him go both ways as one of his team's top playmakers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1301887,"width":"336px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/dleavell.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1301887" style="width:336px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->