Post Signing Day Best Available (Def. Back/Athletes)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plenty of playmakers remain available from our senior secondary class as well as our athletes. Both these positions are deep with talent and prospects with upside to excel one day on the college level. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best overall talent remaining from our #TN2025 class sits in the secondary with multiple guys sporting D1 abilities but are available for one reason or another. As we inch closer to February and the second signing day, several of the guys mentioned below will sign and begin their college journeys while there could be some that continue to be looked over, searching for a college home.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our top rated defensive back left on the open market is Houston senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529774' first='Ladeadrick' last='James']</strong>. A multi-year starter and state champion in 2023, the Mustangs senior is one of the more athletic defenders we have from our in-state secondary class that could play a variety of positions in college. James may have to hit the JuCo ranks first but should one day find his way onto the D1 level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of versatility, we have multiple guys in this class that show potential to play cover corner in college but at worst, can drop back at safety and excel in that area as well. A lot of those guys remain available with Riverdale defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467267' first='Bronson' last='Crisp'] </strong>being the top rated.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors senior is tall and long with an aggressive attitude that has the speed to cover but also the willingness to come up in run support. From a pure coverage standpoint, his teammate in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='858830' first='Malik' last='Hicks'] </strong>may have as much upside to play on outside as anyone remaining from our #TN2025 class. Hicks can run but also has good physical tools that translate well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Nashville defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835861' first='Austin' last='Kent'] </strong>is another guy that has traits to play on the outside but could handle safety as well. Going into this final stretch of recruiting, Kent could be one of the more pursued defenders we have by college coaches due to his athleticism, size and position versatility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1275044,"width":"296px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/akent.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1275044" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two guys that were previously but are back on the open market are Independence senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1001170' first='Taylor' last='Lawrence'] </strong>and Brighton safety prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296440' first='Taylon' last='Carpenter']. </strong>Once committed to MTSU, Lawrence is a big defensive back that has handled a lot of corner duties throughout his high school career but I feel translates to college best at safety. Carpenter is one of the biggest risers from our senior class that put forth a great season to once be committed to Army but now sits on the open market as a talented ball hawk with good upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Memphis area was strong in the defensive backfield this cycle. James and Carpenter sit as our top two ranked players coming out of this area but have others like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369287' first='Bryson' last='Johnson'] </strong>(Bartlett), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866985' first='Kyle' last='Campbell'] </strong>(Germantown) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110694' first='Andre' last='Allen'] </strong>from Houston right behind them and available for the taking.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson burst onto the scene in a big way this Fall, locking down receivers from his corner position for his Bartlett defense. The Panthers senior has excellent size on the outside along with good speed and developing technique. Much of the same can be said about Campbell, who is longer but raw and still learning the game. Allen may be one of the better suited defensive backs to step onto the field somewhere next Fall and immediately contend for playing time. He is a savvy, technique sound, athletic defensive back that could handle nickel, field or boundary in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of our senior defensive backs are a bunch of under the radar, productive ball players that may be limited in some areas or need further development to see the potential come true. Cleveland safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812480' first='Jayun' last='Smith'] </strong>is one guy that flashes exciting play but has disappeared at times too. He did have a strong senior year to raise his stock but may need time in the JuCo ranks to develop his body and skill set.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The safety position is deeper this year compared to our potential corners. That statement is true due to the depth with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118589' first='Dason' last='Springer'] </strong>(WH-Heritage), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219453' first='Camryn' last='Darden'] </strong>(Riverdale), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310658' first='Isaiah' last='Roseberry'] </strong>(Mt. Juliet) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177681' first='Andrew' last='Cross-Adams'] </strong>from Antioch remaining available and sporting potential to excel on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1249299,"width":"289px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dspringer.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1249299" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springer had a big year where he produced exceptionally well at both receiver and safety. He has FCS ability but is mainly getting looks right now from NAIA programs. The same can be said for the other three as well. Darden is a versatile player that could give snaps at corner but has bigger upside at nickel or field safety. Roseberry is a true safety and one of the more cerebral defenders we have in the #TN2025 class. Cross-Adams had a breakout year that put him on the map. He has D1 size and possible potential but will need more time to get faster and develop his game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore'] </strong>recently added a “PWO” from MTSU and could possibly bring in a few FCS level offers before he signs in February. It's possible due to Moore's height, length and versatility in the secondary. Brentwood Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1071176' first='Isaiah' last='Williams'] </strong>is an under the radar talent that plays a consistent brand of football. The Eagles senior is a technician that brings a lot of value to the defensive backfield where he could play corner, nickel or safety on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Available DB's: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1314205' first='Connor' last='Fason'] </strong>- Haywood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819506' first='Ke'Darean' last='Fletcher'] </strong>- Riverdale, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625527' first='Mason' last='Goree'] </strong>- Bradley Cent., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224005' first='Anthony' last='Holland'] </strong>- Northwest, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1516009' first='Bo' last='Wright'] </strong>- Clinton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263214' first='Antwain' last='Burdine, Jr'] </strong>- Knox. West, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467266' first='Markee' last='Crutcher'] </strong>- Red Bank, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224014' first='Deon' last='Waller'] </strong>- Mt. Juliet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1472689,"width":"345px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/IMG_3858.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1472689" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Athlete's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Four of our top five ranked “Athletes” still sit out there on the open market with a few guys sporting D1 capabilities but have yet to break through or find a home. The top ranked athlete from our senior class is Jackson Christian two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley']</strong>. The Eagles playmaker had a variety of D1 schools after him at one point but for one reason or another, he remains available. His status will definitely change by the time we reach February. He recently set official visits to both Central Arkansas and Florida International at the beginning of January. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breaking on the scene this Fall during his 1st year of playing high school ball, Pope Prep senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1449677' first='Bo' last='Bailey'] </strong>made a big impression that pushed him up our in-state rankings into the Top 60 but as we head closer to the second signing day, the Knights senior remains available. Whoever lands Bailey could be getting an absolute steal as this Nashville native has tons of potential and juice in his tank.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talking about gaining a steal, Marion Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] </strong>is a dynamic ball player that brings tremendous athleticism and speed to the field that could translate at both receiver or defensive back in college. The Warriors playmaker has gained plenty of offers throughout the process but has yet to find a place to call home. I expect that to change over the next month.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1551741,"width":"347px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/spickett.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1551741" style="width:347px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Chattanooga Times Press</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech two-way product <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466263' first='KaJuan' last='Harris'] </strong>has untapped potential about himself but at what position will that upside shine in college? Many college coaches have liked Harris for defense at safety while others see him as a receiver. Much of the same can be said about Farragut senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301404' first='Landon' last='Collins']</strong>. The Admirals top overall prospect is well built physically with natural athleticism that could be developed at multiple positions, including receiver, safety or possibly linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One big trait and style of player you will find within our “Athletes” category are ballers, playmakers, guys who can make big plays with the ball in their hands. White Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264564' first='Jaden' last='Jones'] </strong>from Melrose and Chatt. Central dynamo <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822698' first='Ronye' last='Watson'] </strong>fit that bill and all three are available for the taking.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pinion and Jones could develop at several positions while Watson has begun to establish himself as a potential receiver in college, especially after his outstanding performance at the recent East vs. West All-Star game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866789' first='Corey' last='Carr'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee'] </strong>from Columbia Academy are two physically gifted prospects that have the size and natural athletic abilities to develop on either side of the ball. Both could become excellent receivers in college or develop into dynamic defenders in the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":950504,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/hbrownlee.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-950504" style="width:309px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USJ senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1080185' first='Noah' last='Spencer'] </strong>is one of the more intriguing “athletes” left in our senior class that could be zeroing in on playing running back in college, especially after his breakout, Mr. Football season this Fall. I still think Spencer could form into a college linebacker but I can easily see where he makes it as well at running back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out our look at the senior “athletes”, Centennial two-way prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310897' first='Kani'' last='Johnson']</strong>, ECS product <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1527109' first='William' last='Cheairs'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353446' first='Ethan' last='Johnson'] </strong>from Christian Brothers each have the talents to excel on either side of the ball but still need time to form into the players they can be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a dynamic ball player with speed that could work at receiver or defensive back. Cheairs is a well built young (6'2 195) that showed out this season at receiver but could work best in college at linebacker. Johnson took on a bigger role this Fall where he became his team's top ball carrier and he performed very well. His upside shown at running back this year speaks to Johnson being able to stay there in college but at worst, the Purple Wave senior could move to defense and develop nicely at linebacker&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Available ATH's: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277522' first='Trent' last='Tatum'] </strong>- West Ridge, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='900800' first='Jhabari' last='Ellis'] </strong>- Arlington, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134295' first='Ja'Braylon' last='Ellis'] </strong>- Springfield, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102958' first='Nick' last='Owens, Jr'] </strong>- Green Hill, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369787' first='Tyler' last='Campbell'] </strong>- Beech<strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1557135' first='William' last='Bobo'] </strong>- Shelbyville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142019' first='Jackson' last='Tate'] </strong>- Sequatchie Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1546498,"width":"327px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/wcheairs.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1546498" style="width:327px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->