Post Signing Day Best Available (Def. Front Seven)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrapping up our look at the "best available" from our in-state senior class, here we breakdown the top talent left from the defensive front seven (D-line, Edge, Linebacker) and there are plenty of college level prospects remaining to be signed. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2025 defensive line class was stronger than year's past with the top ten ranked guys all currently signed or committed. This group is deeper past the top ten with several guys still remaining to be had, including a few pass rushers with upside to potentially play high level football one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our top rated available D-lineman headed towards the second signing day is Ensworth end prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1536143' first='Brandon' last='Collins']</strong>. Coming off a breakout senior year, the Tigers D-lineman has an outstanding motor along with good burst, speed around the edge. Collins is also just now coming into his own, meaning his best football days are ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the same could be said for Christian Brothers defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230138' first='Ashton' last='Hearn']</strong>. Standing 6 '5 225 pounds, Hearns has the look and size of a college guy but sits on the open market more so because of his need to add more weight. This Purple Wave senior has some of the best pass rushing potential within our #TN2025 D-line class that should develop much further in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1256806,"width":"261px","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/ashhearn.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1256806" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying on the end, three guys out of the Memphis area in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257697' first='Lawrence' last='Taylor'] </strong>from Bartlett, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841232' first='Caleb' last='Hollowell'] </strong>from Melrose and Cordova senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='948230' first='Antonio' last='Ray, Jr'] </strong>place inside our Top 160 ranked prospects and all are looking for college homes. All three also provide different traits to the field that can be developed further on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is a pass rusher. That's what he does best and he can do it from the edge or slide inside and play 3-tech. Hollowell could do the same but his game right now fits best as a 4-3 defensive end that stretches out the run while providing the occasional pass rush. Ray, Jr shows explosive traits working on the end but still needs time to develop his body, adding in the proper weight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few developmental defensive ends left on the open market here in Tennessee include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282475' first='Dawson' last='Carson'] </strong>(White House), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102487' first='Gavin' last='Walker'] </strong>(Jackson Chrst.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545426' first='Yusuf' last='Sharif'] </strong>(Lausanne), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248115' first='Isaiah' last='Mullins'] </strong>(Davidson Acad.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131054' first='Ocoee' last='Ellis'] </strong>out of Station Camp.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All five of these guys show flashes of college potential but all five also have multiple areas about themselves that need further development. Carson and Shariff are the two with the biggest upside as both have unique pass rushing abilities that can be turned up with college growth and teaching.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving into the interior of the defensive line, multiple college potential prospects remain available, including three guys sitting inside our Top 150 ranked prospects. The top D-Tackle left comes from a state championship team in Marion Co. and that's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282603' first='Myles' last='Mays']</strong>. Holding several FCS offers in hand, the Warriors D-lineman is one of the top recruits overall remaining from our senior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting behind Mays in our rankings is one of the more productive D-linemen we have in the #TN2025 class and that's Coffee Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282479' first='Claudio-Adam' last='Vik']</strong>. The Raiders D-Tackle is a natural pass rusher from the interior that gets off the snap well, using his quick hands and burst then finds the ball quickly. I personally think Adam-Vik is one of the more underrated seniors we have in this year's recruiting class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1283841,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/20240519_165057-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1283841" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bearden senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800785' first='Boston' last='Yeager'] </strong>is an interesting prospect that held a high ranking at one time but after a sub-par senior year, he remains on the open market. What the Bulldogs D-lineman brings to the field is the potential to be a solid pass rusher from the interior that also has the body to add weight and become stout versus the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The West region of Tennessee has a trio of 3-tech defensive tackles that have a good skill set of rushing the passer but are limited in some areas. Jackson Christian senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467234' first='Skylan' last='Staten'] </strong>is undersized (6'0 270) but has a quick get-off along with a good feel for the game. Sheffield D-Tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142885' first='Isaiah' last='Lackey'] </strong>has put together a very productive high school career where he has harassed quarterbacks on a consistent basis while showing occasional good work against the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Memp. Central D-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='341252' first='Brycen' last='Boone'] </strong>is someone I've liked throughout his career as someone that can rush the passer from the interior or work the edge against the run. He didn't have a stellar senior season but Boone has the potential to develop much further with continued growth and college teaching.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Middle Tennessee region has a pair of under the radar D-Tackle prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213391' first='Todd' last='Hammond'] </strong>(Brentwood Acad.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832830' first='Jaden' last='Owens'] </strong>(Beech) that I feel are potential D1 guys one day but will need time to continue developing their games. Hammond plays with a high motor, providing good work both against the pass and the run. Owens is a massive young man that doesn't realize how good he can be. The Bucs senior has the size (6'5 275) and natural athletic abilities needed to compete on the college stage but needs to tap into his potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Available D-linemen: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310949' first='Daveon' last='Johnson'] </strong>- JC Merry, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390665' first='Quinton' last='Humphrey'] </strong>- Greeneville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130991' first='Jonathan' last='Waller'] </strong>- Stewarts Creek, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] </strong>- Houston, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102506' first='Cedarrein' last='Kelly'] </strong>- Westwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295058' first='Israel' last='Hurd'] </strong>- Jefferson Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557146' first='Bryce' last='Brooks'] </strong>- Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edge Defenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some of the best defensive talent left from our #TN2025 class resides here with the edge rushers. Several guys that will be listed below sport the upside to one day make their way onto the D1 playing stage but may need time on FCS level or JuCo ranks before they get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top edge rusher available is Pearl Cohn senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1148636' first='Isaiah' last='Thomas']</strong>. Ranked 40th overall by #PRZTN, Thomas is coming off a breakout senior year where he nearly dominated opponents due to his speed to power combo off the edge and his ability to finish with controlled violence. The Firebirds senior has the makeup and all the tools to one day chase down quarterbacks on the Power Four stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1540867,"width":"243px","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/ithomas.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1540867" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more productive high school defensive prospects we have in the state is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] </strong>(Mt. Juliet) but for one reason or another, the Golden Bears senior remains available. Sporting an excellent motor, Fiorita pushed his game further this Fall by showing improved ability to play in space while maintaining his motor towards the football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282466' first='Moses' last='Byrd'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278959' first='William' last='Turner'] </strong>from Brentwood are two guys with outstanding college potential but have a few things holding them back from being on a college commitment list. Byrd is one of the best athletes from our senior edge rusher group that can bend and burst towards the ball while also having the ability to play in space. Turner is a physical competitor that can work in the passing lanes while providing nice bend and burst around the edge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting behind those four mentioned above, we have a large group of pass rushers available for the taking that all have potential to shine on the next level. Some guys may have a few limitations but I see college upside in each of them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White Station edge defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102514' first='Dylan' last='Bolden']</strong>, Briarcrest senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213954' first='Jordan' last='Brown']</strong>, Collierville sack artist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1423595' first='Samuel' last='Iroh'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611950' first='Taylor' last='Jones'] </strong>from Southwind all possess college upside but all four bring different traits to the playing field. Bolden is a physical competitor that does good work rushing the passer but could work equally well against the run. Brown may have the most upside of these four as most of his high school work has been playing in space but his size, speed combo shows upside rushing the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iroh is coming off a breakout season where he led the 6A ranks in sacks while placing himself as a Mr. Football finalist. The Dragons senior is undersized (6'1 220) but has some of the best bend and speed off the edge within our senior class. Jones is a natural pass rusher himself that has a nice first step while having the athleticism to drop into coverage if needed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='501903' first='Aiden' last='Elmore'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467259' first='Jaeden' last='Isbell'] </strong>from Tyner Academy are two multi-year starters that have produced a ton for their respective teams but are still looking for a college to call home. Elmore showed improved burst and speed this season while Isbell has packed on size to make him more formidable versus the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two under the radar edge guys that have potential but need further development are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'] </strong>from Riverdale and Heritage senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310381' first='Carson' last='Weber']</strong>. Standing 6 '5 220 pounds, Haynes has the height and length college coaches love but his athleticism isn't as strong as some may think. He does the tools and body frame to grow into something useful one day, maybe a 3-4 defensive end. Weber doesn't have the physical upside like Haynes but his motor is strong along with having good bend around the edge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Edge Rushers Available: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110937' first='Davis' last='Garrett'] </strong>- Baylor, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293394' first='Kenderrius' last='Robertson'] </strong>- Mitchell, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] </strong>- Riverdale, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170987' first='Kavion' last='Yancey'] </strong>- Hamilton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560804' first='Brandon' last='Gates'] </strong>- Fayette-Ware&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1394010,"width":"291px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/jisbell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1394010" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The edge rusher and linebacker positions continue to evolve as the years go by and for the senior backer crop here in Tennessee, it was a strong year that saw twelve guys sign or make commitments by the first signing day in December. Even though a good handful of guys are off the board, we still have plenty of linebackers left that could become starters on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219367' first='Kris' last='Thompson'] </strong>is the highest ranked (28th overall) linebacker available from the #TN2025 class that at one time held 20 plus Power Four or D1 offers. Grades look to be the biggest issue holding him back from signing but trust me, the Mustangs senior can play and should make his way to the big stage of college ball one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Time will be needed for further development but Kirkwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976602' first='Perry' last='Cross-Snead'] </strong>has the athletic and physical tools to make his way to the D1 playing stage one day. The Cobras senior is a versatile prospect that probably fits best playing inside but his athleticism and speed gives coaches the ability to play him off the edge and rush the backfield. Cross-Snead can also play in coverage, which I think gives him a lot of value for the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three underrated senior prospects that can absolutely fly to the ball are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269060' first='Cadarius' last='Newcomb'] </strong>(Antioch), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240386' first='Ahmoyre' last='Galbreath'] </strong>(Clarksville) and MASE senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540048' first='Stanley' last='Burrow']</strong>. If you want athletic backers that can run and play with violence, all three of these guys are good options.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1545704,"width":"256px","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/sburrow.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1545704" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545797' first='Philippe' last='Robert'] </strong>was a major force this Fall behind his team's championship run. This Blue Tornado linebacker plays hard and fast, doing good work against the run while also providing good leadership. I like the way this guy plays and competes as well as his upside for the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long term, big payoff prospect could be Franklin Road Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1156741' first='Donovan' last='Pinkston']</strong>. Standing 6'3 200 plus pounds, the Panthers senior backer has excellent athletic abilities that translate well to the college game. He is fast with good instincts that allow him to play in space while also having the ability to rush the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a bunch of middle linebacker prospects left on the board with a lot of playing experience and tools to make their mark on the college playing field. Among the inside backers still available include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102519' first='Eli' last='Harrison'] </strong>(Lenoir City), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250830' first='Jayden' last='Carter'] </strong>(Coffee Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110709' first='Sammie' last='Smith'] </strong>(Ripley), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219353' first='Lane' last='Sumerel'] </strong>(Ravenwood), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219422' first='Malik' last='Lee'] </strong>(Chatt. Christian), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris'] </strong>(Stewarts Creek), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834635' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] </strong>(McMinn Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390715' first='Drew' last='Armbrister'] </strong>(Greeneville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841237' first='Alex' last='Wallace'] </strong>(USJ) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390619' first='Zae' last='Odom'] </strong>from Cannon Co.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1545705,"width":"277px","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/eharrison.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1545705" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All those guys fit the inside linebacker role very well but all bring a little something different to the table. Harrison is the highest rated with upside to work the edge on occasions due to his athleticism and burst. Carter is one of the better coverage linebackers we have in this class while also sporting the speed to rush the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is one of the biggest risers at linebacker from our senior class that had a breakout Fall campaign that put him squarely on the college radar. Much of the same can be said about Wallace, who led his Bruins team in tackles. This guy could turn out to be the best inside linebacker out of this group due to his natural athletic abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee is a gamer that simply has a nose for the ball. He works very well stopping the run. Sumerel is a big dude that brings good size to the field as well as some versatility to potentially work the edge. Odom is a hidden gem from a small town school that has some of the best athleticism within this group. He is also one of the better coverage linebackers from this class that could play that hybrid backer/safety position in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plenty of linebackers remain for the taking in this class, so it will be interesting to see how things shape up over the month of January as we head into the second signing day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Available LB's: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267272' first='Jack' last='Watts'] </strong>- Ensworth, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='552638' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] </strong>- Munford, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159808' first='Kevantae' last='Porter'] </strong>- Rockvale, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153858' first='Austin' last='Mayfield'] </strong>- Ravenwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102518' first='Quortez' last='Gilbert'] </strong>- Antioch, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939778' first='Gavin' last='Schaffer'] </strong>- Brentwood Acad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1321054,"width":"300px","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/lsumerel.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1321054" style="width:300px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->