#PRZTN Winter Showcase Preview (Defense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diving into our roster for this weekend's Showcase, here we look at the defensive prospects set to compete and some guys that stand out to us prior to the action on Saturday afternoon.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The off-season officially kicks off on Saturday with the Prep Redzone Tennessee Winter Showcase, live from Green Hill High School. Early numbers point towards a big turnout of talent from the defensive side of the ball being well represented with guys from our rising junior crop all the way into the #TN2028 recruiting class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at our registered attendees, the linebackers and defensive back positions appear to be the deepest and most talented with several top level names set to perform. It should be fun to scout over some new names headed for Mt. Juliet this weekend and see some guy's I already know make good impressions headed into the off-season months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line/Edge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A big opportunity comes this Saturday for the competitors coming from the defensive line. The group we have set for the Winter Showcase is a bunch of under the radar guys that are looking to turn some heads and put themselves on the map as eventual recruitable ball players.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the top names from this position headed to Green Hill High School this weekend works from the interior of the D-line. There are a few guys that could work on the end but most of the top talent this weekend will be at defensive tackle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White Co. rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'] </strong>had a breakthrough junior season where he established as one of his team's top defensive players. He brings an active motor to the field along with upside to rush the passer. Another guy built in the same mold is Carter senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey']</strong>. The Hornets big man is an intriguing talent that could develop at center on offense but as he continues to grow and get older, Coffey is positioning himself as a 3-tech D-lineman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1298981,"width":"342px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/113-Jake-Coffey.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298981" style="width:342px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two nose guards to follow on Saturday will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'] </strong>from South Gibson and under the radar Henry Co. big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402547' first='Jaivyn' last='Patton']</strong>. These two are true nose tackles that have the beef to clog up the middle while also showing on the film the occasional pass rush. If both display good footwork and pass rush upside at camp, their stocks could go to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White-House Heritage will have two of their top linemen on site for the combine in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1589198' first='Jacob' last='Mahoney'] </strong>and talented two-way big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567255' first='Colin' last='Romero']</strong>. Both guys work the interior for the Patriots defensive line and both provide a good mix of rushing the passer and stopping the run. Romero is listed as an O-line competitor but I foresee his future in college fitting best on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Working on the edge in this camp, Ravenwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595504' first='Sam' last='Rohan']</strong>, Lewis Co. rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'] </strong>and Cannon Co. pass rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] </strong>are three guys that have my attention for Saturday. Rohan is the next guy in-line for his Raptors defense that plays with an active motor while sporting the bend and burst to cause havoc in the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cates is a new guy on my radar that shows on film good work getting after the passer but can also set the edge, stopping the run. Walkup may have as much upside as any defensive performer in Mt. Juliet this weekend. The Lions junior pass rusher brings good size (6'4 215), length and speed to the playing field that translates very well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Looking at our backers for this weekend, it's a solid group we should have with a nice mix of rising seniors and a talented crop of underclassmen. As things stand right now, we don't have that top name expected to attend but that could change with some new guys jumping on the radar and we have few backers in mind.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three seniors that immediately jump out to me are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1449768' first='Jaxson' last='Rutledge'] </strong>from Maryville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583134' first='Carson' last='Kelly'] </strong>from Arlington and two-way Gibbs linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1527611' first='Chase' last='Norman']. </strong>All three of these guys bring the needed body, size look along with the athleticism to compete on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593380,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/jaxrutledge.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1593380" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rutledge has transitioned over time in his high school career from safety to linebacker and last year that potential in the defensive front seven started to show. The Rebels senior has a chance to be a standout player in this camp, if he shows good speed and quickness.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly is a big middle backer that has instincts for the ball and range. He is another that could boost his stock significantly if he runs well. The same can be said about Norman. Though he is listed as a tight end for this camp, I personally like his upside best on defense. The Eagles senior is an excellent defender that could provide good range against the run and the occasional edge work in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The depth from the linebackers comes from its underclassmen. The main guys that stick out to me headed into Saturday includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588275' first='Dricus' last='Williams'] </strong>(White House-Heritage), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon'] </strong>(Cannon Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591998' first='Ethan' last='Stacey'] </strong>(Father Ryan), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583146' first='Jude' last='Fitzpatrick'] </strong>(Upperman) and two sophomore backers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093181' first='Graham' last='Kesner'] </strong>(Briarcrest) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587383' first='Clyce' last='Tetleton'] </strong>from Halls.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every player mentioned above fits the role of middle linebacker with a few guys like Williams, Stacey and Kesner being able to work the edge on occasions. Shannon and Fitzpatrick are thumpers in the middle that play the run well. Displaying speed and quickness will be key for them in this weekend's combine.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams and Stacey are two intriguing backers that bring good athleticism and quickness to the ball on defense. I will certainly have my eyes on these two on Saturday as both show me intriguing talents and upside for the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kesner and Tetleton are coming off breakout years for their respective teams. Both played starting roles and both produced at a high level. Kesner is listed at tight end but he should also get some time on defense as well. Tetleton comes from a small school, so he has a chance to push his stock much further with a strong camp performance on Saturday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Winter Showcase could be the stage many of these guys need to get their names on the map and begin their ascension up the recruiting charts and our in-state prospect rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593381,"width":"222px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/gkesner.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1593381" style="width:222px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Backs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Depth and talent make up our defensive back group for Saturday's Winter Showcase. This position may have the most upside of all this weekend with some underrated guys that could use this platform to boost their stocks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the roster, the majority of guys that stand out to me come from the #TN2026 class. Maryville has a pair of safeties in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103034' first='Andrew' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591355' first='Mayson' last='Ball'] </strong>that have a chance to make statements. Both are starters on a Rebels defense that was one of the best units in 2024 and both return for their senior seasons as team leaders. Running fast will be key for both and if they do so, Smith and Ball could rise up our next updated rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the East TN region, Powell will have a pair of teammates attending in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592486' first='Taa' last='Henderson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594170' first='DeMarcus' last='Huffine, Jr']</strong>. that are athletic defenders that show potential on film to play cover corner on the collegiate gridiron. Henderson is an athletic and versatile defender that brings a lot of value to the back end where he can play corner, nickel or safety. Huffine, Jr is someone I'm looking to learn more about but from afar, he presents potential to handle himself well on the island.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mt. Pleasant senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] </strong>is a regular at the #PRZTN Showcase that is back for another year, looking to test himself and push his game further. Sporting good height and length, the Tigers defensive back has shown flashes in the past of excelling at cover corner and if he runs and moves well in this camp, Smith might position himself as a top ten in-state cornerback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1298971,"width":"273px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/102-Jalen-Smith.jpg?w=1008" alt="" class="wp-image-1298971" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming up from Memphis to boost his stock, Melrose rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591253' first='Darrius' last='Baldwin'] </strong>is a name to follow this weekend and a guy that has a chance to put his name on the map. Stepping up into a big role this past Fall while playing in the 4A title game, Baldwin has a skill set that could work at corner, nickel or safety and if he runs well, playing on the outside in college is a possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three under the radar rising senior defensive backs to know about for this weekend are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432234' first='Denzel' last='Yarbrough'] </strong>from Smyrna, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480824' first='Taylor' last='Whitney'] </strong>from Blackman and Bolton safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson']</strong>. These three guys may not be on too many radars at the moment but with strong performances at the #PRZTN Winter Showcase, they could change that narrative.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yarbrough and Johnson are safety prospects that have good size and athletic skills that could shine well within a combine setting. Whitney is someone I've noticed over time as someone that has nice football traits but has yet to break through. Maybe this camp, off-season and coming Fall football year will finally be his time to shine.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>,One underclassmen that is on my radar for this weekend is James Lawson rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595503' first='Kaiden' last='Davis']</strong>. Standing about 6'0 160 plus pounds, Davis has the look and feel of a cover corner but could work back at safety as well. This is an athletic guy that should test well on Saturday and he performs well in 1 on 1 competition, Davis could jump the line in the #TN2027 class as a top defensive back prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593384,"width":"288px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/dyarbrough.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1593384" style="width:288px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->