Scouting The Class: TN2026 Defensive Line

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diving into the D-line trenches, our rising senior class might be one of the better positional units throughout this cycle, especially if some guys step forward and develop at a proper rate. </h2>     Each and every year, the defensive linemen here in the Volunteer State gets bigger and better and potentially, the #TN2026 class may be one of the best yet. This year's class looks top heavy as we head into summer camp season but upside is there for the depth to grow with several under the radar prospects on the verge of becoming college level talent.    Looking at a regional point of view through the state of Tennessee, both the Eastern and Western regions look real good for the 2025 season with the Mid-State lacking in some areas. That statement alone shows the growth here in Tennessee with talent being able to develop anywhere from East to West. This looks like a good D-line class with more overall talent than year's past and a group that may prove to be one of the best in the state positionally by season's end.    Talented At The Top    - There is much development needed for this year's D-line class to be considered one of the best positions groups from the #TN2026 crop but the potential is there. What we do have is a handful of guys at the top that are destined for the Power Four, D1 and FCS levels with a few prospects on the cusp of joining them.    Battling for the top overall D-lineman this year are six guys that all bring something a little different to the playing field. Those guys would be [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] (South Gibson), [player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] (Germantown), [player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'] (BGA), [player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield'] (Cleveland), [player_tooltip player_id='1210664' first='Jayden' last='Arenas-Michel'] (Baylor) and [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] from Powell.    All six of those guys are headed for the big stage of college football. Gaad already made his commitment to SMU, choosing the Mustangs over some heavy hitters. The Hornets big man is one of the most physically gifted linemen we have from the #TN2026 class, that is still developing his game, so the best is yet to come.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/ygaad.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1641256" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure>   Bah is someone that is beginning to build some strong buzz for himself and I think it's well warranted. The Red Devils senior D-lineman is a budding star that brings some of the best pass rushing upside to the field along with a body that can still pack on more size. Westfield is built in the same manner as a top level pass rusher that may have the best hands from our senior D-line class. This East-TN lineman may turn out to be a steal for whoever Westfield signs with.    Coming off a breakout junior year, Fleming is being recruited for both lines of scrimmage and he has the upside to excel on either side of the ball. He brings an outstanding motor and physical approach to the gridiron along with a great body to develop much further on the next level. Fleming has yet to gain those Power Four but that may soon change.    Arenas-Michel is an intriguing talent that has the college size (6'5 265) and physical traits to become something special in college but is still far from his maximum capabilities. His versatility plays a big role in his recruitment as the Red Raiders senior could work the end or slide inside and rush the backfield.    One guy who I am high on is Garcia. He is one of the top defensive tackle prospects we have from the #TN2026 class that appears to be coming into its own. The weight he added for the 2024 season paid off big and made a difference in his game play where he became near unstoppable due to his power and burst off the snap. Don't be surprised to see Power Four schools get involved with Garcia before too long.    As of now, I see those six being the best of the class but that doesn't mean they will stay there and won't receive competition from others. Sitting right behind those six are a group of D-linemen that have physical abilities and traits that translate well to the next level but may need a little more development.    Collierville senior [player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr'] has tremendous upside with college size (6'5 245) that can handle several positions across the D-line with maybe his best upside coming as a defensive end. Smith, Jr shows a good burst off the snap along with long arms that causes problems for the opposition.    If [player_tooltip player_id='1281457' first='Tobja' last='Walters Jr'], (Oak Ridge) was 2 or 3 inches taller, he would already be holding multiple D1, possible P4 offers because this guy is legit and at times, unblockable. The Wildcats senior D-Tackle is an excellent athlete that moves well, showing some of the best power to speed combos in the state. He is the perfect 3-tech lineman that could provide the occasional work at end or nose tackle.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/126-Tobja-Walters-Jr.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298990" style="width:349px;height:auto" /></figure>   Lipscomb Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'] and Greeneville big man [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'] are two of the better defensive tackle prospects coming out of the 2026 in-state recruiting class. Collins is a true nose guard that had a solid junior season that showed the ability to collapse the pocket with flashes of athleticism. Harris is a hidden gem that I could see rising up rankings with a stellar senior year. He is filthy strong with quick feet and powerful hands that allows him to consistently play in the oppositions backfield.    Two guys suited to play defensive end on the next level, Southwind senior [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] and South Pitt big man [player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] are talented young men that bring different skill sets to the field. Sullins is an athletic guy that can rush the backfield either standing up or with his hand in the dirt. Hardrick has the profile of a run stuffing edge guy that will provide the occasional pass rush. The Pirates senior is a long and tall prospect that has tons of room to pack on more weight and become an even more forceful D-lineman in college.    - - - - -   D1 Potential Trench Warriors    - Looking beyond that top group, we have a nice set of prospects that have the college profile but may be lacking in a few areas that is keeping them currently under the radar. I do feel that several guys mentioned in this section will develop further over these off-season months, prove their worth in camp season and proceed to have strong senior years that put them on the map.    The first guy that stands out is Knox. Catholic senior [player_tooltip player_id='624847' first='Jacob' last='Rice']. This 6 '3 two-way lineman has potential to develop on either side of the ball but I like Rice best for defense where he could become a solid end prospect that does good work stuffing the run while providing the occasional pass rush.    McCallie versatile D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'] and Lipscomb Academy big man [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'] are two talented 3-tech pass rushers that are a tad undersized in height but have the game to make big impacts in the trenches. Hudgins had a strong junior season where he displayed an active motor and a nose for the ball. Spillman missed most of the year but has the physical profile and skill set to develop nicely on the college level.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/jhudgins.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1641267" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure>   Recently adding his 1st offer from Air Force, senior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1512350' first='Avery' last='Hughes'] may prove to one of the better pass rushers coming out of the #TN2026 class. This Portland 6'3 230 pound edge defender has some of the best burst and closing speed I've seen on the film this cycle. If he can add more weight to his frame and enhance his pass rushing skill set, I could see Hughes becoming a Power Four sleeper.    Four defensive tackle prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] (Smyrna), [player_tooltip player_id='1218538' first='Issiaga' last='Yattara'] (Webb School), [player_tooltip player_id='981349' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] (Green Hill) and [player_tooltip player_id='1566697' first='Joshua' last='Williams'] from Germantown are four talented D-linemen that all bring something different to the interior. Martin is the top pass rusher in this group with an active motor and the lower body agility to make an impact in the backfield.    Yattara is still raw and developing but might have the best upside in this group. Standing 6 '6 275 pounds, the Feet big man has tremendous size and the frame to add more size along with versatility to work the interior or provide snaps at defensive end. Harris and Williams are two long term prospects that do some nice things on the line but need further development either in the weight room or film lab to push their games to another level.    A West Tennessee prospect that many may not know too much about but is someone I like and see strong potential with is Dyersburg rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant']. The Trojans defensive end missed most of his junior season due to injury but within the short time he was on the field, Grant made an impact with his quickness off the snap and violent closing speed. If he can prove in summer camps that he is healthy and then put forth a strong senior season, Grant could sneak his way into the D1 ranks.    - - - - -   Under the Radar Depth    - Our #TN2026 D-line class begins to flex its muscles here with a large group of prospects that may not be high on some college lists right now but are talented ball players that will be important pieces to their high school teams for the 2025 season.    Sequatchie Co. defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] is a definite FCS level prospect that brings an outstanding motor and work ethic to the playing field along with pass rushing maturity that college coaches would enjoy developing. GCA senior [player_tooltip player_id='1455214' first='Shawn' last='Daulton'] works the middle at nose guard with a nice mix of athleticism and power. I think this East TN big man has his best football days ahead of him, especially if he further develops his lower base agility.    Riverdale senior [player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods'] and Carter two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'] are two interior pass rushers that are a tad undersized but bring active game play to the field along with a knack for getting into the backfield. Coffey in particular had a breakout junior year where he led the 4A ranks in sacks.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/jcoffey.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1641276" style="width:288px;height:auto" /></figure>   Having the skill set to work the 3-tech or play the end, Pope Prep D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1588109' first='Jarius' last='Jones'] is an intriguing guy that brings pass rushing to the trenches that could translate best in college work the interior. He would need to add more weight to become that forceful college interior rusher but the frame is certainly there.    The next set of guys all come from the interior as nose guards or run stuffing defensive tackles that all show flashes of college upside but need further development. Those prospects include [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] (Jefferson Co.), [player_tooltip player_id='1571450' first='Calvin' last='Johnson'] (Page), [player_tooltip player_id='1634248' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] (Germantown), [player_tooltip player_id='1585716' first='Johnathan' last='Holcomb'] (Ripley), [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'] (South Gibson), [player_tooltip player_id='1634775' first='Terzaion' last='Cook'] (Kirby) and [player_tooltip player_id='1634136' first='Martavion' last='Pratcher'] from Mitchell.    Wilson, Holcomb, Smith and Cook might be the closest to making an impact on the college level. Wilson had a stellar junior year where he produced a lot of sacks and action in the backfield. Holcomb shows excellent upside with his ability to get off the line fast while showing nice hand work. Smith is a load in the middle with deceptive athleticism. He works equally well stopping the run and rushing the passer. Cook is built in the same way. He is a big boy that eats up space while competing with a violent approach.    The other three in Johnson, Jones and Pratcher need more time before they come into their own. Johnson is the most intriguing because I can see some D1 flashes with him. Jones is an undersized guy that fits the 3-tech role well while Pratcher is a true nose guard that moves deceptively well for a 6'3 340 pound D-lineman.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/128-Christian-Wilson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298991" style="width:304px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -   The Best of the Rest ……   - A few guys to mention that might sit at the lower end of our upcoming rankings but have some traits that may allow them to reach the college stage are [player_tooltip player_id='1622588' first='Porter' last='Ragle'] from MBA, [player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell'] from Grundy Co., [player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother'] out of Soddy Daisy, [player_tooltip player_id='1606268' first='Christian' last='Keel'] from Tyner Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='1633934' first='Haiden' last='Cox'] from Science Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='1580743' first='Nickolas' last='Clark'] out of Germantown and [player_tooltip player_id='1104286' first='Melvin' last='Boone III'] from Rockvale.   Ragle is an undersized defensive end prospect that does good work against the run while showing upside with rushing the passer. He does a good job at staying low and bending around the edge but could become much more recruited with increased burst and speed.    Grizzell is one of the more intriguing talents from our #TN2026 class that has the physical traits (6'5 265) needed to compete on the next level. Right now the Yellow Jackets big man is better suited at stuffing the run but potential is there to become a much better pass rusher with development and maturity. He also shows upside as a potential college offensive lineman as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/igrizzell2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1641279" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></figure>   A hidden gem pass rusher to follow this summer in camps and into the Fall season is Yother. The Trojans defensive end shows some excellent work on film at rushing the backfield. Yother has a solid get-off along with nice closing speed that could be developed much further on the college level.    Keel and Cox are two defensive tackle prospects that have a chance to build their stock further over the coming months due to their ability and upside to work the middle of the defensive line. Keel is more of your nose tackle while Cox has the ability to work both the 3-tech or nose. Both these guys bring some interesting game play to the field that I feel like could shine more throughout their senior seasons.    Rounding out this group, Clark and Boone are undersized D-linemen that play with high motors, showing the ability to rush the passer. Both of these fit the 3-tech role well with Clark being better right now versus the run while Boone does a good job of getting after the quarterback. The Rockets senior in particular may be one of the better athletes coming out of our #TN2026 D-line class.    - - - - -   Other D-linemen to Know ……   - [player_tooltip player_id='1103493' first='Briar' last='Bancroft'] - Silverdale, [player_tooltip player_id='1639461' first='Brelan' last='Holloway'] - Haywood, [player_tooltip player_id='284145' first='Jaqwan' last='Ellison'] - Dresden, [player_tooltip player_id='1640169' first='Jaqraun' last='Little'] - Tyner Acad., [player_tooltip player_id='1635121' first='Cayden' last='Talley'] - Chester Co., [player_tooltip player_id='1614937' first='De'Angelo' last='Franklin'] - Sheffield, [player_tooltip player_id='1326049' first='Jarmarian' last='Kinnie'] - MTCS, [player_tooltip player_id='1557426' first='Jacob' last='Mahoney'] - WH-Heritage, [player_tooltip player_id='1571430' first='Jeremiah' last='Harris'] - Halls, [player_tooltip player_id='1634154' first='Makhi' last='Isom'] - Howard, [player_tooltip player_id='1554209' first='Chester' last='Burgess'] - Hunters Lane, [player_tooltip player_id='1106222' first='Grayson' last='Ravo'] - Powell, [player_tooltip player_id='1291569' first='Jaren' last='Hollins'] - Riverdale   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/zharris2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1641288" style="width:348px;height:auto" /></figure>