Scouting The Class: #TN2026 Edge Rushers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our look at our in-state 2026 recruiting class, here we breakdown the pass rushers, the edge guys that has a nose for the backfield. It's a solid group that is lacking deep numbers at the moment but can certainly grow over the coming months. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rushing the quarterback is something every team in the college football landscape puts a premium on when it comes to their recruiting efforts. Here in the great state of Tennessee, the #TN2026 class presents several strong options for the next level, including a few guys that have the potential to become big time in college and potentially beyond that.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our #TN2026 crop doesn't appear very deep at the moment but that can change over the next six months. It does look top heavy though with several high caliber prospects that have Power Four and D1 programs in hot pursuit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top of the List Talent (Big Potential)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The players mentioned in this section already have coaches hot on their trail with a few being national prospects that have seen their recruitments take-off over these off-season months. I do believe a few others have the potential to see their stocks rise over camp season and into the Fall football year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fighting to be the top edge rusher in the #TN2026 class is a two man battle right now between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] </strong>out of East Robertson and Whitehaven senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House']. </strong>Both these guys have the physical traits and athleticism to become big time rushers on the collegiate gridiron but still have room for growth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groves is a pure athlete that has an agile lower base along with flashes of twitch coming off the edge. The Indians senior defensive prospect stands about 6'4 220 plus pounds along with long arms and an outstanding secondary burst. He still needs time to pack on more weight but the pure athletic abilities are definitely there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1093274,"width":"280px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/11/zgroves.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1093274" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming out of Memphis, House could be the top prospect from the “Bluff City” during this cycle and someone that is still coming into his own as a football player. The Tigers edge defender has outstanding size (6'5 230 lbs) along with long arms and a burst that gives opposing O-linemen fits. House gets after the quarterback well but he is also strong versus the run too.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Competing with Groves and House for the top spot looks to be new Ravenwood edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown']</strong>. Transferring over to the Raptors from Lipscomb Academy for his senior season, Brown might turn out to be the best from his position over time as he sports some of the best agility, bend and burst amongst the #TN2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like the other two above, Brown still needs time in the weight room filling out his body but the raw abilities and speed are certainly there to develop nicely on the collegiate playing stage. I would not be surprised to see Brown creep into the top two by the time we get to the end of the 2025 football season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After those top three guys, we have three others that might be a level down right now but have the upside to become big time pass rushers in time. Those three include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers'] </strong>from Germantown, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402525' first='Blaze' last='Katina'] </strong>out of Independence and small town stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] </strong>from Forrest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers is a two-way talent that could have some looks at tight end and that's due to his natural athletic abilities but for the college game and beyond, I like his upside best off the edge where his length and speed can become game changers. The Red Devils senior is still developing and learning the edge role, so I definitely feel like his best football is certainly ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off an injury that shortened his junior season, Katina may need to hit the college camp scene to boost his stock but if you look over his film, what you see is a smart, physical competitor that can provide a pass rush but also string out the run game. The Eagles senior is a savvy ball player that shows a great feel for the game with I believe another level with his burst and speed that can develop further over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grissom may come from a small town school but this 6'2 220 pound edge rusher can ball and may have some of the best closing speed from our #TN2026 edge rushing group. Throughout his junior film, what you see is a guy that plays with an outstanding motor along with a physical brand of football that travels well to the college game. Grissom has built some good buzz this off-season but I think it can grow even further with strong work this summer in camps and a breakout senior campaign.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1640405,"width":"257px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/cgrissom.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1640405" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Under the Radar but Talented</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we move down the list of edge rushers, here we have a collection of prospects that have the physical traits and have shown flashes of college upside but need more time to enhance their body in the weight room and their game on the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting in the western part of the state, we have two guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] </strong>from Houston and First Assembly senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941118' first='Vidale' last='Cothran'] </strong>that brings several traits to the playing field that screams college upside. Jimerson is still raw and learning but you can't teach 6'5 215 pounds. The Mustangs big man has long arms as well that helps him get off blocks and chase down the ball. Jimerson can run too, which is why some schools may look at him for tight end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cothran looks the part of an edge rusher, standing roughly 6'3 220 pounds with arm length and excellent bend. He brings some of the best lower base agility to the #TN2026 crop but sits under the radar due to his need for more weight and possibly because of the level of competition he plays against. The opportunity is there for the Crusaders senior to play his way into D1 status with strong work this summer and a breakthrough senior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bearden senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402538' first='Ethan' last='Hill'] </strong>may be one of the top hidden gems coming out of our senior class. The Bulldogs edge defender is undersized, which is why college coaches have yet to get on board with him but let me tell you, Hill can play and may have some of the best mature pass rushing moves from our #TN2026 class. He is strong, physical and quick off the snap with very active hands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A combo guy that can rush the backfield but does good work versus the run is Station Camp senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261313' first='Ryland' last='Keefe']</strong>. Standing about 6'4 230 pounds, the Bison big man has the physical college look and long arms to see his stock take-off at some point but will need to enhance his athleticism and agility to make D1 coaches take notice.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647256,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/rykeefe.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647256" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631584' first='Fischer' last='French'] </strong>and Oneida edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588093' first='Jesse' last='Zachary'] </strong>are two East Tennessee under the radar talents that can get off the edge fast and bring the heat towards the quarterback. French is a tad undersized right now at 6'2 210 pounds but plays exceptionally hard along with physicality and a nose for the football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zachary is someone I like a lot and someone that could impress during college camp season. Coming from a small part of Tennessee, Zachary hasn't received much interest up to this point but if you turn on his film, what you see is a guy that gets off the snap well then shows the pursuit and speed to harass quarterbacks. He also has solid size at 6'3 225 pounds with the frame to push on more weight over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If both <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634150' first='Colt' last='McClary'] </strong>from Nashville Christian and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] </strong>out of Pearl Cohn were taller players, they would be receiving more college interest at this point because both these dudes enjoy playing in the opposition's backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClary has some of the best initial bursts I've seen on film thus far along with outstanding closing speed. He sports a nice bend with the ability to get low and around tackles. This Mid-Tennessee product is an active ball player that competes hard and was a key piece on the Eagles state title team last Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>League is a versatile guy that could develop at middle linebacker while also providing a pass rush off the edge. Last year as a junior, League produced big numbers for his Firebirds defense that consistently made plays in the backfield, both chasing down the quarterback and stuffing the run. This guy is undersized but plays exceptionally hard and a physical brand of football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647258,"width":"303px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/kleague.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647258" style="width:303px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Developmental Talent&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some guys mentioned above kind of fit into this category as well but the prospects talked about in this section are certainly under the radar but it's due to them needing more time both in the weight room and the playing field, molding their craft. Several prospects listed below have some tools to turn heads over the next seven months and push their games and recruitment to bigger levels.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CAK senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608580' first='Collin' last='Crider'] </strong>is one of the more productive edge rushers we have coming back for the 2025 season. The Warriors pass rusher had a breakthrough junior year where he displayed consistent work beating blocks and getting to the quarterback with his active motor and deceptive speed. He does good work versus the run too, showing nice arm extension and separation towards the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still learning the edge while developing his body, Red Bank senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612855' first='Eugene' last='Robinson, Jr'] </strong>has raw tools that are still forming together but I can see pass rushing upside that might flourish down the road. The Lions pass rusher is tall with long arms that shows occasional flashes of great burst and closing speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647263,"width":"317px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/erobinson.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647263" style="width:317px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirby senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268388' first='Jarvis' last='Glenn'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480860' first='D'Andre' last='Hundley'] </strong>out of Austin-East are two undersized pass rushers that fit best playing with their hand in the dirt but don't have the ideal size to play traditional defensive end. Glenn shows good work at getting out of his stance fast and into the backfield. Of the two guys, Glenn may have a shot at standing up off the edge and rushing the passer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hundley, Jr is a physical competitor that shows the occasional speed around the corner but his game may be better suited at setting the edge in the run game and stringing ball carriers out to the sidelines. The athletic traits are there for this Knoxville area prospect to further develop his pass rushing abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Obion Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584097' first='Morgan' last='Carpenter'] </strong>is built the same way as Hundley, Jr being a guy that fits the role of your run stuffing edge guy that could provide the occasional pass rush. A lot of his junior work is seen on offense, where Carpenter handles tight end but for the college game, I like his game best on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding things out, two raw talents I'm interested to watch this Fall are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116800' first='Evan' last='Bragg'] </strong>from Wilson Central and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1622002' first='Ahmir' last='King'] </strong>out of Ezell-Harding. Bragg is someone I'm very intrigued with as I see a tremendous athlete off the edge that moves well and the potential to rush after the quarterback. He is still learning the position and developing his body but the raw tools are certainly there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King is also still learning how to work the edge. Right now, the Eagles senior does better work at stopping the run but has the physical size at 6'3 225 pounds to make a difference rushing the quarterback. Added strength and enhanced agility and speed are needed for King to realize his full potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The overall look at our #TN2026 edge rushers show a solid group without much depth. That can change however as we have several months ahead to see new guys jump on the radar with others pushing their games to another level. It will be interesting to see how this position group turns out in the long run because I see several guys that could make big impacts one day within the college game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647265,"width":"328px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/vcothran.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1647265" style="width:328px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->