#TN2026 Rankings (Defensive Overview)

Chris Smith April 25, 2025 @ 03:07 PM

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our recently released senior rankings saw a large group of defensive prospects make the cut, especially due to some depth at the D-line and defensive back positions. Here we breakdown those defenders inside our #TNTop300. </h2>     - Our senior rankings have finally arrived and in good time for NFL Draft weekend and right before we crank up summer camp season. It was a long, thorough process breaking down and evaluating tons of film while seeing a lot of these prospects in person at camps, 7v7 events or training.    Our rankings are based on measurables, production and potential for the next level. Our Top 300 will evolve over the coming months where guys will move up and down the board while being expanded upon during the Fall football season.    Here we provide a position by position brief review with our defensive prospect rankings and who to know about moving into summer camp season.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">#TN2026 Prospect Rankings</a>   Defensive Line    - The defensive trenches are well represented within our new senior rankings with our top guy being Germantown prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] leading the way. Ranked 12th overall and 1st among our D-linemen, Bah is a fast rising prospect that has gained a lot of interest and offers this spring and seen his stock soar. I don't think he is done adding opportunities either, so watch this Memphis area product continue to bring in top options throughout the next few months.    Closely behind Bah sits South Gibson defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad']. The Hornets big man (16th overall/2nd DL)  brings a nice combination of athleticism and power to the playing field that has a bevy of Power Four programs hot on his trail. He was once committed to SMU but recently reopened his process. Gaad has taken recent visits to both UCLA and Wisconsin.    BGA D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'] (29th overall/3rd DL) ranks next, followed closely by [player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield'] (30th overall/4th DL) from Cleveland and [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] (31st overall/5th DL) out of Powell. Fleming is a two-way prospect that shows us strong potential on the defensive side of the ball. Westfield is a highly active competitor that provides some of the best interior pass rush in this class while Garcia is a wide bodied but athletic guy that is screaming with potential.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/igarcia.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1366229" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure>   Including two guys mentioned above, the East Tennessee region looks quite strong on the D-line for the #TN2026 class. Behind Westfield and Garcia sits four guys in [player_tooltip player_id='1210664' first='Jayden' last='Arenas-Michel'] (44th overall/6th DL) from Baylor, [player_tooltip player_id='1281457' first='Tobja' last='Walters Jr'] (47th overall/7th DL) out of Oak Ridge, [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'] (59th overall/9th DL) from Greeneville and [player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] (62nd overall/10th DL) out of South Pittsburg.    Arenas-Michel stands tall (6'5 268 lbs) with position versatility. He can provide work at both defensive end or inside at nose guard or the 3-tech. Walters, Jr is a load to handle up front with the Wildcats big man providing some of the best power/speed combo from our D-line.    Harris is an under the radar talent that is built in similar fashion to Walters. The Green Devils D-lineman may be one of the best interior athletes we have from the #TN2026 class. Hardrick has become a popular prospect on the recruiting scene this off-season due to his size (6'6 225 lbs), length and potential to provide a pass rush on the college stage.    Collierville senior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr'] (51st overall/8th DL) may have some of the best potential of all D-linemen. Standing 6 '5 245 pounds with long arms, the Dragons big man shows an excellent burst off the snap and an agile lower base with foot speed that allows him to cause havoc against opposing quarterbacks.    We don't have too many nose guards within our senior D-line class but Lipscomb Academy big man [player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'] is one of them. Ranked 67th overall and 11th among our D-linemen, this Nashville based prospect has untapped, raw potential that could boost himself up the recruiting board of many high level college programs with a strong senior year.    Two pass rushers to know about that have D1 programs interested are [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] (73rd overall/12th DL) from Southwind and budding star [player_tooltip player_id='1512350' first='Avery' last='Hughes'] (78th overall/13th DL) out of Portland. Both these guys have a nose for the backfield with bend and speed that can cause opposing O-linemen problems.    The next grouping of players are all defensive tackle prospects with a few of them having the athleticism to occasionally work on the end. Those guys include [player_tooltip player_id='1641926' first='Amaree' last='Williamson'] (98th overall/14th DL) from Cookeville, [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] (107th overall/15th DL) from Smyrna, [player_tooltip player_id='624847' first='Jacob' last='Rice'] (113th overall/16th DL) from Knox. Catholic, [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'] (115th overall/17th DL) from Lipscomb Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'] (118th overall/18th DL) out of McCallie, [player_tooltip player_id='1218538' first='Issiaga' last='Yattara'] (119th overall/19th DL) from The Webb School and Germantown senior [player_tooltip player_id='1566697' first='Joshua' last='Williams'] (174th overall/20th DL).    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/awilliamson2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1662680" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure>   Williamson is a naturally powerful young man that could be a late riser into the Fall months. Martin is a 3-tech pass rusher that may be undersized but is strong and athletic. Rice is a two-way lineman that shows me big potential for defense as a run stuffer and occasional pass rusher.    Spillman missed his junior season, so the tape isn't there but I've seen enough of him to know that playing D1 football is possible. Hudgins is an undersized 3-tech prospect that plays hard with an active motor. Big potential resides with Yattara. The Feet D-lineman has great size and length along with the versatility to work inside or at defensive end. Williams is an active competitor that is still filling into his body but shows upside as a college interior pass rusher.    Just beyond the Top 20 D-linemen sit a grouping of prospects that may be lacking in some areas but show the upside to reach the FCS level and even maybe the D1 stage with continued development. Ranked 175th overall and 21st among the D-line is Dyersburg senior [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant']. The Trojans defensive end missed most of his junior season but showed the athleticism and burst to give quarterbacks fits in college.    Another pass rusher just beyond the Top 20 is Sequatchie Co. defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith']. The Indians defender (189th overall/23rd DL) plays with ultimate effort and a physical mindset that college coaches would enjoy working with and developing.    We have another large grouping of defensive tackle prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='981349' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] (185th overall/22nd DL) from Green Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='1455214' first='Shawn' last='Daulton'] (193rd overall/24th DL) from GCA, [player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods'] (199th overall/25th DL) out of Riverdale, [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'] (231st overall/26th DL) from Carter, Pope Prep senior [player_tooltip player_id='1588109' first='Jarius' last='Jones'] (232nd overall/27th DL), [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] (240th overall/28th DL) from Volunteer, [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'] (243rd overall/29th DL) out of South Gibson, Kirby big man [player_tooltip player_id='1634775' first='Terzaion' last='Cook'] (244th overall/30th DL), [player_tooltip player_id='1633934' first='Haiden' last='Cox'] (245th overall/31st) from Science Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='1648776' first='Elijah' last='Daniels'] (246th overall/32nd overall) from Boyd Buchanan and [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'] (247th overall/33rd overall) out of Camden that have beef and athletic upside to find starting spots on the collegiate playing stage.    Two guys from that grouping that may have the most upside could be Daulton and Cox. Those two East Tennessee products sport good playing strength along with the athleticism to provide an occasional pass rush. They both need to keep forming the bodies and game but I definitely see the potential.    The rest of the DL rankings include [player_tooltip player_id='1651729' first='Jack' last='Baker'] (248th overall/34th DL) from Briarcrest, [player_tooltip player_id='1634248' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] (250th overall/35th DL) out of Germantown, [player_tooltip player_id='1585716' first='Johnathan' last='Holcomb'] (261st overall/36th DL) from Ripley, [player_tooltip player_id='1622588' first='Porter' last='Ragle'] (262nd overall/37th DL) from MBA, [player_tooltip player_id='1571450' first='Calvin' last='Johnson'] (276th overall/38th DL) out of Page, [player_tooltip player_id='1659827' first='Michael' last='Douglas III'] (283rd overall/39th DL) from Jackson Christian and [player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell'] (293rd overall/40th DL) from Grundy County.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/pragle.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1662681" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Edge Rushers   - Our edge class is top heavy with strong talent but not as deep compared to last year. It's still a solid group of pass rushers that have the physical traits and upside to further their recruiting action as the next few months roll along. The top edge prospect for the #TN2026 cycle is East Robertson senior [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves']. Ranked 8th overall and 1st among his position group, the Indians tall, long and athletic defender has some of the biggest defensive potential of all with his best football days ahead of him.    Sitting directly right behind is Whitehaven edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House']. Coming in ranked 9th overall and 2nd among his position group, the Tigers big man is dripping with potential, sporting the physical abilities and traits to become a devastating pass rusher during his time in college.    Holding multiple offers in hand but sporting big time potential for the Power Four level, Ravenwood edge [player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown'] comes in next, ranked 18th overall and 3rd among the pass rushers. The Raptors prospect is a shining star that has yet to break through into national status but I believe that will change by the time we reach the Fall football season.    Three contenders to play their way into “Top 3” status among the edge rushers are [player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers'] (74th overall/4th edge) from Germantown, [player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] (77th overall/5th edge) out of Forrest and [player_tooltip player_id='402525' first='Blaze' last='Katina'] (87th overall/6th edge) from Independence. All three of these guys are athletic prospects with good size, burst around the edge and physicality that translate well to the college game.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/bkatina.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1662684" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure>   Just beyond those top six edge rushers are prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] (108th overall/7th edge) from Houston, [player_tooltip player_id='402538' first='Ethan' last='Hill'] (109th overall/8th edge) from Bearden and [player_tooltip player_id='941118' first='Vidale' last='Cothran'] (136th overall/9th edge) out of Germantown that could play their way up in our next updated rankings with strong showings this summer in camps and breakout senior years. All three are talented young men with athleticism, speed and a feel for getting after the quarterback.    Station Camp senior [player_tooltip player_id='1261313' first='Ryland' last='Keefe'] (166th overall/10th edge) is an intriguing talent with great size (6'4 230) that could provide versatility up front. The Bison big man is set right now for edge but his body and game play shows the ability to play traditional defensive end somewhere down the line, especially if and when he grows into his large, wide radius frame.    If anyone is looking for three natural pass rushers who may be undersized but has a unique feel for getting into the backfield, look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='1588093' first='Jesse' last='Zachary'] (167th overall/11th edge) from Oneida, [player_tooltip player_id='1631584' first='Fischer' last='French'] (196th overall/12th edge) out of McCallie and [player_tooltip player_id='1634150' first='Colt' last='McClary'] (198th overall/13th edge) from Nash. Christian. I personally like all three of these guys and their upside to excel getting after the passer on the college level.    The rest of the edge rankings include [player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] (237th overall/14th edge) from Pearl Cohn, [player_tooltip player_id='1608580' first='Collin' last='Crider'] (251st overall/15th edge) out of CAK, [player_tooltip player_id='1612855' first='Eugene' last='Robinson, Jr'] (252nd overall/16th edge) from Red Bank and [player_tooltip player_id='1268388' first='Jarvis' last='Glenn'] (287th overall/17th edge) out of Kirby.    - - - - -    Linebackers   - Breaking down the backers inside our Tennessee Top 300, it's a deep class but maybe not overly talented. That could change over the coming months as prospects continue to put in the work and develop their craft. There are several backers in the middle half of our rankings that have a big opportunity to take their stocks to another level and work themselves into FCS, possible D1 status.    It was battle between two guys to choose as our current #1 ranked linebacker for the #TN2026 with the nod going to Green Hill senior [player_tooltip player_id='1610497' first='Omeiza' last='Daniyan']. The Hawks physical tackler (Ranked 52nd overall) shows up big on his junior film where he displays excellent instincts for the ball, good speed and a certain toughness you want in the middle of your defense.    Sitting right behind Daniyan is BGA senior [player_tooltip player_id='1103031' first='Elijah' last='Fernandez']. Ranked 60th overall and 2nd among our linebackers, the Wildcats athletic defender may have as much upside as anybody from this position with the ability to stuff the run, rush the passer or play in pass coverage. I really like the upside here with Fernandez and his potential on the college level.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/20240823_192057-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1403370" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coming in ranked 3rd among our linebackers is Brentwood Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer']. The Eagles athletic backer (61st overall) recently pledged to Miami Ohio and you can see why the Red Hawks wanted him as Jointer shows on film athletic upside to become stellar in pass coverage while also providing the occasional pass rush.    Three of the more athletic and versatile guys we have from our #TN2026 linebacker class are [player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'] (88th overall/4th LB) from Haywood, [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] (90th overall/5th LB) from Sevier Co. and [player_tooltip player_id='402569' first='Zach' last='Gilbert'] (100th overall/6th LB) out of Boyd Buchanan, who could work their way into D1 status by the end of the Fall football season.    Another guy built in the same fashion is Gibbs senior [player_tooltip player_id='1527611' first='Chase' last='Norman']. The Eagles linebacker (102nd overall/8th LB) is dripping with potential as he stands 6'4 210 pounds with nice length and a frame that can pack more weight. He is also quite athletic, showing the ability to set the edge and play in pass coverage.    Some middle linebacker prospects to know about include [player_tooltip player_id='1566274' first='Preston' last='Patterson'] (101st overall/7th LB) from CPA, McCallie senior [player_tooltip player_id='212419' first='Cooper' last='Gentle'] (116th overall/9th LB) and rising star [player_tooltip player_id='1646596' first='Chris' last='Moore'] (117th overall/10th LB) from Bartlett. Patterson and Gentle are two head hunters that play fast and hard while Moore competes in the same way but is the better athlete with possibly the biggest upside.    Mt. Pleasant senior [player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'] (128th overall/11th LB) has the physical tools to compete on the big stage but has yet to take that next step with his game. New Glencliff linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1206237' first='Arkez' last='Fontenot'] (143rd overall/12th LB) is a good athlete and one of the top coverage guys we have in this position group. [player_tooltip player_id='854393' first='Jayden' last='Pyant'] (147th overall/13th LB) from Ensworth is a hidden gem that is still developing his body and game but has the size and potential to contend on the D1 level one day.    Three East Tennessee based linebackers that mainly work off the edge but have the potential to move inside are [player_tooltip player_id='1281467' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] (149th overall/14th LB) from Bearden, [player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] (152nd overall/16th LB) out of McCallie and Science Hill senior [player_tooltip player_id='1646496' first='Brayden' last='Austin'] (168th overall/19th LB). Brown is a fierce and fast tackler while Abercrombie is highly versatile with strong football knowledge. Austin is a physical competitor with size and the ability to rush the backfield.    Another guy who can also work both off the edge and the middle is Pope Prep linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='212420' first='Kyrin' last='Coleman']. Ranked 154th overall and 17th among his position group, the Knights senior has a lot of experience playing on the edge but showed last year as a junior the ability to impact games from middle linebacker.    [player_tooltip player_id='1583134' first='Carson' last='Kelly'] (150th overall/15th LB) out of Arlington and [player_tooltip player_id='1540917' first='John' last='Rex Dockery'] (155th overall/18th LB) are two high ceiling prospects that bring the athletic and explosive traits to the playing field that translate very well to the college game. Both do a lot of their work off the edge. Kelly and Dockery have the upside to play in space while also rushing the quarterback.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/77-Carson-Kelly-rotated-e1736532220226.jpg?w=823" alt="" class="wp-image-1598742" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure>   The next crop of backers are all targeted to play middle linebacker on the college level with a few of them bringing some dynamic, athletic game play to the field. Those prospects include [player_tooltip player_id='1132842' first='Blake' last='Surratt'] (170th overall/20th LB) from Ensworth, [player_tooltip player_id='1432227' first='Ean' last='Jones'] (212th overall/21st LB) out of White Station, Collierville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1246806' first='Jayden' last='Majors'] (213th overall/22nd LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1286224' first='Jaylen' last='Jackson'] (214th overall/23rd) from West Creek, [player_tooltip player_id='1598498' first='Braylon' last='Green'] (221st overall/24th LB) out of Melrose, Riverdale backer [player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] (226th overall/25th LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1651742' first='Hayden' last='Parker'] (227th overall/26th LB) from Briarcrest and [player_tooltip player_id='1103033' first='Jayden' last='Jennings'] (233rd overall/27th LB) out of Peabody.    Closing out the Top 30 are [player_tooltip player_id='1655483' first='Dominic' last='Daddabbo'] (234th overall/28th LB) from Knox. Catholic, [player_tooltip player_id='1657203' first='K'Leb' last='Crowder'] (235th overall/29th LB) out of Boyd Buchanan and [player_tooltip player_id='1554216' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] (236th overall/30th LB) from Chester County. All three of these guys are good athletes that show potential but need time either in the weight room or on the field developing.    The rest of our linebacker rankings includes [player_tooltip player_id='1584109' first='Garret' last='Risner'] (264th overall/31st LB) from Briarcrest, [player_tooltip player_id='1657165' first='Dom' last='Culp'] (278th overall/32nd LB) out of Knox. Halls, Knox. Catholic senior [player_tooltip player_id='1432221' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'] (281st overall/33rd LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'] (288th overall/34th LB) from Gatlinburg-Pittman, [player_tooltip player_id='1603958' first='Justis' last='Haggard'] (289th overall/35th) out of Columbia Central, [player_tooltip player_id='1280293' first='Andy' last='Brock'] (291st overall/36th LB) from Gallatin, [player_tooltip player_id='1629250' first='Jacob' last='Gilles'] (292nd overall/37th LB) from Franklin-Grace and [player_tooltip player_id='853122' first='Colton' last='Nabors'] (295th overall/38th LB) out of Lausanne.    - - - - -    Defensive Backs    - Potentially the deepest and most talented position group of all throughout our #TN2026 rankings are the defensive backs. Using my scouting eyes, I could see 30 plus guys from this year's class make it into the D1 ranks or higher. I can see another 30 prospects beyond that top 30 finding their way onto the FCS level. That's how good this defensive back class is this cycle.    It was a tough call for our 1st overall ranked defensive back as it was a battle between four guys but that top spot ended up going to McCallie senior [player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'] (4th overall). The Blue Tornado versatile defender sit in the #1 overall slot due to his size, length, high football knowledge and versatility to play both safety spots and potentially cover corner.    Not too far behind Smith is [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] (5th overall/2nd DB) from Haywood, [player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] (6th overall/3rd DB) from Knox. Webb and fast rising stud [player_tooltip player_id='958217' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore'] (7th overall/4th DB) out of Baylor. All three of these guys are elite level prospects that are being pursued by Power Four programs. I expect the top four ranked defensive backs in this class to have long football playing careers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/cadharris.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1371831" style="width:212px;height:auto" /></figure>   Oakland safety [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] comes in next, ranked 17th overall and 5th among the defensive backs. This is a violent competitor that plays with instincts and a high motor. Recently committing to Northwestern, [player_tooltip player_id='1110713' first='Josh' last='Sims'] (26th overall/6th DB) from Pearl Cohn is a versatile piece that could develop at cornerback but could certainly shine at nickel or field safety.    Late to our radar but a guy many should know about is Southwind senior [player_tooltip player_id='1652146' first='Dorien' last='Partee']. This Memphis area product is one of the better overall athletes we have in this defensive back class (34th overall/7th DB) that could become a lock cover corner in college.    The next set of guys are all considered safety prospects, which include [player_tooltip player_id='328897' first='Kolby' last='Barrett'] (35th overall/8th DB) from Baylor, [player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins'] (37th overall/9th DB) out of Ensworth, [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] (50th overall/10th DB) from Page, [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] (55th overall/11th DB) from Anderson Co. and [player_tooltip player_id='1610490' first='Jaylen' last='Pollard'] (57th overall/12th DB) out of Ravenwood.    Barrett is a big dude that moves well and could eventually grow into that “Star” position used in college. Hopkins is an athletic, versatile piece that fits field safety well while having the ability to provide snaps at cornerback. Mills is built in the same way but bigger with more length. Wilson is probably the most instinctive safety we have in the class and he may be one of the fastest as well. Pollard is a thumper that plays well in run support. He is an underrated athlete too that has improved a ton in pass coverage.    Clarksville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] (65th overall/13th DB) is a tad undersized but is a tremendous athlete with strong instincts. [player_tooltip player_id='1167514' first='Jayden' last='Rush'] (71st overall/14th DB) can work several positions on the back end with his best upside coming at safety. Collierville defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='993950' first='Zephan' last='Birt'] (79th overall/15th DB) is new to the state but talented, showing the potential to play corner in college.    Tall and long with natural athletic abilities, Stewarts Creek senior [player_tooltip player_id='1161079' first='Omari' last='Bledsoe'] (89th overall/16th DB) has tons of potential but needs time to fill into his body. Whitehaven defender [player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley'] (91st overall/17th DB) is a versatile piece that also provides value on special teams. [player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch'] (93rd overall/18th DB) is a hidden gem that I see D1 potential with. He brings good size to the field along with physicality and the ability to run.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/smakuch.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1652659" style="width:220px;height:auto" /></figure>   Two guys from the Chattanooga area in [player_tooltip player_id='1648110' first='De'Shun' last='Tipton'] (95th overall/19th DB) from McCallie and [player_tooltip player_id='1417724' first='Martez' last='Mitchell'] (103rd overall/20th DB) are two highly athletic young men that can handle several positions in the secondary. Tipton is a ball hawk that is also a willing tackler while Mitchell is fast and twitchy with the upside to play college corner.    Another guy who could potentially play cornerback in college is Blackman senior [player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark']. Ranked 122nd overall and 23rd among the defensive backs, Lark is an athletic, quick footed defender that plays an aggressive style of ball that could work well on the outside. Much of the same could be said about Knox. Central senior [player_tooltip player_id='480743' first='Torin' last='McAfee'] (138th overall/27th DB).    Some under the radar safety prospects come in next with [player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi'] (104th overall/21st DB) from The Webb School, [player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] (111th overall/22nd DB) out of Independence, East Nashville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1403891' first='Jbrein' last='Crawford'] (129th overall/24th DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1637994' first='Dominick' last='Hamer'] (130th overall/25th DB) from Hillsboro and Covington defender [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] (137th overall/26th DB).    All five of those guys show D1, FCS level traits but have yet to break through on the recruiting scene. I like the upside with all five and will be interested to see how their games progress throughout the coming Fall season.    Nash. Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='1116798' first='KeAndre' last='Gibson'] (142nd overall/28th DB) is raw but highly talented and can run. McCallie safety [player_tooltip player_id='1393183' first='Malakai' last='Jacob'] (153rd overall/29th DB) plays hard and fast with the range to play in coverage. Melrose defender [player_tooltip player_id='1653346' first='Darrius' last='Baldwin'] (158th overall/30th DB) is an aggressive prospect that brings versatility to the secondary. One of the fastest prospects in this class is [player_tooltip player_id='1640649' first='Malachi' last='Steele'] (159th overall/31st DB) from Centennial, who could fit well at nickel in college.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/15-Darrius-Baldwin-rotated-e1736533845110.jpg?w=1019" alt="" class="wp-image-1598685" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure>   Four safety prospects with upside in [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] (161st overall/32nd DB) from Stewarts Creek, [player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen'] (171st overall/33rd DB) out of Brentwood, [player_tooltip player_id='1103503' first='Gabriel' last='Lee'] (179th overall/34th DB) from Trinity Christian and [player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer'] (180th overall/35th DB) from Siegel are talented ball players that bring instincts and size to the playing field.    One of the better nickel prospects we have in this class is [player_tooltip player_id='1635948' first='Joshua' last='Anderson'] (181st overall/36th DB) from Clarksville. This kid can run while showing the willingness to tackle in run support. Another guy who fits the nickel role well is Antioch senior [player_tooltip player_id='492602' first='Amari' last='Peters']. The Bears senior (219th overall/41st DB) could also develop at boundary safety as well.    [player_tooltip player_id='860619' first='Jaeden' last='Thomas'] (182nd overall/37th DB) from Germantown and Lausanne defender [player_tooltip player_id='1629901' first='Braylon' last='Wyatt'] (186th overall/38th DB) are two Memphis based prospects that bring good size and athleticism to the table that fit well back at safety while both having the capabilities to handle nickel as well.    Knox. Catholic safety [player_tooltip player_id='1188597' first='George' last='Mancini'] (191st overall/39th DB) missed his junior season due to injury but has the college size needed as well as the athletic traits to develop nicely in college. [player_tooltip player_id='1257132' first='Tikum' last='Brian Asongwe'] (192nd/40th DB) stands out on film due to his aggressive nature, his tackling and versatility to play safety or nickel.    Two raw but athletic safety prospects to follow this Fall are [player_tooltip player_id='1653555' first='Antonio' last='Crawford'] (220th overall/42nd DB) from Germantown and [player_tooltip player_id='1660959' first='Terrence' last='Moses'] (222nd overall/43rd DB) out of Milan. Crawford has great size (6'2 180) and quick reactionary skills that can develop further in time while Moses competes with a high motor, showing good work in run support and the athleticism to make plays on the back end.    The rest of our DB rankings includes [player_tooltip player_id='1316604' first='Trent' last='Buchanan'] (238th overall/44th DB) from Green Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='1617044' first='Graham' last='Geshke'] (241st overall/45th DB) from MBA, [player_tooltip player_id='1646196' first='Jayden' last='Frazier'] (268th overall/46th DB) out of Webb School, Halls senior [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'] (279th overall/47th DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1588112' first='Mikhel' last='Wilkes'] (280th overall/48th DB) from Peabody, [player_tooltip player_id='1604396' first='Sebastian' last='Renderos'] (282nd overall/49th DB) out of Christian Brothers, [player_tooltip player_id='1576833' first='Keymond' last='Jones'] (284th overall/50th DB), Gallatin senior [player_tooltip player_id='1583149' first='Javiyon' last='Link'] (294th overall/51st DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee'] (296th overall/52nd DB) from Collierville and [player_tooltip player_id='1601034' first='Carlos' last='Roberson'] (300th overall/53rd DB) out of Jackson Christian.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 300</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/ggeshke.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1662687" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure>