Inside The Rankings: #TN2026 Defensive Backs

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The deepest and most talented position group coming from our senior rankings are the defensive backs. You can find a variety of prospects in this group from man coverage corners to tackling nickels or ball hawking safeties. There are always some under the radar guys that show the capabilities of reaching the D1 level.</h2>     The Top Ten    [player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'] - McCallie (4th overall/1st DB)   - Taking the top spot among our senior defensive backs is this future Notre Dame prospect that brings great size, technique sound game play and versatility to the playing field. Smith is a multi-year starter that has taken snaps at cornerback, safety and nickel while excelling at each three. The Blue Tornado senior moves well with his lower base, allowing his feet to put him in position then using his eyes and instincts to make plays on the ball. I'm curious to watch his senior season as well as see how he progresses in college because I like Smith and his upside to start early at Notre Dame and potentially take his game beyond college.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] - Haywood (5th overall/2nd DB)   - Recently choosing to play his college ball at Vanderbilt, Harris is an uber talented player that could be the top cornerback prospect from our #TN2026 class. The Tomcats senior is a smooth operator that moves, runs well while showing strong technique sound play that translates well to the Southeastern Conference. The only thing holding Harris back from being our top defensive back prospect is that he needs to gain further weight to sustain himself on the next level. I think he will get there during his time at Vanderbilt, where he has the chance to earn playing time early then eventually turn himself into an eventual All-Conference player.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] - Knox. Webb (6th overall/3rd DB)   - One of the better athletes we have not just from our defensive backs but the entire #TN2026 class is this Knoxville based prospect that will be taking his talents in college to Clemson University. This 6'1 defender is highly talented with the ability to handle several positions within the secondary, including developing at cover corner. Young, Jr is a smooth mover that uses his length to his advantage as well as his high football IQ to make plays on the back end. More weight needs to be added to his frame but the Spartans senior is a great worker that will certainly add size and when he does, Young, Jr should turn into an eventual starter during his time in the ACC.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shavar_y/status/1904327854403276936 </div></figure>   - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='958217' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore'] - Baylor (7th overall/4th DB)   - Some of the best defensive potential out of our senior class comes from this Chattanooga area prospect that could develop into a starting cornerback on the collegiate playing stage. Athletic with quick, twitchy feet, Theodore has lock down cover corner written all over him and college programs from the Power Four level have recognized his upside. The Red Raiders defender had a breakout junior season where he led the team in interceptions while locking down one side of the field, which helped the defense as a whole in a big way. His stock has skyrocketed over these off-season months, where Theodore has maneuvered his way into a Top 10 in-state prospect that will be a steal for whoever signs him.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] - Oakland (17th overall/5th DB)   - Tutt is one of the more intriguing defensive talents we have coming out of our #TN2026 class due to his versatility and the physical approach he brings to the playing field. Regardless of position, Tutt is one of the more violent, hardest hitting defenders we have this cycle that does great work versus the run but also has the athleticism and range to make plays against the pass. The Patriots senior may not fit an exact role at the moment but I don't think that matters as Tutt is simply a “ball player” that plays with high football intelligence and the physical mindset needed to excel on the defensive side of the ball.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='1110713' first='Josh' last='Sims'] - Pearl Cohn (26th overall/6th DB)   - A recent decision to take his talents to the college level instead of playing his senior year at Pearl Cohn takes Sims out of the mix to watch this Fall but at the time of our rankings, he was still set to be with the Firebirds. Due to his age, Sims was able to head to the next level, where he signed with Tulane and he has a chance to work with the Green Wave this Fall learning the game and developing while waiting his turn to get on the field. Tulane is getting a good player that shows signs of playing cover corner in college but at worst, Sims has the athleticism and versatility to handle several roles on the back end if the island doesn't work out.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='1652146' first='Dorien' last='Partee'] - Southwind (34th overall/7th DB)   - Holding a few offers in hand, Partee is somebody I could see blowing up big time after a hopeful strong summer camp season and a breakout senior year due to his athletic profile and upside to play cover corner in college. The Jaguars senior defensive back shows some of the best athleticism and quickness on film out of his position group. Partee has an easy, smooth moving lower base that allows him to stay on path with the receiver then shows the speed to close fast and make plays on the ball. More weight needs to be added to his thin frame but that can happen over time. The ceiling is high here with Partee and I believe his stock will soar as more coaches look him over and see the upside for the next level.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dorienpartee1/status/1909100750862434671 </div></figure>   - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='328897' first='Kolby' last='Barrett'] - Baylor (35th overall/8th DB)   - The Red Raiders have several high quality prospects within their secondary, including this 6 '2 safety that will come up and hit ya in run support but also shows the instincts and range to make plays versus the pass. Barrett is a multi-talented guy that runs well for his size. He has the ability to remain at safety in college but could play that “Star” role many defenses on the next level put into play. His offer list shows plenty of strong interest right now but Barrett could push his profile further with strong work this summer in camps while also putting together a standout senior year. I could see the Red Raiders safety moving up our rankings as well, so it will be fun and interesting to watch his progression this Fall and see how things play out.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins'] - Ensworth (37th overall/9th DB)   - Hopkins is a multi-year starter for his Tigers defense that brings strong athleticism and versatility to the secondary, which I think are big factors why Minnesota wanted him and landed his commitment. Choosing to play in the Big 10, Hopkins has a shot to excel up North due to his ability to run, his high football intelligence and ability to play multiple roles, including possibly cornerback. Hopkins is a technique sound guy that does a lot of things right, which could help him play outside. Possibly the only reason why he is ranked just inside our Top Ten DB's and not higher is due to his weight. Hopkins is a thin guy that needs more size but he is a worker, so I'm sure he will add the weight over time.    - - - - -    [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] - Page (50th overall/10th DB)   - Some of the best instincts from our senior defensive back class comes from this Williamson County resident that also has the speed and ball skills that I believe translates well to the Power Four level. Wilson sits as our 10th ranked defensive back but I can see him moving up in the Fall update as well as see his stock reach another plateau where ACC, Big 10 or SEC schools get involved. The Patriots senior safety reads the quarterback better than anyone in this class. His football intelligence is very high and is someone that could be a captain that makes all the defensive calls in college. Even though he holds 20 plus offers, Wilson is underrated nationally and someone to watch for over the coming months.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tpalmateer83/status/1862684889671188806 </div></figure>   - - - - -    The Next Five …..   [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] - Anderson Co. (55th overall/11th DB): Playing with the Mavericks for his senior season, Mills is a talented safety prospect that brings good size to the field along with nice instincts towards finding the ball. There is a lot of untapped upside here that may start to come to light this Fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1610490' first='Jaylen' last='Pollard'] - Ravenwood (57th overall/12th DB): Pollard has been one of the hottest prospects over the spring months with a lot of that due to his upside as a hard hitting thumper on the next level that does good work versus the run but shows upside as a ball hawk as well.    [player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] - Clarksville (65th overall/13th DB): Aggressive with a quick first step, Watkins is a versatile piece that has the ability to play cover corner but also the skill set to excel at nickel or safety as well. If the Cats defender was two inches taller, you would see more schools knocking down his door.    [player_tooltip player_id='1167514' first='Jayden' last='Rush'] - FRA (71st overall/14th DB): Rush goes both ways for his Panthers team but his college upside for me fits best on defense at safety. This 6 '0 athletic defender has a game that allows him to play boundary or field safety along with skills to be a good piece on special teams as a gunner or return man.    [player_tooltip player_id='993950' first='Zephan' last='Birt'] - Collierville (79th overall/15th DB: New to the Dragons for the 2025 season, Birt has good height and length along with an agile lower body that shows potential to play cornerback in college. Birt displays quick feet on film and the ability to close fast. Added weight is needed but the corner game is certainly there.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=DB">#TN2026 Def. Back Rankings</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/jamwatkins.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1345986" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Other Ranked Def. Backs    [player_tooltip player_id='1161079' first='Omari' last='Bledsoe'] - Stewarts Creek (89th overall/16th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley'] - Whitehaven (91st overall/17th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch'] - Bradley Central (93rd overall/18th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1648110' first='De'Shun' last='Tipton'] - McCallie (95th overall/19th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1417724' first='Martez' last='Mitchell'] - Tyner Academy (103rd overall/20th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi'] - Webb School (104th overall/21st DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] - Independence (111th overall/22nd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark'] - Blackman (122nd overall/23rd DB)   - Standing 6'4 180 plus pounds, Bledsoe has great height and length but is lacking the body mass to exactly know if he will be a corner or safety in college. He does show the athleticism and footwork to potentially stay on the outside; Whitley is a versatile piece on the back end that I feel fits best as either a nickel or field safety. He is also valuable as a return man on special teams; One of the more underrated prospects at this time is Makuch. The Bears safety is a ball hawk that runs well, displaying outstanding instincts; A multi-year starter and state champion, Tipton is another ball hawk that plays with strong instincts along with having a versatile skill set to play multiple secondary positions.    A hidden gem that closes fast, Mitchell is a tad undersized but is one of the quickest cover guys we have in this class. The Rams senior gets out of his break quickly and aggressively goes after the ball; A long term big payoff prospect could be Ametitovi. Still learning how to play on the back end, the Feet defensive back has great size along with athleticism and closing speed that translates well to the college game; Mullen is an intriguing prospect that I could see developing in college at either receiver or safety. He is an athletic, crafty guy that has the size and skill set for both positions; If you turn on his junior film, Lark is an impressive player that shows good footwork and hip movements that allow to excel at cover corner. His size is one thing that has Lark down at 23rd among the defensive backs but this guy can play!    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/dtipton2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1549030" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1403891' first='Jbrein' last='Crawford'] - East Nashville (129th overall/24th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1637994' first='Dominick' last='Hamer'] - Hillsboro (130th overall/25th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] - Covington (137th overall/26th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='480743' first='Torin' last='McAfee'] - Knox. Central (138th overall/27th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1116798' first='KeAndre' last='Gibson'] - Nash. Christian (142nd overall/28th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1393183' first='Malakai' last='Jacob'] - McCallie (153rd overall/29th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1653346' first='Darrius' last='Baldwin'] - Melrose (158th overall/30th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1640649' first='Malachi' last='Steele'] - Centennial (159th overall/31st DB)   - Raw but highly talented is Crawford, who was a first time starter last year at East but performed very well. The Eagles senior is one of the better athletes at safety in this class that shows ball hawk tendencies and upside; Hamer jumped on the scene late for me but is a guy I'm interested to continue learning about over the coming months. This guy is a versatile player that reads and reacts very well and is willing to tackle in run support; If Beard played at a bigger school, he would have more attention because he brings college size to the field along with athletic upside to become a ball hawking safety. The Chargers senior plays a technique sound game that could flourish bright this coming Fall; A multi year starter with a lot of experience at cornerback, McAfee is an athletic guy that could remain on the outside in college with continued crafting of his game and added weight.    Athletic and fast with abilities to play corner in college, Gibson is a raw but talented young man that took a big step forward last year and has seen the interest come in because of it. The Eagles senior is still developing his craft but the potential is strong due to his ability to run; Jacob is a hard hitting safety prospect that moves well enough to possibly work at nickel as well. He is a little undersized but makes up for it with aggressive game play; Speaking of aggressive, Baldwin personifies that as he loves contact and getting his hands on people. A lot of his work is at corner but for college, I like this Memphis area best at nickel or boundary safety; One of the fastest defensive backs in this class is Steele. This Mid-Tennessee talent is undersized but has the speed to make a difference somewhere in the secondary.    [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] - Stewarts Creek (161st overall/32nd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen'] - Brentwood (171st overall/33rd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1103503' first='Gabriel' last='Lee'] - TCA (179th overall/34th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer'] - Siegel (180th overall/35th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1635948' first='Joshua' last='Anderson'] - Clarksville (181st overall/36th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='860619' first='Jaeden' last='Thomas'] - Germantown (182nd overall/37th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1629901' first='Braylon' last='Wyatt'] - Lausanne (186th overall/38th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1188597' first='George' last='Mancini'] - Knox. Catholic (191st overall/39th DB)   - Standing 6 '2 185 pounds, Davis brings college size to the field along with versatility to play corner or safety. The RedHawks senior is an excellent worker that can play in coverage and come up in run support while also providing snaps on special teams; Allen is a ball hawk that sits under the radar but the guy can play. He reads the quarterback very well then uses his range and speed to track down the ball on a consistent basis; Another ball hawk that is underrated at the moment is Lee. The Lions safety has some of the best read and react work I've seen on film. If he can add more weight, Lee might see his stock rise during the Fall months; Jennifer is a long term, big payoff prospect that is headed into his senior year with untapped potential. Sporting great size and a physical frame, the Stars defensive back has the skill set to develop in college at either corner or safety.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/gmancini.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1677321" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure>   Clarksville has a talented defensive backfield with Anderson being one of their top guys. This 5'10 defender plays fast and hard with an athletic profile that could work at several positions with maybe nickel being his best fit; Moving over to Germantown for his senior season, Thomas is an athletic, hard hitting safety that comes downhill fast and creates pop with his power tackling; A potential sleeper to follow this Fall is Wyatt. Standing 6 '1 with good arm length, the Lynx defender shows college upside as a potential field or boundary safety; If Mancini didn't miss his entire junior season, you might be hearing more about him right now. This is a fast and athletic safety with good size that plays with good range and the willingness to come down in run support and tackle.    [player_tooltip player_id='1257132' first='Tikum' last='Brian Asongwe'] - Webb School (192nd overall/40th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='492602' first='Amari' last='Peters'] - Antioch (219th overall/41st DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1653555' first='Antonio' last='Crawford'] - Germantown (220th overall/42nd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1660959' first='Terrence' last='Moses'] - Milan (222nd overall/43rd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1316604' first='Trent' last='Buchanan'] - Green Hill (238th overall/44th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1617044' first='Graham' last='Geshke'] - MBA (241st overall/45th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1646196' first='Jayden' last='Frazier'] - Webb School (268th overall/46th DB)   - Asongwe shows a violent approach on film that would work well on the collegiate playing stage. This guy plays hard and fast with nice range and flashes of technique sound tackling; Peters is one of the better nickel prospects in the state that is currently flying under the radar. He is more quick in short spaces rather than fast but is a strong tackler with good instincts; Tall and long with a nice frame to pack on more weight, Crawford is an intriguing safety prospect to follow this Fall as I see him potentially making it to the FCS level with further development.    Moses is a small town standout that could see a big boost in our Fall rankings with a strong start to his senior year. The Bulldogs safety is an athletic ball player who reads the pass well and quickly attacks; New to Green Hill this Fall, Buchanan brings great size to the field with raw, untapped abilities. A lot of his work has been at corner but in college, I see his best fit residing at safety; Geshke is a hidden gem that might develop into a breakout senior star this Fall. The Big Red defensive back is a better than average athlete that plays a high football intelligence brand of football that could develop well as a center fielder. The Feet are deep with talent on the back end with Frazier being one of those guys, who brings a versatile skill set to the field that works well at nickel.    [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'] - Halls (279th overall/47th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1588112' first='Mikhel' last='Wilkes'] - Peabody (280th overall/48th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1604396' first='Sebastian' last='Renderos'] - Christian Brothers (282nd overall/49th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1576833' first='Keymond' last='Jones'] - Melrose (284th overall/50th DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1583149' first='Javiyon' last='Link'] - Gallatin (294th overall/51st DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee'] - Collierville (296th overall/52nd DB)   [player_tooltip player_id='1601034' first='Carlos' last='Roberson'] - Jackson Christian (300th overall/53rd DB)   - Piphus is a small town prospect that had a breakout junior year with six interceptions and several other pass breakups. He is undersized in height and weight but the Tigers defensive back shows an instinctive nose for the ball; The Golden Tide have multiple college level guys with Wilkes being one of them. This 5 '10 safety is a physical, downhill tackler that has upside if he can enhance his agility and speed; Athletic with quick feet, Renderos is a gritty competitor that gets around the ball more often than not. If he was two inches taller, the Purple Wave defensive back would be gaining more recruiting attention; Jones shows ball hawk tendencies on film along with the willingness to tackle in run support. If he can add more strength and weight, his stock could rise.    The Green Wave have a good piece in their secondary with Link, who is a guy that shows potential to play cover corner in college. He has good size (6'0 175) with nice arm length and the foot speed to stay on path with the receiver; Plumlee is an under the radar talent with strong junior film. This 6'1 defender shows nice lower body movements and quick feet and enough speed to close on the ball. He plays a lot of cornerback for Collierville but I like his game best at field safety; Roberson goes both ways for his Eagles team but for college, I like him best in the secondary. This is an athletic guy that runs well with the ability to play multiple roles on the back end.   <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/3/2025/05/keyjones-crop-352x231-1747784744.jpg?w=351" alt="" class="wp-image-1677324" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure>