Prep Redzone TN NXT Top Performers (Defense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our Middle School Showcase last Sunday proved to be a good day for the defensive prospects as multiple showed themselves to be potential future starters. These ten below are the one's that stood out the most, earning a place among the top performers. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305173' first='Trenton' last='Gibbs'] - Oakland&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly the top overall defensive prospect we had from our Middle School class was this Murfreesboro area lineman that had a consistent day at our Showcase all the way from testing into 1 on 1 competition. Gibbs was as steady as they come. Early on, he tested very well then proceeded to put in good work during positional drills. Where this future Patriots D-lineman earned his MVP honors was during 1 on 1's where offensive linemen had a hard time keeping Gibbs in front of them nor slowing him down. This dude is a worker, a competitor that brings his all whenever he steps onto the field. It may take some time for him to grow into his body but word from the Oakland coaches is that they are expecting him to compete for playing time on the High School level this Fall and I can definitely see how that can happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660082' first='Darius' last='Ridener'] - McCrary Co. (Ky)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Traveling down from the Bluegrass State to compete at our NXT Showcase, Ridenor had a strong showing where he ended the day by earning MVP honors for the linebackers and placing himself on my radar as a prospect to watch over the coming years. Standing 6 '0 and a little under 200 pounds, Ridenor already has decent size as he heads into his high school career along with a high football knowledge that speaks of being an eventual captain. The biggest factor behind Ridenor earning MVP honors was his ability to cover in space. He did a good job of moving his body in position to make plays on the ball. There is much to learn for this incoming freshman but he certainly impressed at our Showcase, showing solid potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (LB) <strong>Lane Bush - Logan Co. (Ky)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another native Kentuckian here in Bush came down the #PRZTN NXT Middle School Showcase and performed very well. Bush was one of the top testers from his position as well as one of the better linebackers to perform in coverage during 1 on 1 competition. This is an undersized linebacker at the moment that has plenty of growing to do but his competitive nature and ability to move are two traits that will certainly help him moving forward. While Bush competed at linebacker, he may grow and develop at other positions as he continues to get older. Whatever he ends up becoming, this Bluegrass State defender has the want to and desire to form into a solid starter down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (DB) <strong>Kevondre Bass - Oakland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This guy might have been one of the smallest prospects in attendance when it comes to height but Bass played much bigger, using his athleticism to consistently make plays on the ball while staying on path with the receiver. The Patriots defender displayed outstanding feet that allowed him to stay right there in the action throughout the day, especially in 1 on 1 competition. Bass also tested well, which speaks to his natural athletic abilities. It may take some time before Bass earns a starting role on the high school level but if he maintains his competitive edge while continuing to enhance his skill set, the Pats freshman could carve out an important role within the defensive backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685442,"width":"217px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/20250601_161418-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1685442" style="width:217px;height:auto"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1538137' first='Jayden' last='Leavy'] - Brighton&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Traveling over from Memphis to compete at the #PRZTN NXT Showcase, Leavy had a nice day that displayed potential to one day find a starting secondary role with the Cardinals and a player that could handle a variety of positions. This West Tennessee talent already has a nice physical look about himself that will only get bigger and better as Leavy continues to get older. He used his physicality on multiple occasions throughout camp to fight for the ball while also using his arm length to break up passes on a consistent basis. The Cardinals defensive back does need to enhance his agility and speed to become a future D1 caliber guy. His play last Sunday was a good step in the right direction as Leavy will definitely be on my radar going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (DB) <strong>Tate Smith - Beech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top testers from the defensive side of the ball throughout the camp was this Mid-Tennessee product that showed a versatile skill set that could be used all across the secondary. Smith is an undersized guy with a lot of maturing to go but the athletic tools are in place to become a starter one day for his Buccaneers defense. This is a feisty defender that breaks on the ball well then fights through contact to make plays on the ball. Smith showed me upside to handle several roles in the defensive backfield with maybe his best upside one day coming at nickelback. There is tons of development to go here but Smith had a strong day at our Showcase that will keep him on my radar over the coming years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘30 (DB) <strong>Regge'Yon Hubbard - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It was an impressive day for this young but talented defensive back that took home MVP honors for the defensive backs and a camp that showed off the upside to one day find a starting role within the Baylor secondary. What I liked most about Hubbard throughout the camp was his aggressive, competitive nature. This Chattanooga area defender did not back down from anybody and did his best to make plays on the ball whenever his number was called. Hubbard is a good athlete that runs well but as he gets older, he will learn not to grab so much, which is something he did on occasions during the Showcase. There is plenty of growth yet to go for Hubbard but I see tools within him that speaks towards a possible bright future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘31 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326140' first='Titus' last='Holloway'] - Oakland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another undersized future Patriot defensive back was this 2030 prospect that had a solid day at the #PRZTN NXT Middle School Showcase and displayed a variety of skills that could be utilized one day within the Oakland secondary. Holloway is an excellent athlete that did good work during testing and positional drills but also stood out in 1 on 1's where he used his instincts and quick feet to consistently place himself around the football. This rising 8th grader looks the part of a future nickel prospect but that could change with continued growth and enhancement of his game. Holloway is a versatile player too that could handle several roles in the secondary as well as become a standout one day on special teams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685447,"width":"202px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/20250601_162443-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1685447" style="width:202px;height:auto"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (Ath) <strong>D.J. Fisk - Kenwood&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Out of all the middle school competitors at last weekend's Showcase, Fisk probably had the best look from a physical standpoint along with a frame that will certainly take on more weight. This Clarksville native looked big compared to his fellow competitors and he performed like it throughout camp. Fisk performed on both sides of the ball during the showcase where he made tough catches at receiver while also doing solid work playing in coverage as a linebacker. The Knights rising freshman did his best work in 1 on 1 competition where smaller defenders could not deal with his size. He does need to increase his agility and speed but the tools are there to develop nicely over the coming years and into an eventual starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘29 (Ath) <strong>Romello Armstrong - FRA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We could have a future stud on our hands with this Nashville area prospect that already shows the size needed for the high school and college level along with a versatile skill set that could be developed on either side of the ball. Last Sunday at #PRZTN NXT Showcase, Armstrong put forth a strong display of athleticism ranging from his testing all the way into 1 on 1 competition. His size and length alone proved to be an issue for the opposition while performing on defense. The Panthers two-way prospect shows a skill set that could form into either a receiver or defensive back during his high school career. Regardless of which side of the ball he lands at, Armstrong is a guy I will certainly keep eyes on as I like the high end potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685440,"width":"230px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/20250601_162549-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1685440" style="width:230px;height:auto"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->