TN2027 Rankings: Defensive Breakdown (DL/LB)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moving into our defensive rankings, here we breakdown the prospects from the Defensive Line and Linebackers inside our #TN2027 Top 150. There is talent here with these groups but also room for others to step forward and become highly thought after players. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our junior rankings have arrived! After months of scouting film and learning more about these prospects, we have made it to our Prep Redzone Tennessee Top 150. It was a long, in-depth process of breaking down highlights and watching these prospects develop over the off-season months to place themselves among the current top players across the Volunteer State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 150</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding defensive linemen that can make an impact on the college game is hard to find but hopefully our #TN2027 class provides several guys that can do that or at least be serviceable starters that produce or play steady ball on a consistent basis. Our junior crop looks solid but can definitely become better with continued development and new guys taking steps forward in their progression to become recruitable prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The clear cut number one prospect coming off the D-line is MASE big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman']</strong>. The Phoenix defensive tackle (3rd overall/1st DL) prospect that has committed to Ole Miss is a large human being that moves well, showing explosive flashes that allow him to rush the backfield or stuff the run. The great thing about Pittman too is that he is still learning himself and the game, so his best football days should be ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1616302,"width":"233px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/jampittman.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1616302" style="width:233px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in ranked 2nd among the D-linemen is FRA 3-tech <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal']</strong>. The Panthers junior sports one of the best motors from this position along with great handwork. Neal (33rd overall) is an active young man that could be the best interior pass rusher out of this class that still has room to add more size while maintaining the natural athletic abilities that appeal to college coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwind junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff'] </strong>(46th overall/3rd DL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'] </strong>(52nd overall/4th DL) out Christian Brothers are two Memphis based prospects that scream college potential. Ratliff is an intriguing guy due to his athleticism, arm length and possibility to develop on either side of the line. Umstead is physically well built with some power rushing moves that tells me he could excel at defensive end in college, however some schools may look at him as a possible tight end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the Memphis area, Germantown defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] </strong>(58th overall/5th DL) is new to the state of Tennessee for the Fall season but someone that could have a breakout junior year that boosts his stock and player ranking. Harris can do that due to his ability to get around the edge and get after the quarterback on a consistent basis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two defensive linemen that sit under the radar at the moment but have college abilities and traits are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo'] </strong>(61st overall/6th DL) from Rockvale and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.'] </strong>(88th overall/7th DL) out of James Lawson. Both these guys bring something different to the field but the upside to become a major player somewhere down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to the Volunteer State, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman'] </strong>(94th overall/8th DL) is a space eater at defensive tackle that shows the strength to stack blocks and make plays versus the run while also having enough athleticism to get into the backfield and cause havoc against the quarterback. If Freeman can increase his agility and explosiveness, you could see a rise in his Fall ranking.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1700082,"width":"297px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Cash-F-RT-crop-1060x696-1751228908.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1700082" style="width:297px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying with guys who project at defensive tackle in college, next in-line inside our rankings includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] </strong>(97th overall/9th DL) from BGA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1568976' first='Tyi' last='Duncan'] </strong>(98th overall/10th DL) from Franklin, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671494' first='Ryan' last='Jenkins'] </strong>(115th overall/11th DL) out of Southwind and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] </strong>(127th overall/12th DL) from Blackman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pittman brings great size to the field along with athletic flashes. If he develops his body further while enhancing his mobility, more interest could fly his way. A true nose tackle, Duncan is a space filler that could develop into a nice run stuffer in college. Jenkins is the guy in this group that shows me the most upside as he displays a nice combination of athleticism and power that translate well to the college game. Stewart is a 3-tech defensive tackle that could become a more forceful player with added power and strength.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolensville defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] </strong>(128th overall/13th DL) is a guy many may not know about now but could be at the end of the 2025 season. The Knights pass rusher is a tad undersized (6'2 230) but makes up for it with an active motor, great bend around the edge and the speed to chase down the quarterback from the backside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two West Tennessee products in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] </strong>(129th overall/14th DL) from Memphis Central and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen'] </strong>(133rd overall/15th DL) out of South Gibson are long term projects that show college potential within their games but need further development to reach their potential. Lane is an active, athletic guy that gets off the snap well, displaying pass rushing upside. Allen is physically well built (6'4 275) with line versatility as he could rush the backfield at tackle or stack the run on the end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Missed The Cut: </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651726' first='Donavon' last='Hunt'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687498' first='Ian' last='Friday'] </strong>- MUS, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676951' first='Jeremiah' last='Strickland'] </strong>- Oak Ridge, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654146' first='Kason' last='Boswell'] </strong>- Gallatin, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] </strong>- White Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry'] </strong>- NCS, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629881' first='Travis' last='Brasfield'] </strong>- Knox. Halls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1700083,"width":"261px","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/dpauldo.jpg?w=857" alt="" class="wp-image-1700083" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebackers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This has been a position that's lost its value over the past couple of years as more college teams like to build the front line while adding an extra defensive back to the defensive side of the ball but good linebackers are still needed. Our junior class may provide a few guys that fit the bill of active tacklers that bring athleticism, size and smarts to the playing field that translate well to the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our number one ranked linebacker is one of the better prospects coming out of the #TN2027 class and someone that has just about every college coach in the country in pursuit. FRA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>(5th overall) has spent most of his high school career at safety but due to his size (6'4 210) and natural athletic abilities, his college upside resides best at linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently committing to Tennessee, Knox. West junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace'] </strong>(12th overall/2nd LB) is a highly talented young man that brings size and a versatile skill set to the playing field. The Rebels backer can do a variety of things from playing the middle and stuffing the run or working the edge to get after the passer. He is also athletic enough to drop in coverage and play versus the pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1626419,"width":"262px","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/user-uploads/jppeace.jpg?w=399" alt="" class="wp-image-1626419" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking the third spot among our linebackers is MASE junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] </strong>(45th overall), who could be the fastest guy coming out of this position. This guy has sideline to sideline speed along the willingness to hit anything that crosses his path. Hunt may be a tad undersized (6'0 200) but this Memphis area prospect plays like his hair is on fire with a non-stop motor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>People are missing the boat right now when it comes to Alcoa junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth']</strong>. The Tornadoes linebacker (55th overall/4th LB) shows some of the best instincts and footwork coming from this position. This is an athletic guy that does excellent working against the run game but also shows the skills to play in coverage as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking 5th among our linebackers and 56th overall, Brentwood Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] </strong>is a true middle backer that might turn out to be one of the better run stuffers from this class. He has great size and solid arm length but also enough athleticism and closing speed to make tackles sideline to sideline.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upperman junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] </strong>(81st overall/6th LB) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'] </strong>out of Bartlett (87th overall/7th LB) are two fast rising linebackers that I could see exploding on the recruiting scene with breakout Fall seasons. Johnson has great size that could work on the edge or from the middle. Some college coaches may like him for tight end as well. Clark looks the part of a college guy and moves like one too. His athleticism and quick feet should be quite appealing but also his ability to rush the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1700088,"width":"333px","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/coltjohnson-crop-610x400-1751229379.jpg?w=609" alt="" class="wp-image-1700088" style="width:333px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more versatile backers we have in this group is BGA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon']</strong>. The Wildcats linebacker (121st overall/8th LB)&nbsp; had a strong sophomore season where he did a lot of work both from the edge and the middle. Cannon shows sideline to sideline tackling on film as well as the ability to stand up and rush the passer off the edge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] </strong>(122nd overall/9th LB) is an intriguing talent that has spent most of his high school career at safety but should be fully transitioning to linebacker this Fall, where his college upside fits best. If he transitions nicely, Faulkner could develop into one of the best coverage backers within this junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out the linebackers are two Mid-Tennessee products in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara'] </strong>(134th overall/10th LB) from Riverdale and Beech junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] </strong>(135th overall/11th LB). Lara is a guy I'm projecting to breakout this Fall season as he brings good size to the field (6'2 210) and an athletic skill set that should flourish in a starting role. Williams goes both ways for his Bucs team but I like him best on defense as a true middle backer that could develop into a formidable run stuffer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Missed The Cut: [player_tooltip player_id='378869' first='Ahvare' last='Galbreath'] </strong>- Clarksville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'] </strong>- MASE, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966034' first='Noah' last='Gaylor'] </strong>- Clinton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber'] </strong>- Maryville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">#TN2027 Prospect Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1700089,"width":"271px","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/kfaulkner.jpg?w=563" alt="" class="wp-image-1700089" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->