Best of the Unranked (TN2026 Def. Linemen)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The defensive linemen are well represented inside our senior rankings but there are guys who were left out in our first edition but should definitely be added during our next update, especially these ten, who show flashes and traits of being able to reach the college game. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Scouting the talent throughout this state never sleeps. The evaluation process is always on full go, so as we inch closer to the start of the 2025 season, here we look through our database to see who may be sitting under the radar and unranked when it comes to their recruitment. Our #PRZTN rankings will be updated in the Fall and these players have a chance to be added with a breakout senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother'] - Soddy Daisy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This Chattanooga area defensive end barely missed our first rankings cut but I expect to be a part of them during our Fall updates. Yother is your traditional defensive end prospect that could occasionally stand up due to his deceptive athleticism. What I like most about the Trojans senior is his motor as well as with his mature pass rushing skill set. Yother shows he can use his hands while displaying the occasional spin move. What may be holding schools back is needing to see more weight added to his frame along with continued enhancement with his athleticism and release off the snap. You will definitely see Yother added in our next rankings but I also think you will an increase with his college interest as we get through the 2025 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1103493' first='Briar' last='Bancroft'] - Silverdale Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Bancroft has had a very productive career thus far with Silverdale and if he was two inches taller or played at a bigger program, earning college offers might not be a problem. The Seahawks defensive end doesn't have the ideal look or size but he is a mature pass rusher that knows how to get into the opposition's backfield. This is a max effort guy that uses his powerful hands and deceptive lower base athleticism to get through or around would-be blockers. Bancroft didn't make our first rankings update but he is sure to be added into a next addition, especially if he puts forth a strong senior season. If he does, also look for more college interest, even possibly an FCS look.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1704958' first='Jevon' last='Carter'] - East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Flying under the radar as we head into the 2025 season, Carter jumped onto my scouting table late in the summer but immediately showed me the physical traits and upside warranted for longer looks by collegiate coaches. The Eagles senior stands about 6'4 250 pounds, providing the look of a potential rush end or edge guy on the college level. Carter is an athletic guy that displays a nice get-off with long arms that allows him to stack blockers or keep them at a distance to maneuver away from. He moves well too, showing the speed now and into the future to develop into a solid pass rusher down the road. This Nashville native doesn't have a lot of content behind to help right now but with a strong senior year, Carter should most definitely jump onto the college radar and potentially land several new offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1741956,"width":"267px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jcarter.jpg?w=410" alt="" class="wp-image-1741956" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1699910' first='Xavier' last='Simmons'] - Warren Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Flying way under the radar right now but someone that shows me the physical skills and upside to find himself within our next updated #PRZTN rankings, coming later this Fall. Simmons was a little known guy to me until he jumped on my radar late in the spring after clips that showed a defensive end that has a solid get-off with arm length and potential at closing fast towards the quarterback. The Pioneers senior defensive end has a nice frame too that can certainly pack another 30 pounds, which would give him a better shot at stopping the run. I see long term potential here with Simmons. I'm curious to see how he performs this Fall and how much better he has gotten because I could see his talents landing inside our Top 300 prospects during the next update.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1671226' first='Kylan' last='Sharp'] - Munford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sharp was left out of our initial senior rankings due to me needing to see further growth with his body and development with his game but after a solid spring and summer camp season, you can bet to see this West Tennessee product added in our next update. The Cougars senior is a disruptive 3-tech defensive tackle that has the ability to rush the backfield but also stuff the run as well. Sharp is a tad undersized at 6'1 285 pounds but he makes up for it with athleticism and an active motor. Since our initial rankings in the spring, Sharp has landed several new offers and could add more with a strong showing this Fall. If he performs well, not only will Sharp jump into our Fall rankings but he may work his way close towards the “Top 100”.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1741944,"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/3/2025/07/kysharp.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1741944" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1614937' first='De'Angelo' last='Franklin'] - Sheffield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the more productive defensive linemen coming out of the greater Memphis area during this cycle&nbsp; is this multi-year starter that just missed our cut during rankings drop in the Spring but should definitely be added during our Fall update. Franklin has been disrupting opposing backfields for multiple years now but sits without a lot of college interest due to his size. The Knights senior stands about 6'1 260 plus pounds, so he doesn't fit the ideal look of a college defensive tackle but he plays much bigger with excellent effort. Franklin is a true 3-tech guy that gets off blocks fast providing the ability to either rush the passer or stuff the run. If he can increase his weight while still moving well on the field, his stock might grow during the Fall months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1640169' first='Jaqraun' last='Little'] - Tyner Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It was tough leaving this Chattanooga area D-lineman out of our initial prospect rankings but after a strong showing during summer camps, Little will certainly be added in the next update and maybe even jump into the Top 200. A naturally powerful young man with strong hands, Little is tough to handle in the middle due to that strength but also because of his deceptive athleticism and ability to get off the snap quickly. He can sometimes get engulfed by bigger O-linemen but if the Rams senior gets low then uses his strength to drive his man back, Little usually finds his way towards the ball. His stock is ready to be ranked in the Fall but I'm curious to watch him perform and see if Little can jump onto the college radar with a strong senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1291569' first='Jaren' last='Hollins'] - Riverdale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hollins was under consideration to be ranked back in the Spring but due to a lack of sufficient film, the Warriors big man missed the cut. I think it all changes after the Fall season as Hollins is expected to play a major role on the Riverdale defensive line as their run stuffer that can occasionally get after the passer. The Warriors senior only stands about 6'1 but weighs nearly 300 pounds. He is a space eater that moves well for his size. Hollins shows college potential due to his ability to get off the ball and make disruptive plays but he must improve his hand work and technique. Riverdale has several players that could breakout this season with Hollins I believe being one of them and someone that could move up our rankings significantly but also boost his college stock along the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1741957,"width":"240px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jhollins.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1741957" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams'] - Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A multi-year starter and state champion for his Houston ball club, Williams will definitely find his name among our Fall rankings but also someone that could rise significantly while also boosting his college stock with a strong senior year. Williams is a well versed young man that has played a lot of snaps for his Mustangs defense, so he is a seasoned guy that would bring a lot of game experience to the next level. The way this Memphis area product is built, Williams translates to the next level as either a gap specialist or a 3-tech tackle. He needs to add more bulk and weight to make a bigger impact up front but Williams is a good athlete that shows multiple ways to get into the backfield. I think once this senior D-lineman adds in the proper weight, you will see the best come out of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1580743' first='Nickolas' last='Clark'] - Germantown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Clark plays within one of the better defensive line units in the state but he is the developmental prospect among the rest that could land inside our new Fall rankings with a breakout senior season. The Red Devils senior big man is a bit of a tweener that could provide snaps at multiple areas but I feel his best position is the 3-tech but Clark must continue enhancing his athleticism while adding weight to become that player. I believe he has started that process as Clark performed well during summer camp season and picked up several small level offers along the way. Watching how he performs this Fall will dictate a lot on not just his future #PRZTN ranking but also his overall college recruiting stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=DL">#TN2026 Defensive Line Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Other Possible Risers: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662787' first='DJ' last='McNeil']</strong> - Bolton, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639461' first='Brelan' last='Holloway'] </strong>- Haywood, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284145' first='Jaqwan' last='Ellison']</strong> - Dresden, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634136' first='Martavion' last='Pratcher']</strong> - Mitchell, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104286' first='Melvin' last='Boone III'] </strong>- Rockvale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1741959,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/tonywilliams.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1741959" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->