TN2027 Rankings: Defensive Breakdown (EDGE/DB)  

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some of the best overall talent coming out of our in-state junior recruiting class resides with these two positions. Here we breakdown the edge and defensive back prospects that sit inside our Tennessee Top 150 with our scouting overview (Deep positions that will grow further in time).</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>Edge Rushers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The #TN2027 edge rusher class doesn't have a lot of depth right now but does have some talented prospects that shows Power Four, D1 or FCS potential. Most of these guys written about below bring variety to the edge as either straight pass rushers or backers that can drop into coverage. Everybody in this section does need further development however, so it will be fun to see how the progress over the next several months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our current number one ranked edge linebacker is the most versatile guy in this grouping, who has a skill set that could work at multiple positions. Sevier Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] </strong>(44th overall/1st Edge) is that guy. Coming off a stellar sophomore season where he led his Smoky Bears team in tackles, Newman is a prospect I could raise his stock significantly with added weight and a strong junior campaign.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melrose edge <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] </strong>(54th overall/2nd Edge) is dripping with potential but is still far from a finished product. He has the arm length, frame and size (6'3 230) coaches want as well as the fluid lower body movements to become an excellent college pass rusher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sevier Co. appears to have the best edge rushing tandem in state with Newman on one side and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] </strong>(57th overall/3rd Edge) on the other. This 6 '3 junior has produced at a high level for multiple season's now due to crafty game play and unique feel for getting into the backfield. Perry is a good athlete too that may have some college coaches looking at him for tight end as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1692772,"width":"214px","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/jaxperry2.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1692772" style="width:214px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two small town edge guys that I love from a scouting point of view are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] </strong>(67th overall/4th Edge) from Cannon Co. and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford'] </strong>(78th overall/5th Edge) out of Jackson Central-Merry. Walkup shows some of the best bend and closing speed in this class while sporting tremendous upside. Eckford is a good athlete that gets off the snap well, closes fast then finishes with violence. I can see both these guys rising up our rankings and recruiting boards as we inch into the Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Christian junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose, Jr'] </strong>(79th overall/6th Edge) is a two sport guy that could become a force on the football field with more dedication to the gridiron. He is a physical competitor that shows good handwork and speed getting into the backfield as well as solid work stopping the run. I'm expecting a breakout Fall season for this talented West Tennessee talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to the state of Tennessee, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] </strong>(89th overall/7th Edge) from Baylor is an athletic, twitchy guy that shows good upside but must continue adding more weight to fulfill his potential. Another slightly framed but highly athletic guy is Riverdale junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden']</strong>. Some of the best long term pass rushing potential resides here with Malden (113th overall/8th Edge) and someone I'm expecting a big, breakout year this coming Fall football season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Memp. Central edge backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] </strong>(136th overall/9th Edge) is an intriguing guy that I could see growing into a true defensive end prospect but also has the skill set to remain on the edge in college. If the Warriors junior can increase his agility, staying at edge in college is possible. Under the radar at the moment but talented is Cookeville edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566184' first='Landon' last='McCarter']</strong>. The length and physical abilities are there to see McCarter become a college level guy but must take that next progressional step this coming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1695473,"width":"203px","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/lanjames.webp?w=689" alt="" class="wp-image-1695473" style="width:203px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The best position on the defensive side of the ball for our junior class are the defensive backs. It's already a deep and talented crop but should be even better as others develop into their bodies and games over the coming year. There are more safeties in the group right now compared to the cornerbacks or nickels but it's still a very strong position that should see several making it to the top level of college football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking the top spot right for the defensive backs is Haywood safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler']</strong>. The Tomcats junior (7th overall) is a highly athletic and rangy guy that tracks the ball through the air very well but can also come up and stop the run. Butler brings great size to the field along with the ability to snatch the ball away from receivers due to his speed and vertical jump.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox. Halls junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294979' first='Jarrell' last='Chandler'] </strong>(10th overall/2nd DB) is an interesting case that has great size with an athletic skill set along with versatility that has college coaches looking at him for multiple positions. I personally like Chandler for safety but some are talking about him for corner. I could also see a scenario where the Red Devils defender grows into that “Star” defender that plays in coverage from the middle of the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top two cornerback prospects come next in our rankings with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey'] </strong>(14th overall/3rd DB) from Riverdale and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642438' first='Romel' last='Koon, Jr'] </strong>(16th overall/4th DB) out of Brentwood Academy. Otey is a tall and long cover guy that shows a fluid lower base with quick feet that allows him to stay in path with his opponent. Koon, Jr is an up and coming talent that has developed nicely this off-season to become a highly recruited prospect that has a nose for the ball with upside in man to man coverage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1702204,"width":"270px","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/dreotey.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1702204" style="width:270px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Riverdale junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] </strong>(22nd overall/5th DB) has received plenty of offers to this point, I can see his stock rising even further with a strong Fall season. This is an athletic guy that reads and reacts well from his safety position that brings ball hawk tendencies to the football field. Fuqua has the potential to develop himself into a starting Power Four safety one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking 23rd overall and 6th among the defensive backs, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila'] </strong>is viewed in a big light here at Prep Redzone Tennessee but is currently one of the more underrated talents we have in the #TN2027 class right now. I'm a big fan of how this guy plays. This is a versatile performer that has the upside to handle several positions within the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two safety prospects with excellent size and range are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] </strong>(25th overall/7th DB), who recently transferred to Brentwood Academy and Green Hill junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler']</strong>. Simon has great overall size and good athleticism that might one day develop into a “Star” player on the next level. Butler (69th overall/8th DB) is a rangy guy that shows great instincts for finding the ball while getting there quickly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying with the safeties, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] </strong>(70th overall/9th DB) out of Whitehaven, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566251' first='Kajuan' last='Taylor'] </strong>(71st overall/10th DB) from James Lawson and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] </strong>(80th overall/11th DB) from USJ are three highly talented young men that shows D1, possible Power Four abilities on film that should flourish further this season and potentially boost their rankings and college stocks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1702207,"width":"235px","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/bradstamper.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1702207" style="width:235px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616602' first='Jacob' last='Jewell'] </strong>(92nd overall/12th DB) is a budding star that still needs time to develop his overall game but the raw tools are there to become a highly recruited prospect. Watching Jewell perform this off-season, I can see where the Raptors defender can become a corner prospect over time but his best upside could reside at safety due to his size and physical game play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently transferring to Red Bank, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>(95th overall/13th DB) is an athletic guy that shows potential to play cover corner on the college level. Adding weight along with development could allow him to stay there and see his recruitment take-off. MASE junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158912' first='Kadience' last='Nelson'] </strong>(96th overall/14th DB)<strong> </strong>is one of the more versatile guys we have in this class that could handle nickel or either safety positions in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 100th overall, Lausanne defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617242' first='Kaleb' last='White'] </strong>(15th DB) is an up and coming prospect to keep an eye on this Fall that fits best at safety but his athleticism could allow him to handle nickel as well. Another West Tennessee product that has a chance to boost his stock significantly this season is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104284' first='Dequavion' last='Bell'] </strong>(114th overall/16th DB) from Munford. The Cougars junior shows on the film the ability to possibly play corner in college but also the versatility to handle other secondary positions as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1702208,"width":"224px","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/kalebwhite.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1702208" style="width:224px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in next are several safety prospects with a few of them already holding college offers. Whitehaven junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866727' first='Corey' last='Jenkins Jr.'] </strong>(117th overall/17th DB) is an athletic, rangy guy that makes quick, reactionary plays on the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] </strong>(118th overall/18th DB) is another ball hawk that plays the field well. His high football intelligence and athleticism allows him to consistently make plays on the back end of the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'] </strong>(120th overall/19th DB) is a hidden gem that could be in-store for a breakout season. He does equally good work at reading the play and making things happen versus the pass and the run. Currently undersized but tough with ball hawk flashes, Pearl Cohn junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan'] </strong>(123rd overall/20th DB) has a chance to be the next stud defensive back to come out of the Firebirds secondary with enhancement in his overall game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sharing the same last name along with both guys having the upside to reach the college level, FRA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] </strong>(124th overall/21st DB) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] </strong>(126th overall/22nd DB) out of Blackman are two talented defenders that need further development but have the skills to jump on the recruiting boards of several programs in the near future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693399' first='Jeremy' last='Ramsey'] </strong>(131st overall/23rd DB) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646054' first='Quincy' last='Finley'] </strong>(142nd overall/24th DB) out of Page are two guys that have the body and skill set to potentially play cornerback on the collegiate gridiron. Ramsey is a guy that has low tread on tires with a lot of room for development for both his body and his game. Finley is a physical, quick twitch guy that could handle several positions in the secondary, including possibly the boundary.&nbsp;</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:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Missed The Cut: </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675594' first='Brandon' last='Goldsmith'] </strong>- South Pitt, (NB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630025' first='Condis' last='Cherry'] </strong>- Alcoa, (CB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662944' first='Dallas' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Stewarts Creek, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904918' first='Derrecas' last='Henson Jr.'] </strong>- Bartlett, (CB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694872' first='Jaden' last='Taylor'] </strong>- Kirby, (CB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610501' first='Jaylen' last='Easterling'] </strong>- Mt. Pleasant, (NB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597010' first='Zakyus' last='Everly'] </strong>- Lawrence Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687296,"width":"227px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/32-Amari-Mitchell-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687296" style="width:227px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->