2029 Defensive Backs Who Will Take the Next Step in 2026

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm continuing my series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.   Next, we'll discuss the defensive backs. Three of the names on this list have already established themselves as starters for their respective schools.   However, there are two more on the list who are talented and should see an increased role next season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-31-2025-2-46-13-PM-crop-1319x867-1767214103.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2092946" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Antioch ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1617205' first='Aaden' last='Adams']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   CB [player_tooltip player_id='1617205' first='Aaden' last='Adams'] – Antioch High School   Aaedan Adams from Antioch High School is a player that we've been talking about a lot during the offseason, and for a good reason. He was one of the most productive two-way players as a true freshman.   While being an excellent offensive weapon, Adams totaled 52 tackles, one for a loss, two interceptions and eight pass deflections. He's a smaller DB standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 145 pounds, but he's highly athletic and plays bigger than his size indicates.   He's a good coverage corner in both man and zone, while possessing strong instincts and solid technique. I expect Adams to take the next step in 2026 and establish himself as one of the top athletes in the state of Tennessee.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Remello-Armstrong.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1704933" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH Remello Armstrong at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   CB [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] – Franklin Road Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] is one of the elite young bucks at Franklin Road Academy. He plays both ways and is excellent at the two positions, but we're talking about him as a DB in this article.   The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback saw a good amount of playing time as a freshman, having strong outings and showing his high potential in the secondary. He can play both man and zone coverages well, while also being an excellent tackler for the position.   FRA lost two key cornerbacks to graduation this year, so he should be a full-time starter. I can't wait to see how he looks after an impressive freshman year and another offseason to develop.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Terrance-Bivens-tn-29-crop-401x263-1768421394.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2105672" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Boyd-Buchanan DB [player_tooltip player_id='1633787' first='Terrance' last='Bivens'].</figcaption></figure>   CB [player_tooltip player_id='1633787' first='Terrance' last='Bivens'] – Boyd-Buchanan School   [player_tooltip player_id='1633787' first='Terrance' last='Bivens'] is an intriguing player who saw action in three games as a freshman, showing the potential to be one of the best underclassmen in Tennessee.   He has a solid build for his size, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 155 pounds. While Bivens is on the lighter side, he has plenty of time to add some much-needed weight, so I'm not worried about it.   The 2029 prospect is primarily an outside corner, but has the versatility to play all over the field, as his film shows. He possesses solid coverage skills and is physical, two things that I love about defensive backs.   Bivens has swift footwork and quickly flips his hips, allowing him to stay close in coverage. He is also a quality tackler, which gives him the ability to be an every-down corner.   Watch for him to take that next step and become one of the more productive defenders in 2026.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-21-2025-4-10-09-PM-crop-1008x662-1766355128.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2087636" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA ATH Jake Berte. Photo from his Instagram @jakeberte.</figcaption></figure>   S Jake Berte – Battle Ground Academy   Jake Berte is another name that we at Prep Redzone have discussed frequently, due to his good showings in workouts and raw talent.   He will be transferring to BGA for the 2026 season, where he will be further developed as a defensive back.   Berte is somewhat of a raw prospect who's transitioning into a full-time safety, but he has all the tools that you'd want. He is well-built, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 190 pounds, with a long frame that's ideally suited for his position.   The 2029 prospect showed me a lot of good things at NPA's workouts, and not only do I think he will take that next step, but I also marked him as a breakout candidate earlier. He tackles well, plays solid coverage, possesses good footwork and has excellent instincts.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/13-Gibby-Tomberlin-crop-605x398-1768421515.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2105673" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Maryville DB [player_tooltip player_id='1707825' first='Gibby' last='Tomberlin'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   S [player_tooltip player_id='1707825' first='Gibby' last='Tomberlin'] – Maryville High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1707825' first='Gibby' last='Tomberlin'] is a player who has recently been put on my radar. While he's just a freshman, his tape is entertaining to watch, and he's shown all the necessary tools to mold into one of the top defensive backs in Tennessee.   Whether you talk about his size, physicality, athleticism, etc., Tomberlin is the complete package.   As a 5-foot-11, 184-pound safety, he possesses a favorable build with plenty of strength, while not sacrificing early size for mobility. The 2029 prospect moves exceptionally well, has swift footwork and excellent hips. He's also a good coverage player who locks it down in center field.   However, my favorite part about his game is the physicality that he plays with. That young man is not afraid of contact and consistently lights up opposing players. He's an impressive talent who will take that next step as a sophomore and enjoy a big season.

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm continuing my series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.