PRZTN Winter Showcase Top Defensive Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Tennessee held its annual Winter Showcase this past Sunday, where a lot of good in-state talent competed against each other. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shayne Pickering dissected his top offensive performers last night, and I'm here to do the same for the defensive players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The majority of this group consists of rising seniors, but it also includes three underclassmen. I decided to roll with 10 to make it an even number of players, so let's jump right into scouting the best defensive performers from yesterday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099449} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-4-37-38-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1767637932.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099449" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: USJ DB [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] – University School of Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] from USJ was arguably the top defensive back at the event, showcasing his ability as a versatile player who possesses all the skills necessary to be a productive DI player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-foot-4 and 182 pounds, he boasts a tremendous frame, along with sound footwork and technique that translate to both cornerback and safety positions. Stamper impressed with his high football IQ and ball instincts, breaking up a plethora of passes during 1v1s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's one of the more underrated but most productive defensive backs in the state of Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099461} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-5-17-06-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1767638474.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099461" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gallatin ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1187596' first='Christian' last='Gentry'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1187596' first='Christian' last='Gentry'] – Gallatin High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gallatin's [player_tooltip player_id='1187596' first='Christian' last='Gentry'] was one of the more surprising players at the showcase. You'll always find a couple of standouts who you didn't know coming into the event, then immediately put them on your board of players to keep up with. The 2028 defensive back was one of those for me.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His speed and athleticism are among the best in his class, along with some impressive ball skills during the 1v1 portion of the camp. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's also a highly physical DB who's not afraid of contact, whether it's pressing a receiver at the line or trying to make a play on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099463} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-4-43-17-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1767638563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099463" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman DB [player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton'] – Blackman High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton'] is a player whom I was excited to see at the showcase. I've seen good things on tape, but I wanted to watch him in person. He undoubtedly exceeded my expectations and was one of the best defensive backs at the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a tad undersized, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 175 pounds. However, he makes up for it with his physicality and tenaciousness. Thornton plays close and gets big with wide receivers, but has sound technique that allows him to do that without being flagged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thornton's jump ball skills in coverage are impressive, given his size. He is a good coverage guy in general, rarely getting beaten in 1v1 situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099467} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-5-13-11-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1767638783.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099467" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mt. Vernon (Illinois) DB Josh Crowder at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DB Josh Crowder – Mt. Vernon High School (Illinois)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's anybody who has an argument for top defensive back over Stamper, it's Josh Crowder from Mt. Vernon High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His fluidity and athleticism were evident during DB drills, as well as his 4.56 40-yard dash time. Where he really impressed people was during 1v1s. Crowder was lockdown at all points, barely giving receivers space to breathe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising senior isn't super undersized either, standing 6-foot and weighing 170 pounds, which makes it ridiculous that he has no offers at the moment. He's going to be one of those late risers who gets picked up by a college program and turns into a stud at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099482} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-5-20-00-PM-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1767639381.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099482" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Melrose LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] – Melrose High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] was an intriguing prospect who is raw in certain areas, but is so physically gifted that he makes up for it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker/edge rusher, he possesses a great frame with the ability to add additional weight to fill things out. He's explosive in everything he does, proving that in the individual linebacker drills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When he was matched up against shifty running backs in 1v1 drills, Kaufman made every play during those specific competitions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He needs to develop in certain areas to fully maximize his potential, but Kaufman is one of the most intriguing and talented players in this upcoming senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099489} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-04-2026-4-39-01-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1767639647.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099489" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MTCS LB Cooper Jones at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 LB Cooper Jones – Middle Tennessee Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper Jones was one of the most productive linebackers this past season, totaling over 100 tackles in 10 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones checked all of my boxes during individual drills, but I wanted to see how he looked against three of the best running backs in Tennessee during 1v1s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well, he didn't miss a single tackle. His coverage skills were also solid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a solid frame at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but needs to put on some weight to become the best linebacker that he can be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not worried about that, as he has two years to do so, and he's already added good weight since his freshman season. Once he grows more, Jones will further cement his status as one of the best in Tennessee at his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2099492} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Braxton-logan-29-tn-crop-398x262-1767480978-crop-397x261-1767639861.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2099492" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Briarcrest Christian DL [player_tooltip player_id='1305637' first='Braxton' last='Logan'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1305637' first='Braxton' last='Logan'] – Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1305637' first='Braxton' last='Logan'] won Defensive Line MVP at the PRZ Next Winter Showcase a year ago and was impressive once again in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big defensive tackle has added weight since I last saw him, but still looks good. While he added weight, he clearly didn't sacrifice his movement, as he was one of the more fluid guys at his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He showcased his strength and explosiveness during 1v1s with the offensive linemen, where he won several reps. Logan also performed well in individual drills and is a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='904010' first='Jermon' last='Bishop Jr.'] – Alcoa High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big [player_tooltip player_id='904010' first='Jermon' last='Bishop Jr.'] was another defensive line standout from the Winter Showcase. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound rising senior is a big dude, but also moves well at his interior D-line spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He impressed me throughout several portions of the camp and was one of the best players there. Bishop Jr. is highly athletic for his size, with the strength to compete against even the best offensive linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DL Keegan Woolverton – Paducah Tilghman (Kentucky)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a couple of out-of-state athletes at Sunday's camp, and Keegan Woolverton was one of them. He had a solid day with the defensive linemen, showcasing his unique blend of size and athleticism that translates exceptionally well to his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was one of the top defensive players on a loaded roster, even competing well against some outstanding offensive linemen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woolverton is a good player who stood out to many.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2098676} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/cbarone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2098676" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Independence LB [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] – Independence High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] was the third-best linebacker at the Winter Showcase, impressing people when his number was called. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising senior looked good in all the drills that coaches put him through, including 1v1s with very shifty running backs. He's also an athletic and fluid player who moves extremely well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker, he's a tad undersized but has time to fill out his frame before the 2026 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->