TN2026 Best Available (Defensive Backfield)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The deepest position group from our senior class still has depth remaining headed into our final signing day. The secondary was very strong during this cycle and we still have some guys remaining that show college upside, especially the ten written about below! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 500</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1652146' first='Dorien' last='Partee'] - Melrose&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 88th overall/17th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This deep into the recruiting process for Partee may be tough to find a home on the D1 level but this Memphis area prospect has the talent and upside to reach that level one day. The Golden Wildcats defensive back is coming off a solid senior year that displayed his versatility as Partee handled duties at both cornerback and safety. He has the height and length along with enough foot speed to remain outside in college but if not, Partee could develop nicely as a ballhawking free safety. The Cats senior also shows upside to contribute on special teams as well. Development is needed in the weight room for Partee but the raw talent and athletic profile are in place to excel on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] - Clarksville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 94th overall/19th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- At one point in time, Watkins was receiving steady recruiting attention but here he sits available, looking for a college home and whoever signs this Mid-Tennessee product could be landing a multi-year starter with secondary versatility. Where Watkins shows upside is at cornerback. The Wildcats senior has the athleticism and foot speed to compete on the outside and develop into a good man to man cover guy in college. He also displays potential for special teams as a possible gunner or return guy. Following the recruiting process, Watkins may have to start his career taking the JuCo route but if he continues to grind and push his game to new levels, this Mid-Tennessee product could maneuver himself to the D1, maybe even the Power Four playing ranks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1345986,"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/3/2024/07/jamwatkins.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1345986" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi'] - Rockvale&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 100th overall/21st DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Tall and long with a wide radius, Ametitovi is a hidden gem that I feel has his best football days ahead of him but he is still sitting here on the open market, looking for a college home. The Rockets safety is coming off his best season yet here in Tennessee where he displayed excellent range, ball hawk tendencies and the willingness to tackle in run support. Ametitovi runs well but could increase his speed a little further. He recognizes the play very well then attacks without hesitation, showing outstanding football intelligence. This Mid-Tennessee product may have to take the long path towards the bigger stage but Ametitovi is a gamer that should make a big surprise on whoever he signs with and turn into a productive starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1103503' first='Gabriel' last='Lee'] - Trinity Chrst. Academy&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 106th overall/22nd DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lee may be one of the most underrated prospects we have from the TN2026 class that has a chance to excel on the college level with further work in the weight room and on the playing field. What makes this West Tennessee product stand out is his instincts and ball hawk capabilities. Lee reads the play very well then shows an excellent first step that allows him to consistently make plays on the ball. Coming from a lower level of high school might be a factor behind college coaches getting on board with this guy but let this 20 year scout tell you that Lee is legit with tons of upside as a field safety on the next level. Whoever signs the Lions safety could be getting a major steal that supplants himself as a multi-year, highly productive starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648108' first='Quintin' last='Cottrell'] - Whitehaven &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 118th overall/24th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tigers had one of the better secondaries in the state last year with Cottrell being a major contributor on the back end. This Memphis area product had his best football season yet last Fall where his athleticism and instincts were on full display as well as his versatility to handle multiple roles within the secondary. Cottrell is an athletic guy with explosive flashes and ball hawk tendencies. His size alone could have coaches questioning his upside but Cottrell is a fearless competitor that plays hard and fast. I personally think his potential fits best playing nickel or even possibly safety. The Tigers defender also shows upside to play special teams, especially as a gunner. Cottrell will need to keep learning and growing but he brings a lot of value to the field as a multi-talented secondary prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=DB">#TN2026 Defensive Back Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648110' first='De'Shun' last='Tipton'] - McCallie&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 119th overall/25th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Tipton played his career at McCallie as one of the more underrated defensive prospects in the state and it looks like that remains the sentiment as this Chattanooga area prospect sits available on the open market. A versatile piece on the back end with his biggest upside being at safety, Tipton is a gamer, an instinctive ball hawk that tends to find the ball and make big plays. The Blue Tornado senior not only has a nose for the ball when it's in the air but Tipton also finds it in the run game. He is a willing, physical tackler that can improve in this area moving forward. Tipton does need to increase his overall speed but the instincts and ball skills are in place for this guy to turn into a highly productive, multi-year starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1549030,"width":"255px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.9990287220757597","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/dtipton2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1549030" style="aspect-ratio:0.9990287220757597;width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] - Covington&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 121st overall/26th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A versatile prospect that has taken snaps at cornerback and safety during his time at Covington, Beard is looking for a college home at this time of writing this article and may be one of the bigger long term steals that comes out of the TN2026 class. The reason I say that is because Beard is a football smart, athletic defender that can run that also has great size (6'1 180) and the ability to handle multiple roles in the defensive backfield. He does need to continue to develop his skill set further while adding more weight but the raw talent is in place to succeed on the next level. Beard has added a few offers and plenty of interest throughout the process but has yet to make a decision. I expect that to change as we reach signing day next Wednesday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] - Anderson Co. &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 123rd overall/28th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- At one point in time, Mills held a lot of interest from Power Four, D1 programs but those opportunities have appeared to diminish, however this East Tennessee product still has the abilities to make a difference on the college stage. What Mills brings to the field is great size and arm length and the willingness to tackle in run support. He shows flashes of ball hawk skills but must increase his speed and lower half explosion to gain more steam in that area. The Mavs safety had a better junior campaign compared to his senior year and maybe that has something to do with his recruitment. I do see talent with Mills and his ability to improve as he gets into a college system. If he can develop his game further, getting to the D1 level one day is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1393183' first='Malakai' last='Jacob'] - McCallie&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 154th overall/29th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If this Chattanooga area safety was two inches taller, Jacob might already be sealed up with his college decision, however he is still open for the taking as we inch closer to signing day. Jacob plays hard and fast, showing some of the best closing speed from his position in the state. Once he recognizes the play, the Blue Tornado safety closes with fast and does so with violence. Where Jacob does need to develop further is doing better in pass coverage and recognizing route combinations, especially if he handles field safety in college. He could also get bigger but I definitely expect that to happen in college. I personally believe Jacob is a hidden gem that has the chops to make an impact over the next several years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1276432' first='Shawn' last='Jackson'] - Jefferson Co. &nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 182nd overall/31st DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This past Fall season was a breakout year for this East Tennessee safety that made an impact on both sides of the ball and pushed his game to new heights. Jackson is a big dude (6'2 185) that gets downhill quick in stopping the run but also displayed better overall quickness last season along with improved sideline to sideline range. The Patriots senior safety has a knack for making big plays where I think will be benefitted the most in college as a boundary safety that does good work versus the run. Jackson does show upside to improve much further during his time in college. He may have to begin his career on the D2 level but Jackson has the makeup to move up one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1907088,"width":"243px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/shjackson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1907088" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Ten Best Available</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1635948' first='Joshua' last='Anderson'] - Clarksville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 183rd overall/32nd DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1637994' first='Dominick' last='Hamer'] - Antioch&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 188th overall/33rd DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch'] - Bradley Central&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 189th overall/34th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee'] - Collierville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 201st overall/35th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan'] - Pearl Cohn&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 209th overall/37th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='480743' first='Torin' last='McAfee'] - Knox. Central&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 210th overall/38th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1671833' first='Ryan' last='Muxlow'] - McCallie&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 219th overall/39th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1704476' first='Andre' last='Small'] - Union City&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 226th overall/40th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1194077' first='Demontez' last='Anderson'] - East Nashville&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 229th overall/41st DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1669399' first='Jay' last='Little'] - Ravenwood&nbsp; </strong>(Ranked 248th overall/44th DB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1652659,"width":"270px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/smakuch.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1652659" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:270px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->