TN2026 Rankings Overview (Defense/Athletes)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diving into our new and final senior rankings, here we breakdown the defensive side of the ball and the top players to know inside our Tennessee Top 500. It's a solid crop of defenders this year that is led by the defensive backs, possibly the best and deepest position group within the TN2026 recruiting class.</h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 500</a>   Defensive Line    - Our senior D-line class might sit in the lower half of positional groups but it still has some quality guys with potential for others to step forward during their time on the next level. The front line did grow a little deeper throughout the 2025 season, so the quality is much better compared to our pre-season scouting. The one constant for this position has been [player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] sitting at the top of the board as the best in-state D-line prospect and the future Wisconsin Badger remains there in our final update. A versatile prospect that can get after the quarterback, Bah could handle defensive end or tackle during his time in Madison.    A similar player compared to Bah, South Gibson senior [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] comes in next ranked 2nd among the D-linemen. He too is headed to Wisconsin to play his college ball and profiles as a true defensive end with a physically built body that could be ready to face college guys next Fall. Powell defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] made a nice step in his progression this year by showing more explosion and being more disruptive. Ranked as the 3rd best D-lineman, Garcia is headed to South Florida in the Fall where he could carve out a role early in his career.    A pair of defensive tackle prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1281457' first='Tobja' last='Walters'] come in next, ranked 4th and 5th among the D-linemen and are two of my scouting favorites within this position group. Both guys compete at a high level with Westfield being a backfield disruptor while Walters shows upside as a run stuffer and occasional pass rusher. Memphis signee [player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr'] is a long term, big payoff prospect that looks the part but has yet to tap into his full capabilities. If this Collierville defensive end (6th DL) can find his switch, the Tigers might be getting a steal.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/ajwestfield.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2098216" style="width:266px;height:auto" /></figure>   South Pitt defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] made a slight move up our rankings after a solid senior year as a key piece on the Pirates 1A championship winning defense. Hardrick is a long term, big payoff prospect that won't be expected to contribute early during his time at Clemson but could develop into a starter down the road. Austin Peay might have themselves a future starter in [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'], who put together a consistent and productive career at Southwind. Ranked 8th within the D-line class, Sullins is a high motor guy that has gotten bigger and made himself more valuable as an edge setter in the run game.    A prospect that has flown under the radar all season long but might turn out to be a feared pass rusher in college is Portland senior [player_tooltip player_id='1512350' first='Avery' last='Hughes']. Signing with the Midshipmen in December, Hughes (9th DL) has one of the better line releases from our senior D-line class along with good closing speed. Coming in ranked 10th, Smyrna defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] pushed his stock higher this last season as he showed more power while continuing to enhance his interior pass rush. Martin may be undersized with height but the Bulldogs senior is tough to block due to his strength and all out motor.    Looking beyond the top ten ranked defensive linemen, we have a few guys that may not be ready to impact the college game tomorrow but could turn into solid starters down the road. Baylor big man [player_tooltip player_id='1210664' first='Jayden' last='Arenas-Michel'] has the overall look and size you want on the D-line but the future MTSU big man moved down our rankings due to his lack of explosion. Upside is there however for this native Canadian to carve out a starting role one day with the Blue Raiders.    The defensive line ended with 13 guys inside our Top 100, closing out with [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins-Key'] sitting at 12th and [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'] from Brentwood Academy right behind him. Both these guys are interior pass rushers that show the explosion and release to cause havoc in the backfield. Hudgins-Key signed with Southern Illinois in December while Spillman is still available and looking for a college home.    A few other ranked D-linemen to note includes [player_tooltip player_id='1671226' first='Kylan' last='Sharp'] (109th), [player_tooltip player_id='1622588' first='Porter' last='Ragle'] (111th), [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] (133rd), [player_tooltip player_id='981349' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] (135th), [player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods'] (159th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1704958' first='Jevon' last='Carter'] (175th) out of East Nashville. All those guys are currently available on the open market, except for Ragle and Harris, who have both signed with Davidson. Sharp and Wilson in particular are two interior D-linemen that I think can become impactful players on the next level with continued development.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=DL">#TN2026 Defensive Line Rankings</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/pragle.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1662681" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Edge Rushers   - Finding guys who can get after the quarterback is a premium on the college level and I think our senior edge rusher class has some guys that can be special in that area. I also think our edge rushers got better and deeper as the 2025 season went on. Several prospects pushed their games to a new level while others sharpened their skill set to make themselves more presentable as a college prospect.    The top two guys within our senior class in [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] (1st) and [player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] (2nd) have both signed with Power Four programs (Tennessee/Michigan St.) and both sport tremendous upside as multi-year pass rushing starters for their respective college teams. Beyond those two, we have a group of guys that bring potential and talent to the playing field but may need more time of development before they hit the field.    Ranked 3rd among the edge rushers, Ravenwood senior [player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown'] shows flashes of massive potential as not just someone that gets after the quarterback but a prospect that can set the edge against the run as well. Some of the best speed off the edge in our senior class comes from [player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom']. The Page defender, who signed with Air Force, had a breakout senior year where he was named game MVP during the Patriots 5A championship win over Sevier County. If Grissom was two to three inches taller, you would see him ranked inside our Top 20 prospects.    Coming in at 81st and 82nd overall, [player_tooltip player_id='402525' first='Blaze' last='Katina'] (Independence) and [player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] (Houston) are two long armed edge rushers that have the physical tools and traits to become every down starters one day but will need further development. Katina (5th), who signed with Eastern Ky and Jimerson (6th), who signed with MTSU, could pay off in the long run as multi-year starters that become team specialists at rushing the quarterback.    Two high potential guys in [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1631584' first='Fischer' last='French'], who are still on the open market come next in the rankings and I believe will be steals for whoever signs them. Galazin is still growing into his body and learning the position but the physical tools and athletic upside are in place to become an impact guy down the road. I think French is closer to contributing due to his outstanding get-off and speed around the edge. The Blue Tornado senior has some of the best bend and edge speed in this class.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/ffrench-crop-800x526-1767385079.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2098221" style="width:333px;height:auto" /></figure>   CAK edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1608580' first='Collin' last='Crider'] is an underrated pickup by The Citadel that envisions an eventual every down starter down the road. Crider shows a solid pass rush skill set that can develop further in time but also displays nice work at setting the edge and forcing runners back inside.    After the top nine, we have a mix of edge rushers that may be lacking in certain areas but have the talent to become solid contributors one day. Some of these guys would be [player_tooltip player_id='402569' first='Zach' last='Gilbert'] (10th), [player_tooltip player_id='1588093' first='Jesse' last='Zachary'] (11th), [player_tooltip player_id='1612855' first='Eugene' last='Robinson, Jr'] (12th), [player_tooltip player_id='1595504' first='Sam' last='Rohan'] (13th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1634150' first='Colt' last='McClary'] (14th) from Nashville Christian. Gilbert, Robinson and Rohan are better suited right now to push the backfield and play the run while Zachary and McClary have some of the best pure speed in this class.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=EDGE">#TN2026 Edge Rusher Rankings</a>   - - - - -    Linebackers   - As the linebacker position has evolved over the years, so has the overall talent and for the 2026 in-state class may not jump off page but it sports some solid prospects that can become college impact guys one day. Two that immediately come to mind sit at the top of the linebacker rankings in [player_tooltip player_id='1103031' first='Elijah' last='Fernandez'] (1st) and [player_tooltip player_id='1610497' first='Omeiza' last='Daniyan'] (2nd).    Signed to play at Memphis, Fernandez is one of the bigger stock risers from the defensive side of the ball that has a great combination of athleticism, physicality and speed that translate well to the college game. Daniyan is a heat seeking missile that gets down hill fast and finishes with controlled violence. The Hawks senior is signed with Army, where he could make an early impact during his time in West Point.    Ranked just outside the Top 50 at 51st overall, Brentwood Academy backer [player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer'] saw his stock rise after a strong senior year, displaying excellent coverage and improved physicality. The Eagles senior played safety this past season but translates best to inside linebacker over the “Star position during his time at Miami Ohio.    After Jointer, things take a big dropoff in our rankings to the next linebacker, which happens to be CPA senior [player_tooltip player_id='1566274' first='Preston' last='Patterson']. Ranked 4th within his position and 129th overall, Patterson is an underrated athlete that reads the run very well then attacks without hesitation. Three guys in [player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] (5th), [player_tooltip player_id='1655483' first='Dominic' last='Daddabbo'] (6th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1206237' first='Arkez' last='Fontenot'] (7th) are three of the better athletes in this class that have excellent college potential but need more time developing their bodies and game on the next level.    MUS senior [player_tooltip player_id='1699899' first='Kendon' last='Leakes'] (8th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1154541' first='Keilen' last='Dalton'] (9th) are two late risers that became scouting favorites of mine that I can see becoming impactful starters down the line. Both are excellent athletes that bring nice size to the field along with versatile skill sets. Leakes could fit best on the inside but has range and can play in space while Dalton might develop into a nice edge guy that can also work in pass coverage.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/kdalton.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2098223" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure>   After the top nine ranked linebackers, we have a large group of prospects that I see potential with but are still looking for college opportunities to prove themselves. [player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'] (10th) from Mt. Pleasant has the physical look and athletic skill set you want but has yet to hit that next gear in his development. Riverdale senior [player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] (11th) is one of the most improved defensive prospects in the state that consistently makes impactful plays. [player_tooltip player_id='1540917' first='John' last='Rex Dockery'] (12th) is an exciting prospect to scout on film. He plays aggressive, fast and violent along with the athleticism to play in space. UT-Martin signee [player_tooltip player_id='284148' first='Simeon' last='Graham'] (13th) has tremendous potential and college size but is still growing into his body with a learning curve to still work through playing linebacker full time.    Four under the radar linebackers in [player_tooltip player_id='2082891' first='Brandon' last='Evans'] (14th), [player_tooltip player_id='212419' first='Cooper' last='Gentle'] (15th), [player_tooltip player_id='1717949' first='Sean' last='Cunningham'] (16th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1373099' first='Matthew' last='Anderson'] (17th) from Ravenwood are aggressive, violent tacklers that show enough athleticism and speed to become defensive playmakers in college. The only thing holding all four back from being inside the top ten is their height. All four sit around 6'0 or 5'11 but compete and play much bigger with a nose for finding the ball.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=LB">#TN2026 Linebacker Rankings</a>   - - - - -    Defensive Backs    - The deepest position group on the defensive side of the ball and maybe even the entire 2026 class comes in the secondary. We have 80 total defensive backs ranked inside our Tennessee Top 500 with 20 of them coming within the Top 100. It's a very deep and talented crop of secondary performers this year that may prove to be one of the best positional groups of all-time here in the Volunteer State.    The top of the Tennessee Top 500 is stacked with defensive backs, beginning with [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'], who took over the top spot after a senior year that showed exceptional lockdown coverage. This future Georgia Bulldog has the athletic skill set, football intelligence and speed to become an every down starter and lockdown cover guy during his time in the Southeastern Conference.    Our previous top ranked defensive back that now comes in second is Notre Dame signee [player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith']. Sporting great size with a versatile skill set, Smith (2nd) is a technique sound guy that could develop at either cornerback or safety while playing in South Bend. In the long run, Knox. Webb and Clemson signee [player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] (3rd) may prove to be the best defensive back coming from this class. Tall and long with a smooth lower base, Young has all the tools to become a lock down guy on the island that also brings value to special teams as well.    Playing his senior year at Tyner Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='1576072' first='Peyton' last='Dyer'] ranks as our 4th best defensive back prospect and our first true ranked safety. Signed with USC, this hard hitting defender plays hard and fast with a nose for finding the ball in run support along with having the range to make an impact versus the pass. Some of the best coverage potential in this class resides with [player_tooltip player_id='958217' first='Jamyan' last='Theodore']. The Baylor defensive back, who signed with Tennessee, has the arm length, physical build and natural athletic abilities that translate well to the college game, especially on the outside island.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/jtheodore.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1655070" style="aspect-ratio:1.4949037372593432;width:317px;height:auto" /></figure>   Two safety prospects are placed next in the rankings with [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] (6th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1476160' first='Luke' last='Thompson'] (7th), who became one of our biggest stock risers throughout the 2025 season. A versatile defensive piece, Tutt is a gamer that shows up large on the big stage that will be showing off those talents at Ole Miss beginning in the Fall. I think Tennessee got themselves a steal with Thompson, a potential multi-year starter that has upside to reach the NFL one day.    The Volunteers did good work inside their home state for the 2026 recruiting cycle as they signed Thompson as well as our next two ranked defensive backs in [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] (8th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] (9th) out of Greeneville. Both these guys are fast and athletic defenders that have a shot at becoming starting cornerbacks down the road for Tennessee. Ranked tenth among the defensive backs, [player_tooltip player_id='328897' first='Kolby' last='Barrett'] is a big, physical, rangy safety prospect that is headed to Mississippi St. to play his college ball.    After the top ten, we have a mix of Power Four, D1 and FCS signed prospects along with a few uncommitted guys that have big potential but may be lacking in an area or two. Page safety [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] (11th DB) is a scouting favorite of mine that plays the game the right way while also having the athleticism and speed to become a back end game changer. Another scouting favorite in [player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] (12th) is someone I think ETSU got a steal with and a player that could become an All-Conference guy before he graduates. Ensworth senior [player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins'] (13th) brings a versatile skill set to the secondary that I feel fits best at free safety but Minnesota might like him at nickel or even cornerback.    One of the hardest hitting safeties we have in the 2026 class is [player_tooltip player_id='1610490' first='Jaylen' last='Pollard'] (14th), who signed in December with Western Kentucky. This Ravenwood thumper works best in run support but showed improvement in pass coverage throughout the Fall football season. UT-Martin might have signed a few steals and future starters in [player_tooltip player_id='1285554' first='Carter' last='Boothe'] (15th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1660959' first='Terrence' last='Moses'] (16th). Both these West Tennessee products shine on film with Boothe displaying lockdown coverage at cornerback while Moses is an athletic and fast safety that will lay the wood whenever he finds the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/cboothe2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2098227" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure>   FRA defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1167514' first='Jayden' last='Rush'], versatile defender [player_tooltip player_id='1103508' first='Jamarcus' last='Watkins'] and Arkansas St. signee [player_tooltip player_id='1116798' first='KeAndre' last='Gibson'] come in next within our rankings and are three guys with big potential for the next level. Rush is headed to Chattanooga as a possible cornerback, though I like him best at free safety. Watkins may be one of the more versatile secondary guys we have in this class as I could see him developing at multiple spots during his college experience. Gibson could prove to be one of the better cover guys in this class that will have a chance to prove himself at Arkansas St. and one day become a starting cover corner for the Red Wolves.    Looking beyond the Top 100, we have a large group of defenders in [player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi'] (20th), [player_tooltip player_id='1103503' first='Gabriel' last='Lee'] (21st), [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] (22nd), [player_tooltip player_id='1648108' first='Quintin' last='Cottrell'] (23rd), [player_tooltip player_id='1648110' first='De'Shun' last='Tipton'] (24th), [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] (25th), [player_tooltip player_id='1188597' first='George' last='Mancini'] (26th), [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] (27th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1393183' first='Malakai' last='Jacob'] (28th) that show flashes and potential as well as the ability to possibly compete on the D1 level one day. All these guys are still available, except for Davis, who signed in December with Chattanooga.    A few other talented defensive backs to note, ranked inside our Top 500 includes [player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark'] (29th), [player_tooltip player_id='1276432' first='Shawn' last='Jackson'] (30th), [player_tooltip player_id='1635948' first='Joshua' last='Anderson'] (31st), [player_tooltip player_id='1637994' first='Dominick' last='Hamer'] (32nd), [player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch'] (33rd), [player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee'] (34th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen'] (35th) from Brentwood. Lark is the only one committed (Indianapolis) while the others are still looking for a college home.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=LB">#TN2026 Defensive Back Rankings</a>   - - - - -    Athletes    - This position flushed itself out as we went through the 2025 season, meaning several prospects started to establish themselves at specific positions and round into form as potential college prospects. Our top rated athlete in [player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] has the game to develop at either receiver or safety in college and I believe he could excel on either side of the ball. UT-Martin has the guy in the fold and they have themselves a future star on their hands.    I could see a scenario where [player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers'] (2nd) develops at either tight end or edge linebacker in college. This Germantown senior has some of the best upside I've seen from the TN2026 class. He just needs more time to come into his own and whoever signs him, could be getting a massive steal. Committed to Austin Peay, senior swiss army knife [player_tooltip player_id='800786' first='Tory' last='Beaufort'] is electric with the ball in his hands and one of the better playmakers we have from our senior class. If Beaufort was bigger than 5'7, you might have seen this East Tennessee product signing with a Power Four program.    Anderson Co. two-way talent [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] (4th) had a strong senior year with the Mavericks that displayed his upside at receiver and defensive back. I could see flourishing on either side of the ball but I personally like him better in the secondary. Missing most of his senior year due to injury, [player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley'] (5th) is a quick twitch guy that has playmaker written all over him. Much like Leavell, I could see the Whitehaven senior working well at either receiver or in the secondary but I like his upside best in the defensive backfield.    Two undersized but talented guys placed just inside our Top 200 that I feel like will be better players on the college level are [player_tooltip player_id='1638972' first='Daylon' last='Donaldson'] (6th) from Briarcrest and [player_tooltip player_id='1642812' first='Zay' last='Groves'] (7th) out of East Robertson. Donaldson is an undersized gamer that consistently makes big plays. He is one guy I'm unsettled on when it comes to where his game fits best, which speaks towards his talents. Groves broke out this Fall as a big play receiver but for his future, I personally like him best on defense where he can become a lock down cover corner.    Three West Tennessee prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='2058611' first='Braylin' last='Dearmon'] (8th) from Huntingdon, [player_tooltip player_id='1658485' first='Cordarius' last='Johnson'] (9th) from Milan and [player_tooltip player_id='1565670' first='Marcus' last='Person'] (10th) out of Memphis Business Academy display next level abilities on film that can develop much further under a college system. Dearmon has a skill set that could work at tight end or linebacker. Johnson is a dynamic prospect that might fit in the slot or on defense at cornerback. Person is a big stock riser after a strong senior year that saw him excel at receiver.    Closing out the athletes are multiple players that have shown flashes of college upside but need more time to develop and sharpen their games. Those players include [player_tooltip player_id='1300097' first='Kaiden' last='Dewey'] (11th), [player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] (12th), [player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr'] (13th), [player_tooltip player_id='1704469' first='Troyce' last='Grimsley'] (14th), [player_tooltip player_id='1603958' first='Justis' last='Haggard'] (15th) and [player_tooltip player_id='1257132' first='Tikum' last='Brian Asongwe'] (16th) from Rockvale. All six of these guys are still available with skill sets that could flourish on either side of the ball.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=ATH">#TN2026 Athlete Rankings</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/tbeaufort.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1867329" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure>