City Scope: Nashville’s Best Sr Linemen 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The capital city here in Tennessee has gradually gotten better over the past several years, especially in the line of scrimmage. This year's crop looks solid with a few guys destined for the big stage of college football while others show potential but need more developmental time.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A new series here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we will look at the best prospects from the biggest cities inside the Volunteer State. Here we look at the top lineman prospects from the greater Nashville area that have a college future. It's a solid crop of prospects with several of them already holding P4, D1 offers and interest with others sitting under the radar, waiting for their opportunities. I also expect some new names to pop up as we work through college camps and into the Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Linemen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] - Ensworth: </strong>Coming off a strong debut season with the Tigers, Baker has established himself not just as a top O-lineman from the greater Nashville area but also the entire state. This senior big man is a good athlete with a technique sound skill set in the trenches that could develop at several areas in college with possibly his biggest upside coming inside at guard or center. Baker holds ten plus offers and appears to be on the verge of breaking through into Power Four status, so expect to see his stock continue to soar and soar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] - CPA: </strong>Hale has steadily gotten better throughout his high school career with his best season yet coming during his first year with the Lions. Standing 6'5 290 plus, Hale has the size and position versatility that appeals to college coaches. He is a good athlete too that could develop all across the line with maybe his best potential residing at offensive guard. Hale still has room to grow and get bigger, so I see a prospect here with his best football days ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158911' first='Isaiah' last='Bryant'] - CPA: </strong>A multi-year starter for his Lions team, Bryant is a highly talented young man that brings a lot of strong traits to the playing field that translate well to the college game. A good athlete with nice wingspan and a body that can pack on more weight, the Lions big man has the makeup of somebody that could outside at tackle or move inside to handle center or guard. This guy is another highly valued prospect from the Lions front line that could work his way into the P4 ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905243' first='Skyler' last='Smith'] - CPA: </strong>The third amigo up front for the Lions O-line is this future college center that does just about everything right along with good upside that has yet to be fulfilled. Smith has done a good job of building up his body over the last year and making himself more physically appealing towards college coaches. It is paying off as the Lions big man has obtained several strong offers with plenty of interest coming his way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1686345,"width":"255px","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/user-uploads/skylersmith.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-1686345" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Logan' last='Murray'] - Davidson Academy: </strong>Murray is the top college prospect on the Bears roster that I think still has levels to himself and his game. Standing near 6 '6 and 300 pounds, Murray is a physical presence in the trenches that could develop into a right tackle in college but might be best suited competing inside at guard. I personally think Murray is vastly underrated and may prove to be one of the biggest steals from the offensive line coming out of the TN2027 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OT/G) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin'] - East Nashville: </strong>The Eagles top O-line prospect for the 2026 season is this 6'6 big man that is dripping with potential but has yet to put everything together. The size and athletic upside sits in place for Martin but his recruitment has yet to take-off. I think that can change with a strong summer camp season and improvement seen throughout his senior year. The possibility is there for Martin to stay at tackle in college but his ultimate upside might sit inside at offensive guard.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567255' first='Colin' last='Romero'] - Nash. Christian: </strong>One of the better two-way linemen we have from the greater Nashville area is this big man that has vastly improved himself over the last year to push his stock to a new level. The Eagles junior has grown into his body nicely while adding in more weight. He has also developed his lower half athleticism better as you can see it within his offseason videos. Romero still has plenty of development left to go but he appears to be headed on the right path and pushing himself towards being an FCS level prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906277' first='Tanner' last='Tapp'] - Ensworth: </strong>Tapp may be undersized for the big stage of college football but this dude is a ball player, a guy that competes hard and excels in the trenches. His film shows an athletic and mobile blocker that gets out the blocks well and drives his man backwards. The Tigers senior O-lineman could have a future in college on the interior where I think Tapp could develop into an excellent center. He shows leadership qualities as well, so whoever lands this Nashville area big man could gain a steal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2143590' first='Crosby' last='Bonde'] - MBA: </strong>The Big Red will have some new pieces up front this Fall but one veteran they can lean on is Bonde. This 6 '1 interior O-lineman has done a nice job of packing on more weight this off-season to fill out his frame further and make himself more appealing for the next level. The Big Red senior shows potential at center where he could eventually start in college and become an All-Conference potential player.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2159175,"width":"237px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/cbonde.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2159175" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Linemen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] - FRA: </strong>One of the best two-way linemen in the state, Neal is projected at defensive tackle in college where he can develop into a major disruptor. His stock has grown significantly over the last year where multiple Power Four programs are in hot pursuit. I personally think Neal could be the best 3-tech prospect we have from the TN2027 class. The Panthers big man has already set official visits to <strong>Iowa St. </strong>and <strong>Tulane</strong> with several others looking to get Neal on campus as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847724' first='Luke' last='Kleiner'] - MBA: </strong>This Nashville based defensive end keeps himself quiet on the media scene and is lacking junior film right now but I got to see him perform multiple times last year and Kleiner is legit. Sporting good size (6'4 230) with a physically well built body, the Big Red senior has the look of an edge setting defender that stops the run well but can also get after the passer. Maybe sometime soon, Klenier comes out of the shadows and begins to see an upstart in his recruitment.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry'] - Nash. Christian: </strong>A multi-year starter with a lot of experience on both lines of scrimmage, Newberry is a big bodied guy on the interior of the D-line that has a shot one day to find himself on the D1 playing stage. He has a lot of development to go to reach that plateau but the physical traits and upside are in-place. If the Eagles big man can enhance his lower half explosion while getting a tick faster, bigger programs might start looking his way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] - Pearl Cohn: </strong>Last season was a coming out party for this Nashville area pass rusher that brings great physical tools and upside to the playing field that translate well to the next level. Moshay has a chance to lead the state in sacks but only if he cranks up his motor while continuing to develop in the proper direction. Long term wise, Moshay may turn out to have the most upside of any prospect from the greater Nashville area from our TN2027 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2159176,"width":"289px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/mmoshay2-crop-1366x897-1774544023.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2159176" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132227' first='Christian' last='Lillard'] - Pearl Cohn: </strong>If I had to pick a player in this article that could have the biggest breakout this Fall, it might be this Nashville area defensive tackle. Lillard is a transfer from Mt. Juliet that gives the Firebirds an active, athletic and strong interior presence that could excel at stopping the run while also providing the occasional pass rush. This guy is a disruptor in the middle that I believe can turn heads this summer in camps to accelerate his recruitment and become a top tier D-line prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'] - James Lawson: </strong>If Suong was two to three inches taller, you would know his name a lot more but the Lightning senior is good at what he does and that's getting into the backfield. Sporting a good first step with a strong upper body, Suong is a true power rusher that has a nose for the ball. He has a future as a possible edge setting defensive end against the run while also having the upside to rush on third downs, becoming a three down player.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.'] - James Lawson: </strong>Playing on the other end from Suong on the Lighting defensive line, Patterson, Jr is a physically gifted young man that has yet to tap into his potential but the talent is there. Standing 6'3 245 pounds, this senior defender has the look of an edge setting defensive end that has pass rushing potential. Patterson, Jr is a solid athlete with good arm length and a body that can pack on more size but to become the player I think he can, he must grind hard to develop in the proper direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely'] - Ensworth: </strong>Playing both ways for his Tigers football squad, Seely is a long term, developmental prospect that has the build and look of a possible college defensive end. Some college coaches might like Seely better on the O-line but I like his future on defense where he can become an edge setting defensive end or possibly a player that wreaks havoc from the interior. There is a lot of growth to go but I like the building blocks here with this Nashville area lineman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] - Antioch: </strong>Denton showed flashes last season of excellent play from both sides of the ball with the upside to become a disruptive 3-tech prospect on the collegiate gridiron. The Bears senior big man can be an explosive attacker from the interior of the D-line that provides a pass rush while also having the body frame to grow into a solid run stuffer. Denton does need to get bigger and develop his skill set further but the upside is there for him to become a starting 3-tech on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James'] - James Lawson: </strong>This senior defensive lineman is an interesting case because Brooks-James shows athleticism and flashes of explosion on film but is still underdeveloped when it comes to his body. This Nashville area senior sits at about 6 '2 260 pounds, which is undersized for the college game but Brooks-James has the build to pack on more size and turn into a more formidable player. His body and game development this off-season will go a long way towards boosting his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2159177,"width":"198px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7067563497640799","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/rbjames.webp?w=723" alt="" class="wp-image-2159177" style="aspect-ratio:0.7067563497640799;width:198px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->