Scouting The Class: TN2027 Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One of the premier positions groups within the landscape of college football is the secondary and our senior class has plenty of high quality defensive back prospects that will one day hopefully make an impact on the next level. Inside we breakdown our TN2027 secondary class that speaks towards having good depth and some unknowns that might pop up throughout this process. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you scout this state like I have for the past 20 years, you have seen the growth of talent here in Tennessee but I don't know if any position has gotten better and deeper over the years than the defensive backs. The secondary has been possibly the best position group in the Volunteer State that is consistently putting football players into the Power Four or D1 playing levels and the TN2027 class looks to be no different with a deep group of prospects that is dripping with potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Secondary Talent&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top of the board looks strong this cycle with more safety prospects standing out right now compared to the cornerbacks. Just recently committing to Tennessee, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] </strong>could be the top safety prospect in this class and someone that could find his way onto the field early in his playing career. The Haywood senior has great size with athleticism and outstanding ball skills along with the willingness to come up and tackle in run support.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving to Knox. Catholic for his senior year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260316' first='Loia' last='Valade'] </strong>is fighting to be our top cornerback prospect from the TN2027 class. This native Canadian might be the fastest prospect in the state, especially from the secondary that brings a lot of great tools to the field to become a lock down cover corner in college. Competing with Valade for that top cornerback spot looks to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] </strong>from Westview, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila'] </strong>out of Baylor and Brentwood Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642438' first='Romel' last='Koon, Jr']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starring for his Chargers team on both sides of the ball, Brown is a natural athlete with excellent size and the ball skills to develop into an outstanding cover corner on the college level. I'm a big fan of Darren Djila and his upside in the college game. This guy is a versatile piece that has enough speed to contend on the outside but his best potential might sit at nickelback. Quick and twitchy, Koon, Jr is a true cornerback prospect that runs well, showing the ability to stay on path with the receiver and make plays on the ball. He does need to get bigger to sustain himself on the big stage though.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As it was mentioned above, the safety class we have this year might be the best it's been in some time. Butler looks to be the top guy but others are not far behind. One of those nipping on his heels is Riverdale senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua']</strong>. Currently committed to Mississippi St., the Warriors safety is a good athlete that gets down hill fast and makes violent contact. Fuqua also has strong ball skills as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1897558,"width":"342px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/9-Hudson-Fuqua-crop-4257x2796-1758342817.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1897558" style="width:342px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale DB [player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another safety prospect that stands out to me is Germantown senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641243' first='Malik' last='Dean Jr.'] </strong>Sporting excellent size with good arm length, Dean is a physical presence on the back end that brings a nice mix of tackling and ball hawk tendencies to the playing field. USJ defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] </strong>is a tall and long potential filled prospect that has steadily gotten better over the past year where he now has Power Four and D1 programs showing interest. The Bruins senior is an interesting prospect to scout as I think he fits best at safety but I could see some college staff liking him at cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top tier of the safety list doesn't stop with those guys above. You have guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'] </strong>(Ensworth), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2082939' first='Hill' last='Strong'] </strong>(Brentwood Academy), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147342' first='Jacob' last='Jewell'] </strong>(Ravenwood) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1881268' first='Jadarius' last='Hinton'] </strong>from Tyner Academy that are D1 level prospects that have slowly built their stocks over these off-season months to become worthy on the recruiting trail. Strong is one guy among these four that has seen their recruitments take-off and it's well warranted as the Eagles safety is athletic, rangy and smart with good size that translates to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is sitting under the radar right now and someone that I think coaches are missing the boat on. This guy is fast with a quick first step towards the action. The Tigers safety has good range too and the willingness to tackle in run support. Both Jewell and Hinton are big, physical back end safeties that show upside in stopping the run. Jewell in particular runs very well along with having excellent size and all sorts of potential to excel on the next level. Hinton could be viewed as a receiver by some staffs but I personally like his upside best as a boundary safety.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving off safety for a moment, two guys that I really like that bring versatility to the back end along with ball hawking skills are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2076919' first='Landan' last='Left'] </strong>from Pearl Cohn and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor'] </strong>out of Humboldt. I could see where a staff might like Left at safety but me personally, I like his upside best at nickelback. He is a gamer that tends to put himself around the ball on a consistent basis. Taylor comes from a small town but he might be legit and someone that could form into a cover corner in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2080078,"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/3/2025/12/dartaylor.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2080078" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking beyond that top group, we have a bevy of guys that either hold D1 offers or have interest from that level. Brentwood Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105993' first='Troy' last='Porties'] </strong>is coming off a strong junior season and it's starting to pay off on the recruiting trail. The Eagles defender is an interesting prospect that has a skill set that could work at several secondary positions. Alcoa defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617434' first='Mason' last='Laster'] </strong>fits the same bill. This guy is one of the quickest to the ball I have scouted in this class. His speed might allow him to play corner in college but if not, Laster could definitely stand out playing nickel.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two more potential cover corner prospects to know about and follow over the coming months are Centennial senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114143' first='Brody' last='Haddox'] </strong>and East Nashville defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147346' first='Ke'Vontae' last='Pitts']</strong>. When you turn on the film, you see a tall and long cover guy that displays the speed to keep up with his opponent. Haddox does need to continue getting bigger while learning the game more but I like the upside here due to his physical traits and ability to run. Pitts is a versatile prospect that brings a skill set to the field that could work at either cornerback, nickel or safety.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five safeties that have either seen their recruitments kick off or could be on the verge of seeing that happen are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158912' first='Kadience' last='Nelson'] </strong>(MASE), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974488' first='Cason' last='Reed'] </strong>(East Nashville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton'] </strong>(Blackman), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566251' first='Kajuan' last='Taylor'] </strong>(James Lawson) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104284' first='Dequavion' last='Bell'] </strong>from Munford. All five of these guys have nice physical traits along with athleticism to become back end playmakers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson and Reed are two highly athletic guys that read and react on the ball well while displaying excellent ball skills. Thornton is another ball hawking style safety that displays excellent instincts with the willingness to attack down hill against the run. Taylor is a bigger safety prospect that fits best on the boundary. He does show some range and the ability to break on the ball but working in the box could be his future. Bell is a versatile piece that could develop at either safety spot. If he can increase his burst and overall speed, the Cougars senior might work his way up the recruiting boards and our rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is where the depth begins to flex its arms within our senior class. There are several players in this section that have the physical abilities and talent to play college ball and maybe even one day make it to the D1 playing stage. There are traits within these players that I like but I also see the need for further development both on the field and inside the weight room.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three guys immediately jump to the front of my mind when it comes to long term potential and they are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1979576' first='Jabarie' last='Acree'] </strong>from Clarksville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2129049' first='Jayven' last='Norris'] </strong>out of Kirkwood and Hendersonville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1960485' first='Ayden' last='Meadows']</strong>. All three of these guys show the potential to play cornerback in college due to their athleticism and speed but all three could develop at safety as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2159882,"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/jaynorris.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2159882" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Acree could be one of the fastest cover guys we have in this class. He is just lacking overall girth and size right now but if he can gain the weight and become more physical, college coaches may start taking a longer look at him. Norris is a fast dude that flashes explosive play on film. He just needs more time to learn his position and game further to become the kind of talent I think he can be. Meadows is somebody I could see rising late in the process due to his size (6'1 170) arm length and potential to play on the outside. I do think safety might be his best position but the fact that Meadows can run leans toward the possibility of him playing on the exterior.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two under the radar safety prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] </strong>(Whites Creek) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597003' first='Jonathan' last='DeStefanis'] </strong>(Christian Brothers) are two to watch late in the process. Mitchell is a tall and long defender that is dripping with potential. He has the physical tools to make an impact, he just has to increase his speed. DeStefanis shows nice speed on film and the ability to get downhill against the run game. He must get bigger to become a more formidable player but the frame is in place to change that.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Antioch senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685249' first='Thomas' last='Evan Davis']</strong>, Father Ryan defensive back <strong>T.J. Gooch</strong> <strong>Jr.</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610501' first='Jaylen' last='Easterling'] </strong>out of Mt. Pleasant, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966038' first='Kyree' last='Scott'] </strong>from Cleveland and Brentwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2122414' first='Turner' last='Weber'] </strong>are versatile pieces on the back that could play several positions in the secondary. I do think each guy does better at specific roles however. Davis is somebody I like at nickel. Gooch could play some corner but nickel and safety might fit him best. Easterling is a tremendous athlete that could be an outstanding safety with further maturity. Scott has a versatile skill set that could allow him to develop and excel at several secondary positions. Weber handles corner for his Bruins team but I like his upside best at safety, where his athleticism could shine.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2027&amp;position%5B%5D=DB&amp;commitment=" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2027&amp;position%5B%5D=DB&amp;commitment=">#TN2027 Defensive Back Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockvale made some big additions this off-season to their roster, especially in the secondary with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101048' first='Kingston' last='McQueen'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662944' first='Dallas' last='Johnson']</strong>. Both players are physically well built with enough athleticism to make an impact. Both need to increase their explosion and speed, which is why I like both right now playing boundary in college. McQueen in particular could develop nicely at nickelback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If any college staff is looking for some long term potential cover corners, they may need to look in the direction of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058200' first='Marrion' last='Wilson'] </strong>(White Station) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467318' first='Martavius' last='Smith'] </strong>(South Pittsburg). Both these guys need time to develop, especially in the weight room where Wilson and Smith are lacking the body weight to sustain themselves on the college stage but they are athletic guys that run very well. Their speed alone gives them a shot to excel on the island and become serviceable lock down cover corners.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wrapping up this section, two guys to know about and pay attention to during these off-season months and into the season are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2153600' first='Ryder' last='Casillas'] </strong>from Page and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2154315' first='Diego' last='DeCoursey'] </strong>out of Sevier County. Casillas handled a lot of corner for his Patriots team last year but I like his upside best safety. He has enough athleticism to potentially develop on either side of the field. DeCoursey is a multi-year starter that has consistently stayed under the radar but if he can enhance his athleticism and speed, his recruiting stock may start to rise.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2159888,"width":"234px","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/rcasillas.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2159888" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Developmental Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Continuing to look at the depth within our senior secondary class, this section pinpoints guys that are lacking in some areas within themselves or their games but have the tools to develop and improve to become a worthy college prospect. It may take some time for these guys to reach their maximum potential but if staffs are willing to be patient, they might find some steals in this grouping.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We start with three safeties prospects that I think can rise up the charts with strong off-season campaigns and polished seasons in the Fall. Those guys would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704591' first='Kentrell' last='Watkins Jr.'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] </strong>(Blackman) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104485' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] </strong>from Farragut. Last year was a breakout season for Watkins Jr. as he led his classification in interceptions while showing increased abilities at consistently finding the football. If he can increase his explosion and speed, his stock may begin to take-off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell was a first time starter last year and he performed well, showing nice instincts with the ball in the air along with the willingness to come up and tackle in run support. Adding more speed while increasing his weight is something Mitchell must focus on this off-season to become more appealing. Smith is undersized with weight but he's an athletic guy that reads and reacts well, showing ball hawk-like tendencies from his safety position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134983' first='Derrecas' last='Henson'] Jr. </strong>from Southwind and Whitehaven senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] </strong>are two Memphis area safety prospects that bring different skill sets to the field. Henson is more of a free safety style player that actually could develop nicely at nickelback while Maclin is a true in the box tackler that might one day develop into a linebacker. Both are long term guys that could develop at different positions once they reach college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2114245,"width":"256px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-27-2026-2-16-58-PM.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2114245" style="width:256px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whitehaven DB [player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] before his game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sequatchie Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1144213' first='Gowan' last='Brown'] </strong>has produced at a high level for his Indians team ever since he stepped onto the field as a freshman but heads into the summer months under the radar, still looking for college interest. Brown might have to begin his college career on the lower level but I see talent and upside with this guy to potentially move up one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646054' first='Quincy' last='Finley'] </strong>gained good experience last year on the Patriots championship squad and now he returns for his final year as a veteran on the back end that brings versatility to the field. He handled cornerback last year and might do so again this Fall but for college, I like his game best at safety where he can use his physicality towards his advantage. Much of the same can be said about new Germantown defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1720872' first='Caden' last='Wade']</strong>. Undersized but active and quick to the ball, Wade is a versatile piece that fits well at nickel where he can play against the run and cover smaller slot receivers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at this group as a whole, I don't know if it's as strong as last year's crop but it's still deep and talented. The top of the board looks strong with at least 20 guys destined for the Power Four or D1 playing stage. There are others just behind them that could get to that level as well but they must develop in the right direction. I do see a few guys talked above that sit under the radar right now but could form into a quality defensive back by the time we reach the end of the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As things sit right now, I would consider this position group as one of the best we have coming out of the TN2027 class. Other positions will contend with the defensive backs but they will sit as one of the best groups college coaches can recruit in this cycle. I expect the secondary to get deeper as we go through the rest of this year as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Defensive Backs to Know<strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1629926' first='Luke' last='Bowman'] </strong>- Silverdale, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582357' first='Sucory' last='Weathers'] </strong>- Smyrna, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903857' first='De'Marcus' last='Huffine Jr.'] </strong>- Powell, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974232' first='Garrett' last='Davis'] </strong>- Watertown, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2135981' first='Greyson' last='McKown'] </strong>- Franklin-Grace, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932942' first='Amaure' last='Manier'] </strong>- Lebanon, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137650' first='Caden' last='Woodard'] </strong>- Nolensville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630033' first='De'Mauri' last='Dubose'] </strong>- Alcoa, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660984' first='Ja'Tari' last='Davis'] </strong>- Notre Dame, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2123520' first='Ken' last='Easterly II'] </strong>- Austin-East, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815987' first='Braxton' last='Parker'] </strong>- Rockvale, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1732537' first='Rhett' last='Hall'] </strong>- Heritage, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694872' first='Jaden' last='Taylor'] </strong>- MASE, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571435' first='Mekhi' last='Jones'] </strong>- West Creek, <strong>Kordae Walker </strong>- Antioch, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586186' first='Mario' last='Hicks'] </strong>- Southwind, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1985412' first='Darius' last='Oliver'] </strong>- Harding Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2124583,"width":"349px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/DSC06230-crop-1770x1162-1770752596.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2124583" style="width:349px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek safety [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->