Scouting The Class: TN2027 Defensive Linemen

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">As we get closer to our new senior rankings, here we go through the defensive linemen, a deep and talented group that has some big time players at the top of the charts. This year's group may turn out to be one of the best D-line groups ever but that depends on their growth and development along with top players living up to their hype. </h2>     Potential Star Power At The Top    - Everyone in the know around the game of football knows you have to be strong in the line of scrimmage if you want to win ball games, especially on defense where those guys are tasked to do a lot from stacking blocks, stuffing the run or chasing after the quarterback. For our rising senior class of D-linemen, it looks like a talented crop of guys that is stacked at the top with growing depth that has begun to improve so far through the off-season.    Things can certainly change along the way but I think MASE defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] is the clear cut number one guy this cycle and someone with big potential for the college stage. It's hard to find big guys his size that move the way he does but Pittman is a good athlete that displays some explosive flashes coming off the line along with being ultra physical in the middle of the line.    The battle to watch for throughout the coming months and into the Fall football season is who will compete for second among the D-linemen while also finishing inside the top five. We have several strong options to consider with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] (Riverdale), Rockvale teammates [player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo'], [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] from FRA and under the radar big man [player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'] out of Christian Academy of Knoxville.    Transferring to Riverdale for his senior season, Stewart is one of the more vastly improved big men we have from the TN2027 class that has positioned himself as a potential Power Four guy. He is a wide bodied, physical young man that is athletic as well, bringing a nice combo of pass rushing and run stuffing from the middle. Neal is a multi-year starter that has started to see his recruitment take-off. The Panthers big man has landed several P4 offers due to his explosive game play and consistency getting into the backfield.    The 2026 season might turn into the best football year yet for the Rockvale football program, especially if Agberodiola and Pauldo perform at a high level and play up to their potential. Both these guys have impressive offers lists and are continuing to build their stocks. Agberodiola is a massive young man that moves well in the middle while Pauldo is your traditional defensive end with good size and the ability to set the edge versus the run. Dikisongele is another big bodied, athletic defensive tackle prospect and a hidden gem in my eyes that has yet to break through on the recruiting scene but I feel it will in due time.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-21-2025-11-24-31-PM-1.jpg?w=777" alt="" class="wp-image-1971389" style="aspect-ratio:0.7587999718962973;width:255px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rockvale Athletics</figcaption></figure>   Cannon Co. defensive end/edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] could contend for a top three spot by the time we reach the end of the 2026 season. This is a talented pass rush specialist that comes off the ball well then shows closing speed towards the football. Walkup has the size and athletic skill set that should eventually appeal to Power Four coaches, especially if he performs well this summer at camp and excels throughout his senior season.    Two guys flying through the off-season without many offers are [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] from Germantown and [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] out of Sevier County. Both these defensive ends prospects show pass rushing upside but have yet to break through on the recruiting scene. Harris is more of a speed rusher that is still developing his strength while Perry is a physical competitor that can get after the quarterback but also stop the run. The heavy college interest may not be there right now but I think that will change for both Harris and Perry as we get through summer camp season.    Moving to the inside, Collierville defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] and [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] out of Battle Ground Academy are two interior based linemen that have seen their stocks rise this off-season and I believe they will continue to do so into the summer months. Warren is a stout run stuffer that displays good footwork and the ability to rush the backfield. Pittman is more suited right now to get after the quarterback but his size alone speaks towards a future on the interior as a run stuffing tackle.    - - - - -    Fringe D1 Guys, Definite FCS Prospects   - Every year you have prospects that sit on that threshold of getting into the top level of college football but may be lacking in one area or another. This section focuses on those kinds of players that bring talent to the field but may need further development before bigger programs start looking their way. There are several prospects listed in this portion of the article that I'm quite high on and think could bring value to whoever's locker room they are added into.    Nolensville defensive end, potential edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] is someone I'm bullish on because I simply like how he plays and how he competes with desire and want-to. This 6'2 pass rusher is undersized and lacking the ideal height but his motor is strong and football intelligence is beyond his age. Sentell simply has a feel for the game that you don't find with many players and he knows how to use a variety of pass rushing moves to get into the backfield.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-22-2026-12-56-04-PM-1-2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2111091" style="width:238px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nolensville DL/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'].</figcaption></figure>   Another defensive end prospect I like a good bit is Christian Brothers senior [player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted']. Some college staffs may like Umsted for tight end but me personally, I like his upside best on defense where he could develop into one of the better edge setting defensive ends that stuffs the run while providing the occasional pass rush. Staying in the greater Memphis area, [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] from Memp. Central is an intriguing prospect that has the height and look of a college guy but needs further time in the weight room to build up his body. The way the Warriors defensive end is built and how he performs tells me Lane could develop into a nice edge setting guy that strings out the run while providing the occasional pass rush.    Moving into the interior, Lakeway Christian tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] and new Brentwood Academy D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1140547' first='Dylan' last='Taylor'] are two active and athletic prospects that show upside as potential 3-tech guys on the college stage. Bell is a smart and savvy performer that uses his strength to stack blocks then his athleticism to find the ball. He could increase his burst and speed but the raw tools are in place to become a disruptive guy. Much of the same could be said about Taylor. He is a bit smaller at 6'0 but the new Eagles tackle comes off the ball well and consistently finds himself in the backfield.    A prospect sitting under the radar right now that I think has a chance to possibly play his way into D1 status is [player_tooltip player_id='1847724' first='Luke' last='Kleiner']. This Nashville area performer and senior MBA defensive end brings an active motor to the field along with good size (6'4 230 lbs) that allows him to set the edge but also get after the quarterback as well. He has more filling out to do with his body but I like what I see on film from Kleiner and his upside for the college game.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&high_school_name=&class%5B%5D=2027&position%5B%5D=DL&commitment=" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&high_school_name=&class%5B%5D=2027&position%5B%5D=DL&commitment=">#TN2027 Defensive Line Database</a>   - - - - -    Talented But Still in Developmental Mode   - Much like the guys written about above, this section points towards prospects that might not have the overwhelming physical traits that coaches look for but they bring something to the field that allows them to excel and potentially find a role on the next level. One player who immediately fits that criteria is Knox. Halls defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1629881' first='Travis' last='Brasfield']. This senior defender has one of the best motors from his class along with a physical approach to the game that coaches love. Brasfield isn't the tallest (6 '2) and needs a lot of work to form his body but the football intelligence and max effort motor are in place.    This section of the article is full of defensive tackle prospects that show potential but may be a little undersized while needing further development. Those guys would include [player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry'] (Nash. Christian), [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates'] (Southwind), [player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] (Antioch), [player_tooltip player_id='2132227' first='Christian' last='Lillard'] (Pearl Cohn), [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] (White Co.), [player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James'] (James Lawson), [player_tooltip player_id='1651726' first='Donavon' last='Hunt'] (Briarcrest Chrst.), [player_tooltip player_id='1652879' first='Kemonte' last='Williams'] (Cane Ridge) and [player_tooltip player_id='1654146' first='Kason' last='Boswell'] out of Gallatin.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/rbates.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2129402" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coming off back to back state titles, Newberry is a winner that is a major contributor on both sides of the line for his Eagles squad that I feel has a future in college at defensive tackle. This Nashville based prospect is one guy in this section that I think can move up the charts and see his recruitment take-off due to his overall size (6'3 290), upper body strength, deceptive athleticism and lower base agility. I could see a college staff wanting Newberry for the O-line as well.    If Bates was two inches taller, he may already hold 10 plus offers. The Jaguars 3-tech defensive tackle has some of the best get-off in this class, showing explosive flashes and an agile lower body that consistently puts him around the ball. Denton is a two-way lineman that is receiving interest for the O-line but I think his college potential is best suited at defensive tackle. The Bears senior is a solid athlete that shows glimpse of explosive game play and upside at rushing the backfield.    Pearl Cohn should have a nice addition to their D-line this Fall with Lillard, who I think is a sneaky good talent that might turn into a D1 guy down the road. He is a strong, stout young man that holds the point of attack well while showing athletic upside. Winfree is a multi-year starter with a lot of game experience that can be moved all across the line. He can be used to rush the passer or stack blocks against the run. Increasing his athleticism and explosion would boost his stock a lot.    Brooks-James and Hunt are two versatile linemen that can be used on the interior to rush upfield or play the end and set the edge versus the run. Both of them need time to develop their games further while adding in more weight but have potential to be disruptive on the collegiate gridiron. The Cane Ridge roster doesn't show Williams on there right now but he does have junior film and it's not too bad. He is a compact guy with good upper body strength and lower base athleticism. Boswell is undersized but strong with deceptive athletic movements. He could play some 3-tech but his upside may suit best as a future nose tackle.    McCallie is somewhat known for putting out good defensive prospects and [player_tooltip player_id='892300' first='Zachael' last='Fortin'] looks like the next guy in line. This Canadian native is well built physically with a strong initial burst and punch that allows him to get into the backfield and disrupt the offense. If he can increase his agility and speed while continuing to develop in the weight room, Fortin might turn into a definite FCS prospect.    Three Nashville area seniors that sit under the radar right now but have college potential are [player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely'] from Ensworth and James Lawson teammates [player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'] and [player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.'] Looking at his junior film, Seely shows potential as a true defensive end or possibly inside as a 3-tech but that depends on his body development. Some college staffs might be looking at Seely for the O-line but I personally like his upside best on defense.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/mseely.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2152535" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>   Suong doesn't have the ideal height (6'1 240) but he is a strong, max effort guy with long arms that has a knack for getting into the backfield. I'm interested to see how he develops and where he lands because I see good long term potential with the Lightning pass rusher. Patterson is someone that I think doesn't realize his potential yet but he has the size (6'3 245) and athletic tools and traits to develop well at defensive end. The Nashville area defender is more of an edge setter and power rusher that could do some good work at stopping the run.    The East Tennessee region has three guys in [player_tooltip player_id='2142847' first='Amare' last='Cruse'] (Knox. West), [player_tooltip player_id='2135986' first='Jesse' last='Jones'] (McMinn Co.) and [player_tooltip player_id='2069997' first='Logan' last='Lawrence'] from Jefferson Co. that show potential on film to become FCS guys down the road but need further development. Cruse is a true interior guy that stands about 6'2 245 pounds right now but has the frame to add much more weight. If he can do that, he might turn into an athletic, disruptive tackle that could rush the backfield.    Jones is someone that pops on film to me. He is definitely under the radar and undersized with weight right now but the Cherokees senior displays explosive flashes that allows him to get after the passer. His film shows a lot of work inside but I think Jones could turn into an edge setting defensive end in college. Lawrence is a max effort guy that competes very hard while bringing a physical approach in stopping the run. He displays pass rushing flashes too, including some closing speed that occasionally shows up on film.    Marshall Co. senior [player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2085663' first='Taylin' last='Strayhorn'] from Huntingdon are two developmental interior tackle prospects that need time to fully come into their potential but have enough talent to become starters down the road. Morris is more of your run stuffer that moves well for his size but projects at the nose in college. Strayhorn is a 3-tech prospect that is coming off a highly productive year. He is a deceptive athlete that has room to get bigger and become a disruptive interior force.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/mymorris.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2129403" style="width:209px;height:auto" /></figure>   Finishing out this section at defensive end, three guys in [player_tooltip player_id='904823' first='Seth' last='Seiber'] (Gibbs), [player_tooltip player_id='2134133' first='Mason' last='Norman'] (Happy Valley) and [player_tooltip player_id='2139595' first='Andrew' last='Harrison'] from Nolensville are developmental prospects that will need time but playing hard is one thing you won't have to worry about. Seiber has a lot of experience with his Eagles team and someone that could handle several roles across the defensive front. I like him as an edge setter but I could see him adding weight and turning in a 3-tech college starter.    Coming off a very productive junior season, Norman is an intriguing small town prospect that could develop at defensive end or potentially play some edge but that depends on his growth. The Warriors senior displays some athletic flashes along with a nice bend that could allow him to become a solid pass rusher on the college stage. Harrison is a two-way player that could be looked at for defensive end, edge or on offense at tight end. Watching his junior highlights, I like him best on defense but I could easily see someone fall in love with him as a college in-line blocking tight end.    Going back through this group as a whole, I think this could be one of the best crops of defensive linemen we have ever had from the Volunteer State. The main reason I say that is because this has been one position that has lacked overall depth but I see that changing, especially with the TN2027 class. It also has room to get deeper as I see guys down the list that have some physical traits that if developed right, could become possible D1 players.    Whether it's next season or down the road, I can see 15 to 20 guys here that can play Power Four or D1 football. I also see others that might not make it to the big stage but can certainly progress into impactful starters on their respective college levels. It will be fun to see how this group develops and how many take that next step needed to become the kind of college talents they hope to become.    Other D-linemen to Know: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='903292' first='Jordan' last='Phillips'] - Brentwood Acad., (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1880488' first='Luke' last='Stubblefield'] - Lincoln Co., (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'] - Lewis Co., (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen'] - South Gibson, (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1308269' first='Graven' last='Wilson'] - Sevier Co., (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1676951' first='Jeremiah' last='Strickland'] - Oak Ridge, (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='932881' first='Jacoby' last='Sutton'] - Dresden, (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2148580' first='Richmond' last='Bell'] - Notre Dame, (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1671494' first='Ryan' last='Jenkins'] - Southwind, (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='2135959' first='Xzavior' last='Murphy'] - Columbia Central   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/gibbs2-crop-960x631-1773775043.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2152537" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure>