Scouting The Top Defensive Backs in Division II-AA

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.   Next in this series, I'll discuss Division II-AA defensive backs. Here's a scouting report of my top corners and safeties in DII-AA.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/evankellum-crop-924x607-1774975840.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2162547" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DB [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   2028 SAF [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] – Battle Ground Academy   Battle Ground Academy's [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] stepped up in a big way this past season, playing in all 14 games and being one of their most productive players. He racked up 57 total tackles, six for a loss, five interceptions, five pass breakups and two defensive scores.   The rising junior is one of the elite defensive backs in Tennessee, with all the skills and physical tools to become a Power Four player. Kellum offers a great size for his age, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, with a well-built frame.   He's highly athletic for his position, with great movement that allows him to patrol the field and move around quickly. While he's a defensive back, the 2028 prospect plays like a linebacker with his physicality, often laying the boom on offensive players.   He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, but Kellum will continue to be a standout for Bobby Bentley's program. He is a complete player who will only get better, which should scare other teams.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/OS0.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1938820" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DB [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders']. Taken by Shayne Pickering, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure>   2027 SAF [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] – Franklin Road Academy   The Vanderbilt football commit has long been one of the best defensive backs in the country, and easily the No. 1 in Tennessee. He's the complete package, possessing incredible physical tools, a high football IQ and the physicality to walk up in the box, making him a dynamic athlete.   He has fantastic size for the position, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds in a lean, long frame that allows him to do everything. Sanders is a highly fluid mover with the length to roam around the secondary with ease, while reading the offense well due to his elite IQ.   The rising senior is a solid coverage safety, but his tackling and physical ability are what impress me most. He plays like a linebacker with the motor he has, and he's highly violent between the white lines. His ball skills are tremendous as well, which comes from his background as a wide receiver.   Overall, Sanders has it all, along with the versatility to play multiple positions at the next level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-31-2026-11-53-49-AM-crop-1320x867-1774976129.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2162556" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Goodpasture DB [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   2027 DB Brandon “Slim” Leavell – Goodpasture Christian School   [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] is one of the most talented players in Tennessee, playing on both sides of the ball. However, he's been a recent recruiting riser as a defensive back, picking up seven Power Four offers within the last month. He has the size, traits and production that have made him one of the more desirable defenders in the 2027 class.   The rising senior was highly productive this past season, recording a good number of tackles and leading his team with four interceptions.   He offers a good frame for the position, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, with a big body and long arms, making him valuable at both cornerback and safety at the next level.   Leavell moves well, has a smart football mind, is a natural ball hawk, plays physical and is willing to do whatever it takes. The 2027 prospect is also a high-character individual, making him a great fit for any program, given what he can do on the field.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Remello-Armstrong-crop-401x263-1774976213.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2162557" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2029 CB [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] – Franklin Road Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] is one of the elite young players at Franklin Road Academy. He stands out at two positions on each side of the field, but I'll be highlighting his ability as a defensive back in this article.   The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback saw a good amount of playing time as a freshman, having strong outings and showing his high potential in the secondary. He already has good size for the position, with the length to match up against several types of receivers.   Armstrong plays for the best coaching staff in Tennessee, so his technique is elite for a young buck, along with Power Four-type physical tools. The rising sophomore is a fluid mover, flips his hips well, plays with physicality and has good instincts.   He can play both man and zone coverages well, while also being a good tackler. FRA lost two key cornerbacks to graduation this year, so he will be a full-time starter next season. I can't wait to see how he looks after an impressive freshman year and another offseason to develop.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-21-2025-4-20-59-PM-crop-1319x867-1766872899.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2090087" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DB [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] at an NPA 7v7 event.</figcaption></figure>   2028 SAF [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'], unfortunately, missed the 2025 season due to an injury, but he is one of the defensive backs I expect to have a big junior season. He plays safety, but is a versatile athlete who can move all over the field.   I would not be surprised at all to see him used in multiple ways, but his skills as a safety stand out as among the best in the state. He moves very well, has good instincts for the position, can get anywhere quickly due to his speed/quickness and is a strong tackler with an extremely high motor.   Thompson has all the tools to become one of the best players at his position, but he must prove it. I have no doubt about that, but I am rather excited to see him make his long-awaited debut with the Wildcats.

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.