Scouting The Top Defensive Linemen 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 linemen. Here's a scouting report of my top trench kings 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/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-26-2025-10-15-47-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1911152" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DL [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal']. Taken by Shayne Pickering of Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] – Franklin Road Academy   FRA's [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] is a Division II-AA defensive lineman who is one of the best players in the state, but doesn't get the recognition that he deserves.   The 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman totaled 65 tackles, 14 for a loss, eight sacks and forced two fumbles in 12 games played last season, earning consensus all-state honors. Neal is a nightmare for offenses to game-plan against, as he's a big dude but is also explosive and moves well.   The 2027 prospect dominated nearly everyone that he faced this past season with his ability to shut down the run and pressure the QB. He's primarily a defensive end but has the physical tools and technique to play anywhere at the next level, making him a dangerous and valuable player for colleges.   Neal holds 17 Division I offers, but will continue to blow up throughout the offseason.   <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-27-2026-10-35-09-AM-crop-1320x867-1774625840.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2159846" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DL [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] during the state championship. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] is arguably the most underrated player in Tennessee. He consistently produces at a high level, but somehow is forgotten in the conversations of top defensive linemen. This past season, he totaled 32 tackles, 11 for a loss, a team-high 11 sacks and a fumble recovery while dealing with an injury in the back half of the season.   He produces at an elite level for an interior lineman, with good size, excellent athleticism for his position, a strong work ethic and top-tier character. Pittman can stop the run, but he is one of the best pass rushers in his class.   The 2027 prospect moves very well, has sound technique, is relatively explosive for his position and is very strong in the middle. The production speaks for itself, while he possesses Power Four size and traits.   <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/awoodruff.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-2154646" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DL [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff'] after a game. Taken by Drew Toennies, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure>   2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff'] is a tremendous talent, already garnering offers from nearly every top-tier school in America. He has been one of the top players at his position since stepping on the field as a freshman, where he's done nothing but produce. The 2028 prospect has played all 28 games in the last two seasons, totaling 58 tackles, 16 for a loss and six sacks as an interior defensive lineman.   Woodruff has one of the most impressive builds I've seen from a player his age, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing a whopping 290 pounds, but it is pure muscle. Very rarely do you see these kinds of physiques show up this early, but the rising junior has that going for him, which is something that college coaches love.   He's a good all-around player, but he impresses with his ability to rush the passer and a high motor that doesn't stop until the echo of the whistle. Woodruff still has some developing to do, but he may be the most talented defensive lineman in Tennessee with his physical tools and traits.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-03-2026-5-01-57-PM-crop-1319x867-1767481662.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2098713" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DL [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] after a game.</figcaption></figure>   2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] – Franklin Road Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] is one of the most exciting young players in Tennessee. He boasts an impressive build as a 6-foot-1, 218-pound defensive lineman, with a lean physique and long frame that allows him to add weight. The rising sophomore is an intriguing player thanks to his versatility across multiple positions.   He's a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end who can also serve as a stand-up edge rusher. Booker is solid against the run, but excels as a pass rusher, thanks to his outstanding speed and athleticism for his position. The 2029 prospect showed flash as a freshman, but after some time to develop, he will put everyone on notice this upcoming season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/98-Will-Pasley-crop-5607x3682-1774626032.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2159852" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) DL [player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   GCA's [player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] is another uber-talented 2028 defensive lineman who's produced at a high level, but can still take that next step to becoming a blue-chip prospect. This past season, he totaled 24 tackles, nine for a loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery in 10 games played.   The rising junior is a monster of a man, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 340 pounds, and is an interior defensive lineman with the versatility to do multiple things for that squad. While he may be a large human being, Pasley is extremely strong and a great athlete for his size, allowing him to be dominant on the defensive front.   The 2028 prospect is an elite run-stuffer who sheds blocks with ease, but he also offers pass-rush ability that keeps him on the field every play. He is very quick, possesses sound technique and has a high motor, with the physicality to dominate offensive linemen.

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.