TN2028 Defensive Watch List (Who’s Up Next)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">As we work through the off-season recruiting and scouting months, several in-state junior prospects on the defensive side of the ball have seen things take-off while others haven't. Well we feel these guys are up next and on the verge of breaking through. Here we breakdown the defensive prospects to watch moving forward and who should be on the radar to gain college offers. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris'] - Pearl Cohn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Headed into his junior season, Harris sits as one of the better defensive tackle prospects from our TN2028 class but he has yet to break through on the recruiting scene. Now he does hold a few offers in hand already, including ones from Colorado and Vanderbilt but the Firebirds big man has yet to see things burst wide open. It's hard to find nose tackle prospects that have the athleticism, power and size that Harris brings to the field, so I expect more and more interest to float his way as coaches dive deep into his highlights. I do see further development needed with Harris but the building blocks are in place to carve out a nice career on the college stage one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'] - Westview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hickman already holds a lot of experience as he's been starting since his freshman season but he has yet to see his recruitment take-off, however I definitely think that changes over time. The Chargers D-lineman is a high motor guy that competes hard while providing versatility up front. Hickman has a skill set that could flourish as a 3-tech in college but he's athletic enough to possibly play some defensive end as well. I do feel that coaches want to have him in camp this summer to truly gauge who Hickman is as a player before they get on board with offers, otherwise he would hold several right now but doesn't. Everything will change over time because Hickman is too good and impactful of a player for college coaches to keep looking past him much longer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1188855,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Drake-Hickman-28-TN.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1188855" style="width:252px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Westview DL [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1093180' first='Jiles' last='Bryant'] - Houston&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Physical at the point of attack, Bryant is the next up and coming defensive talent coming out of the Houston program that has a shot to maneuver his way towards the D1 level. Going into his junior season, Bryant is still in developmental mode, meaning he has several things to improve upon but I like the upside here as an edge setting defensive end that stuffs the run but can also provide the occasional pass rush. I can see a scenario where Bryant gets bigger and becomes a 3-tech prospect. Either way, the Mustangs junior brings several strong physical abilities and traits to the field that should eventually gain more interest from college programs, which I think begins this summer during camp season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'] - Page</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Patriots program has generated some serious defensive talent throughout the past few years and Cisneros appears to be the next stud in-line destined for the big stage of college football. Sporting great size with an excellent first step, Cisneros is an explosive tackler that reads the play quickly then attacks without hesitation. The Patriots backer is a good athlete that moves, runs well while also having the ability to play in open space. College coaches have interest here but have yet to extend the offers. I think that changes very soon, especially as coaches see and work with Cisneros in person this summer at camps. I can see offers coming sooner than that too because the Pats junior is legit with big upside. There is a lot to like about Cisneros, so expect to hear more and more about this guy as we move forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2148102' first='Jamison' last='Humphres'] - Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Humphres made a big impact last season as a first time starter and I expect him to be even better as we get into the 2026 season with a full off-season of development behind his back. The Eagles junior linebacker is a versatile piece that I believe fits best on the ball but his physicality and motor allows him to work the edge on occasions and get after the quarterback. This is a good athlete that should improve further in this area as he continues to mature. I don't know if the offers will arrive before camp season but I think coaches will get a better gauge on Humphres this summer in camps while following his work throughout the coming season. I do expect his stock to rise and place himself among the best you will find from our TN2028 linebacker class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2157202,"width":"260px","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/jhumphries.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2157202" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1187260' first='Octavius' last='Flynn, Jr'] - Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last season was a coming out party for this Memphis area linebacker that contributed on both sides of the ball but his future in college resides on defense where Flynn can be an impactful player. What you recognize from the Saints junior is his athleticism and ability to close fast. This is a physical, hard nosed competitor that gets downhill fast and finishes the play with violence. We have yet to see his recruitment take-off but I think that will change in time. Flynn, Jr does need further development but the raw skills are in place to become a top linebacker prospect from our junior class that might have a shot at working his way into a possible P4 or D1 recruit. I'm very interested to see how the Saints linebacker progresses over the coming months and how his recruitment plays out in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1568928' first='Destin' last='Jones'] - Northeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All this guy has done is pick off passes and produce at a high level ever since he began his high school career but Jones has yet to see those offers come in, however I believe that will change in time as more coaches dive deeper into his film. The Eagles junior is an instinctive, smart football player that uses his athleticism and intelligence to consistently make plays on the ball. Jones runs well but I can see where he could enhance his speed as well. If he can do that while becoming more sudden with his movements, I can see college coaches falling in love with him due to his high football IQ. I do think the Eagles defensive back must camp this summer to prove his worth but Jones is a good football player that will land those elusive offers at some point in time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1589980,"width":"232px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/desjones.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1589980" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1092637' first='Messiah' last='Ward'] - Westview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ward sits high on my list as guys I like and think can make a big impact on the college stage but coaches have yet to see what I see and that's a potential lock down cover corner. The Chargers junior is a natural athlete that runs well, showing closing speed and willingness to tackle in run support. He is quick footed and fast with the ability to stay on path with the receiver. There are a lot of traits about Ward that I like and think translates well to the college game. I do think the offers will come but coaches may be waiting to see how he progresses, especially in the weight room before they solidify their interest. I'm expecting Ward to be a summer camp star that wows college staffs, forces their hand at extending offers and makes him one of the best corner prospects coming out of our TN2028 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1617036' first='Miguel' last='Moore'] - Southwind</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- College interest has been coming Moore's way for a little more than a year now but he's yet to breakout in a big way, however I think that changes after camps this summer and his performance throughout the Fall football season. Physicality is the first thing you recognize when you flip on film. Moore is a violent attacker that looks to punish his opponents. The Jaguars junior is a true in the box safety that could excel at stopping the run in college. His instincts play up as well but Moore must get faster and more sudden to sustain himself on the Power Four playing stage. If he can do that this off-season and display it in the Fall, the Jags junior safety might work his way into the top ten of our defensive back group. I like what Moore brings to the field, especially his physical presence that I think college coaches will fall in love with.&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=2028&amp;commitment=" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2028&amp;commitment=">#TN2028 Prospect Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(S) [player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders'] - Blackman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Athletic and fluid with college size, Sanders is a talented young man that doesn't hold the college offers right now but that will change very soon, especially after coaches work with him in camps this summer. This junior defender gained good experience last year playing on the 6A level with Blackman and I believe that will bode well for Sanders moving forward. Potential sits in place for Sanders to handle either the boundary or field in college along with the physical build to pack on more weight and excel at stopping the run. This Murfreesboro area safety is still in developmental mode as he matures into his body and forms his game but the raw talent is there. I expect Sanders to be a D1 prospect with the possibility of becoming a Power Four guy with continued improvement.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Others to Track: </strong>(DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='989275' first='Houston' last='Payne'] </strong>- CPA, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='983676' first='Khristopher' last='Rice'] </strong>- Ensworth, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177918' first='Jacob' last='Kreis'] </strong>- Lipscomb Acad., (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093181' first='Graham' last='Kesner'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst., (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148586' first='Max' last='Greene'] </strong>- Dickson Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2034577,"width":"273px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8357839343754837","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-06-2025-7-56-10-PM.jpg?w=855" alt="" class="wp-image-2034577" style="aspect-ratio:0.8357839343754837;width:273px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->