Trench Talk: Best Defensive Line Units

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offense wins ball games, defenses win championships, especially if your good in the line of scrimmage. We took a dive into who might have the best defensive line units in the state for the 2026 season and these ten programs made the cut. If these teams form together up front like their potential shows, competing for titles is very real.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(All schools listed in alphabetical order) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Antioch Bears - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton']</strong>, (DE) <strong>Da'Von Rhodes</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There are a lot of good pieces returning for the Bears this coming Fall season, including their defensive line that has a few guys in Denton and Ntumba that can be game changers. Going both ways on the line for his Antioch squad, Denton is an athletic guy that displays explosive flashes on film and the ability to rush the backfield from his D-Tackle position. He is joined by fellow senior Rhodes, who has a versatile skill set. The star up front is Ntumba. This junior edge rusher had a coming out party last year where he produced double digit sacks. Ntumba is a future P4 prospect that might turn into one of the better D-linemen throughout the entire Volunteer State. I see potential with this group and a unit that could be a leading force behind the Bears 2026 campaign towards titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2154648,"width":"290px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5212416851441242","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/fbtumba-crop-360x237-1774040157.jpg?w=359" alt="" class="wp-image-2154648" style="aspect-ratio:1.5212416851441242;width:290px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA Wildcats - D2-Class AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman']</strong>, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906623' first='Will' last='Copeland']</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664612' first='Easton' last='Plunkett']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Wildcats are coming off winning a D2-Class AA state title and they have a good shot at repeating due to their strength and talent in the defensive line. They return three strong pieces up front in Pittman, Copeland and Woodruff that are all destined for the college stage then the staff added a nice addition recently with Plunkett, a combo pass rusher and run stuffer at defensive end. This is a very talented defensive front four that might turn out to be the catalyst that drives the Wildcats towards repeating as state champions. Look for Copeland and Plunkett to have breakout years as most teams focus on blocking Pittman and Woodruff. If those two hit near double digit sacks, BGA could have one of the better overall defenses in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Briarcrest Christian Saints - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651726' first='Donavon' last='Hunt']</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651733' first='Fred' last='Sanders']</strong>, ‘29 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305637' first='Braxton' last='Logan']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Saints may not be at the top of the board for some when it comes to their defensive line but I think by the end of the 2026 season, Briarcrest could have one of the better units within their classification, maybe even the state. If the potential up front is to be filled, Sanders and Logan must progress the way I think they can. Hunt is the veteran up front that provides physical play and flashes of athletic play that can be used inside or on the end. Sanders is the team's nose tackle that could become a strong run stuffer in the middle. Keep your ears out for Logan, someone I think could be a budding star and one of the top at his position for the TN2029 class. There is much to work on for the Saints D-line to become who I think they can but the building blocks are certainly in place.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ensworth Tigers - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely']</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='983676' first='Khristopher' last='Rice']</strong>, ‘29 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704846' first='Lennox' last='Kiner']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This could be a sneaky good defensive line for the Tigers during the coming Fall season, especially if the two underclassmen in Rice and Kiner progress how I think they can. The leader up front looks to be Seely, a versatile lineman that can work the end or middle while also being a key player on offense as well. He is a steady, hard nosed competitor but Rice and Kiner could bring the star power and game changing type abilities to the field. I'm expecting a breakout season from Rice, who could provide a consistent pass rush coming off the end. Kiner is an up and coming defensive tackle prospect that might sit at the top of the board for his recruiting class. Depth is needed but Seely, Rice and Kiner are a nice core to build around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2154650,"width":"324px","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/krice-crop-800x526-1774040365.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2154650" style="width:324px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Lawson Lightning - Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong']</strong>, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For those that don't follow TN high school football, you may not know who James Lawson is or their players but they might have one of the better defensive line units in the state for the 2026 season. If everyone else around the defensive front can step up and perform at a high level, the Lightning might play their way into region title contention. What stands out about this group is the athleticism and ability to rush the backfield. Suong returns as one of the more productive defensive ends from the greater Nashville area. Patterson Jr. has the physical look and upside to be a disruptive player but he has yet to put it all together. Brooks-James is an athletic interior 3-tech that can work end if needed. Potential is there for the Lightning D-line to be quite formidable but they must push themselves to new levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Catholic Fighting Irish - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: ‘28 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118712' first='Keagan' last='Covington']</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182853' first='Jackson' last='Nichols']</strong>, ‘29 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305177' first='Jimmy' last='Payne']</strong>, ‘29 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1531563' first='Maurice' last='Broyles']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Youth is the key word with this D-line group but if all these underclassmen come together and develop at a proper rate, Knox. Catholic might have one of the better defensive fronts within the Volunteer State. The star player in this unit is Covington, a current Power Four offered prospect that is competing to be the top D-lineman from our TN2028 class. He is legit and someone that could grow into a defensive end or interior player. Nichols is a two-way guy that provides versatility up front. Payne could potentially be the next “big time” guy on the Fighting Irish front line. Broyles is undersized right now but active with a nice power profile. I like the collection of big men on the Knox. Catholic defensive line and the potential impact they could have on the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeway Christian Lions - D2-Class A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell']</strong>, (DT) <strong>Skyler Hopson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lakeway may be a new program in Tennessee but they have a solid roster, including on the defensive line with a few future college level guys ready to wreck havoc in the trenches. Dikisongele is a true hidden gem that has all the physical abilities and traits to compete on the Power Four level. He landed his first D1 offer yesterday from Miami Ohio but they won't be the last. Bell is rising on the charts right now after adding a few FCS offers recently and someone that could continue boosting his stock with a strong summer camp season. Both those guys are impactful, talented interior D-linemen that will be complimented by Hopson, a two-way big man. It will be fun to see how this group develops into the season because if they progress well, the Lions might be a sleeper D2-A state title contender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;position%5B%5D=DL&amp;commitment=" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;position%5B%5D=DL&amp;commitment=">Prep Redzone Tennessee D-line Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- Pearl Cohn Firebirds - Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132227' first='Christian' last='Lillard']</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris']</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704627' first='Reese' last='Foster']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Firebirds might contend to be “the” best defensive line unit we have from the 2026 season. Now their front line must continue developing while performing at a high level but I like the impactful upside I see with these guys. Pearl Cohn has some serious talent in their defensive line, headlined by Moshay, a highly talented pass rusher with excellent physical traits. Lillard and Harris might prove to be the best tackle tandem not just in Mid-Tennessee but the entire state. Foster is a nice piece up front that can be used in the middle or occasionally on the end. This is a deep and talented front line for Pearl Cohn and a unit that could help propel them towards a 4A state title in the Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1598893,"width":"273px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/cheyharris.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1598893" style="width:273px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Pearl-Cohn DL [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris']. Photo from his X/Twitter @h56lywood.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale Warriors - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart']</strong>, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden']</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704257' first='Keziya' last='Newsom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When the Warriors added Stewart into the fold a few months ago, his addition immediately made their defensive line unit better and a group that must be accounted for throughout the 2026 season. What the Warriors have now is two of the better defensive line prospects from the TN2027 class in Stewart and edge rusher Malden, who is dripping with potential. The unknown and wild card up front is Newsom. He is 6 '2 280 plus, showing potential on film but Newsom has yet to break out. If the staff can find one more impactful player while growing depth, Riverdale might turn out to have one of the better D-line units in the entire state that could help them earn a region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockvale Rockets - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top D-linemen: (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola']</strong>, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo']</strong>, ‘29 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648774' first='Clayton' last='Jackson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If the Rockets make a move to compete for their region this Fall, their defensive line will play a major factor. This is easily the best defensive front line Rockvale has had in school history with two guys in Agberodiola and Pauldo destined for the Power Four and D1 playing levels and one up in comer in Jackson that I'm expecting to make an impact. Look for Agberodiola and Pauldo to be nearly unblockable this Fall as not many O-line's they face will have the size to contend with them. If the Rockets coaching staff can find one more impactful player while building some depth, I could see Rockvale competing for the top of their region with an outside shot at taking the title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top D-line Units</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1140547' first='Dylan' last='Taylor']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903292' first='Jordan' last='Phillips']</strong>, ‘29 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752298' first='Alex' last='Duhart']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gallatin: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654146' first='Kason' last='Boswell']</strong>, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675569' first='Preston' last='Mooney']</strong>, ‘28 (Edge/DE) <strong>Terrell Starks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892300' first='Zachael' last='Fortin']</strong>, (DT) <strong>Caden Lockhart</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587395' first='Kenneth' last='Benn']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell']</strong>, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2139595' first='Andrew' last='Harrison']</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>Nathan Hammel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sevier Co.: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry']</strong>, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1871036' first='Elijah' last='Valentine']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1308269' first='Graven' last='Wilson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind: </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671494' first='Ryan' last='Jenkins']</strong>, (DT) <strong>Aiden Ford</strong>, ‘29 (DT) <strong>Joshua Andrews</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White House-Heritage: </strong>(DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2083931' first='Maxson' last='Bland']</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608556' first='Davis' last='Coleman']</strong>, ‘29 (DT) <strong>Ben Butler</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1971389,"width":"236px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7587978515098712","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <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:0.7587978515098712;width:236px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rockvale Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->