PRZTN Spring Tour: Ensworth’s Best Defensive Prospects for 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone's Shayne Pickering and I are back on the road for our 2026 Spring Tour, scouting top football talent across Tennessee. Our third stop brought us to Ensworth School in Nashville for an exclusive look at one of the state's elite prep programs, now in its third year under head coach Tim Hasselbeck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We came away with a look at five standout defensive players you need to know heading into the 2026 season. Four are dominant guys in the front seven, and the other one is an intriguing DB due for a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2179153} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-22-2026-8-46-51-PM-crop-1029x676-1776909165.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2179153" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth LB [player_tooltip player_id='1704682' first='Ethan' last='Starling'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1704682' first='Ethan' last='Starling']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1704682' first='Ethan' last='Starling'] is a name to know heading into next season, as he's an intriguing prospect with high upside at his linebacker position and will have an increased role with Ensworth. He has the tools and traits to be a productive player at the next level, and he's already proving why college coaches should have him on their radars. This past season, he totaled 81 tackles, two sacks and five pass breakups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2054651515051106496?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2054651515051106496?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a smaller linebacker, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 185 pounds, but don't let that fool you. This talented young buck can play football at a high level and is receiving some of the best coaching in Tennessee, so you know he's being developed correctly. Starling is highly athletic, a good tackler, has proven he can cover well, can shut down the run game and is one of the smartest football players in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 prospect must grow physically to maximize his potential, but he has the talent to play Division I football. He offers just about everything you want in a linebacker, while producing in the toughest classification in Tennessee. There are a few things Starling needs to improve on, but he will get there with Dillon Sanders coaching him up. Keep an eye out for this talented rising junior as he looks to take the next step in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1944777} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/qtaylor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1944777" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth DB [player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'] lines up.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth's [player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'] is one of the top defensive backs in Tennessee. He's coming off a good season, where he recorded 60+ tackles, three for a loss, three interceptions and two fumbles recovered. Taylor has been productive over his career with the Tigers, making him an intriguing prospect heading into the 2026 campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He offers nice size for a safety, standing 6-foot and weighing 188 pounds in an athletic frame that allows him to roam all over center field for the Tigers. The 2027 prospect is a fluid mover with nice instincts, the ability to get downhill quickly, good tackling skills and ball-hawking abilities. Taylor plays receiver on the other side of the ball, which has helped him develop good ball skills as a defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising senior has become more polished in areas this offseason, while remaining mobile and highly athletic. He's a physical player who brought a lot of contact in spring practice, which I love. Taylor may not be a big-time name, but he will be a potential all-state guy in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2181103} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-25-2026-12-34-06-AM-crop-1198x786-1777093040.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2181103" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth OLB [player_tooltip player_id='1614247' first='Mason' last='Bonner'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 OLB [player_tooltip player_id='1614247' first='Mason' last='Bonner']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1614247' first='Mason' last='Bonner'] is someone who most people don't know about, but they should have on their radars heading into 2026. He's an incredibly talented player who should step in and make an impact on one of the best units in Tennessee. He already has impressive physical tools, with athleticism you don't see too often at this level, and he puts it all to good use.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has good size, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, with a long frame that makes him dangerous at several spots on the second level. The 2029 prospect is extremely athletic, with the fluidity to move quickly anywhere, along with the physicality that ties it all together. Bonner has upside as a pass rusher, but also as a run stuffer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore had a good freshman season, but should see a big role in his first time on the varsity team. He needs to polish up in a few areas, but he has everything you look for in an outside backer. Ensworth has a track record of producing defensive stars, and this kid looks to be one of the next up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2152535} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/mseely.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2152535" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth DL [player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely'] on special teams.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely'] is a name to know heading into this upcoming football season. The 2027 defensive lineman is an underrated player who doesn't get talked about much, but has the potential to make a name for himself. He played a key role on both sides of the ball last season, but he looked much improved at Ensworth's spring practice as he gears up for one last ride with the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He offers solid size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds in a lean frame that allows him to stay agile as a defensive end. Seely is quick off the ball, has a good first step, keeps his head on a swivel and has a knack for finding the ball carrier. He excels at stopping the run, but don't sleep on his ability to pressure the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising senior isn't an elite rusher, but he has enough wiggle and skills to contribute in that area. He had a few last season, along with several pressures and batted balls, because of his ability to be disruptive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2208967} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-14-2026-10-54-56-AM-crop-1320x867-1778774191.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2208967" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth DL [player_tooltip player_id='1704846' first='Lennox' last='Kiner'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1704846' first='Lennox' last='Kiner']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1704846' first='Lennox' last='Kiner'] was someone who caught my eye early at Ensworth's spring practice. He did not see varsity time as a freshman, but he's talented and will have a big impact on this defense. The rising sophomore has the size, traits, physicality and motor to be one of the best players in this Division within the next three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2054655333574865299?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2054655333574865299?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He possesses great size for his age and position, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 275 pounds in a lean frame that allows him to move extremely well. Kiner is a highly athletic defensive lineman with impressive strength and the kind of physicality that makes people tap out. It's just spring ball, but he was arguably the best player in that position group as a 2029 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kiner can stop the run very well, but is quick off the ball and gets good hand placement where he can drive players back and disrupt the pass. He needs to develop in certain areas, but this rising sophomore has the potential to be special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->