Building the Perfect Defensive Back in Tennessee: DII-AA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee high school football is loaded with talented defensive backs, especially in Division II-AA. From athleticism and technique to coverage and ball skills, several standouts bring unique traits to the field each Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this Prep Redzone scouting series, I'm building the ultimate player at every position and classification by combining the best size, skills, traits and intangibles from top prospects across the state. There's just one rule: each player can be used only once, unless necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next in the series, I'm doing Division II-AA defensive backs. By blending the best qualities of five different players, I've created the blueprint for the perfect coverage specialist in this class heading into the 2026 Tennessee football season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2167053} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/osanders2-crop-630x414-1775591265.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2167053" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DB [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Frame: 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] – Franklin Road Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting with the frame, I chose [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] from FRA. He was also my selection in the wide receiver article, but his build is unmatched, which would make it crazy for me to deny him on this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanders has terrific size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds with a long, athletic frame that allows him to maintain his mobility and dominate on both sides of the football. The 2027 prospect is a lengthy player with plenty of strength and the range to make plays all over the back of FRA's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2162547} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Athleticism: 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] – Battle Ground Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] broke out in a big way for Battle Ground Academy last season. He virtually came out of nowhere to be one of the top defensive players in Tennessee, regardless of class. In 14 games, he totaled 50 tackles, five being for a loss, six interceptions and recovered a fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising junior is one of the most athletic players in Division II-AA, which is why I chose him for this spot. Kellum is a speedy player, is quick in short spaces, offers impressive explosiveness, has good burst and is a functional mover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2235434} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-26-2026-9-46-16-AM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2235434" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DB [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] after a pass breakup. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Technique: 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] – Franklin Road Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everyone is going to get tired of hearing me say this, but I don't care; it's the truth. FRA has likely the best coaching staff in Tennessee, so naturally, their players are technically sound. [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Re'mello' last='Armstrong'] is the next person on that long list, as he was one of the best freshmen in a loaded 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore is a fluid mover with strong footwork, quick hips, excellent mechanics and nice break. Armstrong also uses proper leverage and possesses elite instincts from his cornerback position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2090087} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Coverage Skills: 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] – Battle Ground Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] is an intriguing prospect, as he missed all last season due to injury. However, he has tremendous upside as a lockdown defensive back and has shown that throughout his brief career and 7-on-7 work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's clamped up some of the best wide receivers in Tennessee and will be able to show that once again in 2026. Thompson mirrors pass catchers well, possesses strong football instincts, can read opposing offenses, goes stride for stride with the best receivers and has the size to match up well against all types of players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2162556} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Ball Skills: 2027 Brandon Leavell – Goodpasture Christian School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the fifth and final category, we have ball skills. There were a few players I could have gone to, but taking Brandon Leavell made the most sense for obvious reasons. He has the best ball skills in Division II-AA, partially due to his background as a receiver. Knowing both sides is a key tool that allows him to play fast and catch passes when thrown his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leavell has the frame to box out anyone he faces, excellent vertical, strong hands, knows how to leverage himself into the best position and has some of the best timing. It's what makes him an intriguing player at the next level, with the potential to be a pro someday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->