TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Def. Linemen)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our senior D-line class is strong this cycle and one of the better units overall from the TN2027 crop. It's a talented collection of defensive trench monsters that also shows plenty of depth with potential for growth. Here we breakdown all the D-linemen inside our "Tennessee Top 300" and how things look for them headed into the 2026 season. </h2>     - Every recruiting cycle, defensive lineman always sit at the top of the board for importance because you have to be able to win in the trenches to churn out championships. Our in-state senior D-line class is quite good and one of the better overall units from the TN2027 crop that has some star power at the top and growing depth that should start to shine this coming Fall season. I could actually see this position becoming the top defensive unit from our senior crop but a lot of work must be accomplished before we label the defensive linemen the best.    Top Tier (Inside Top 100) …….   - Our top ranked defensive lineman and 3rd overall prospect from the TN2027 class is MASE tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman']. Currently committed to Ole Miss, this Memphis area prospect brings everything you want to the trenches from his overall size (6'5 310) to his power and his deceptive athleticism and explosive game play. Pittman is a massive young man that eats up a lot of space and can take on double teams with ease. The Phoenix big man is still forming into who he may be in college, so I think Pittman is just scratching the surface on who he will become.    Another big bodied defensive tackle comes in next inside our rankings with Rockvale senior [player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola']. Placed 2nd among the D-linemen and 32nd overall, this Murfreesboro area prospect burst onto the scene early last winter due to his wide framed body, overall size and power that translates very well to the college game. Agberodiola is a true nose tackle that eats up blocks, clearing the way for his backers to make tackles while also providing good enough athleticism to disrupt the backfield.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Jayden-Ag-ROckvale.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2158602" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure>   Just recently committing to play his college ball at Arkansas, 6 '2 defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] (33rd overall/3rd DL) broke out last year as a junior where he consistently made plays in the opposition's backfield, whether that was stuffing the run or getting after the quarterback. Transferring to Riverdale for his senior year, Stewart might move his way into the top two with another year, especially if he continues to become unblockable.    Joining Agberodiola on the Rockvale defensive line this Fall is [player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo'], a 6 '5 long term, big pay off style prospect that is still coming into his own but shows loads of potential. The Rockets senior big man (34th overall/4th DL) immediately looks the part stepping off the bus and I still think he has room to pack on more weight and remain effective. I believe Pauldo's future in college sits as an edge setting defensive end that can occasionally work inside to rush the backfield.    Ranked 36th overall and 5th among the defensive linemen, [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] from FRA is a multi-year starter that has played a lot of snaps and produced a ton for his Panthers football team. An active handed, athletic interior D-lineman, Neal plays with a high motor and the type of lower half agility that allows to be one of the better interior pass rushers in this class. The Panthers big man does need to keep adding a few more pounds but the intelligence and talent are there to play early during his college career.    Cannon Co. pass rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] (49th overall/6th DL) might have some of the best long term upside of any D-lineman in this year's class. The Lions senior has one of the best bursts and releases in the state with long arms that makes things difficult for blockers to handle. Walkup displays nice bend as well along with a frame that can be formed and fitted for the big stage of college football. He holds a lot of interest right now but could soon breakthrough into full time Power Four status.    As we are deep into official visit season, I think one of the bigger hidden gems we have in this state that has yet to gain Power Four interest is Lakeway Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele']. Standing 6 '3 315 pounds, Dikisongele (52nd overall/7th DL) looks the part, sporting the size needed to contend on the top level of college ball along with the enough athleticism and power to become a difference maker. This East Tennessee product shows a lot of upside on film that I think Dikisongele is still tapping into, so I feel the best is yet to come with the Lions defensive tackle.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/sdiki.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2155770" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:222px;height:auto" /></figure>   Sitting just inside the “Top 100” at 85th overall, Germantown senior [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] heads into his senior season eyeing a breakout year that may put him over with more D1, possible Power Four schools. The Red Devils defensive end is one of the better pass rushers from our TN2027 class that doesn't know how good he can be. If Harris can tap into his abilities further and play with more energy, you could see a surge in his ranking and his overall recruiting.    A pair of defensive tackles in [player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] (86th overall/9th DL) from Collierville and [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] (97th overall/10th DL) from BGA round out the D-lineman from the “Top 100” with both having a shot at raising their rankings after the coming Fall season. Both guys are true interior run stuffers that show flashes of pass rushing potential with both Warren and Pittman still forming into their bodies, so their best football could be ahead of them. Pittman shows a little more athleticism compared to Warren but the Dragons senior is powerful as he does well at stacking up blockers. Both guys are fringe D1 prospects right now that could certainly help themselves with strong senior campaigns.    - - - - -    The Next Tier (Just Outside Top 100) ……   - We may have some top guys that are legit or gaining all the attention right now but that doesn't mean there aren't talented D-linemen beyond the big names. This section highlights the defensive linemen just outside the “Top 100” that have the physical tools or talent to potentially improve further and raise their stocks but need more time before they get there. I'm willing to bet a few guys here move up in our next update while gaining bigger and better interest on the recruiting trail.    A state champion and multi-year starter, Sevier Co. defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] (114th overall/11th DL) has a lot of experience for his Smoky Bears team on both sides of the ball that will be vastly needed this coming season. His team has their eyes on another state championship and to get there, Perry must take his game to new levels, especially on defense, where I think he can double his sack numbers. Doing that will not only put Sevier Co. in the mix for a 5A title but also potentially boost his stock into a “Top 100” player.    For one reason or another, Christian Brothers senior [player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'] (115th overall/12th DL) has yet to see his recruitment take off but I feel that can change after good work in camps this summer and a breakthrough senior year. The Purple Wave defensive end has excellent physical tools along with nice bend and a solid release. He does need to get quicker off the ball along with boosting his speed and pass rush maneuvers but Umsted is someone I'm high on that I think has a bright future in college.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=DL" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=DL">#TN2027 Defensive line Rankings/Database</a>   Lakeway Christian might have the best tackle duo in the state with Dikisongele and [player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'], who brings a nice combination of athleticism and power to the trenches. This Lions senior (121st overall/13th DL) shows flashes on film of dominating play, especially when O-linemen try to single him up and block him by their lonesome. Bell does a nice job of using his hands to get off blocks then use his speed to chase down the ball. I think this East Tennessee product is underrated overall and someone that could break through in a big way this Fall.    Sitting right behind Bell at 122nd overall is Henry Co. senior [player_tooltip player_id='2170879' first='Maleque' last='Jackson']. Throughout this entire process, Jackson (14th DL) has flown under the radar but could become one of the biggest risers in our rankings during the next update, especially if he performs like I think he can this Fall. The Patriots big man is strong at the point of attack as Jackson does a good job of stacking blocks then releasing towards the ball. He is stout versus the run but shows upside as an interior pass rusher. I like the upside here and I think coaches will see that too before he signs in December.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/maljackson-e1781112960998.jpg?w=486" alt="" class="wp-image-2178715" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure>   Memphis Central defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] (139th overall/15th DL) is an interesting prospect that has a solid offer list but I see plenty of development left to go for this West Tennessee product. The Warriors senior lineman shows flashes of strong play at defensive end where he provides the occasional pass rush but does better work at setting the edge. Lane does need to get faster, quicker, more explosive with his pass rush while filling out his body further before he becomes an every down college starter.    Recently landing his first D1 offer from Kennesaw State, senior defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1140547' first='Dylan' last='Taylor'] (144th overall/16th DL) could be on the verge of breaking through and watching his stock take-off. It would be warranted because this guy is a hard nosed competitor that displays some of the best interior get-off from this positional group. Taylor is undersized, which is why college coaches are hesitant to offer but trust me when I say this guy can play and become a nice D-line piece on the next level.    If Nolensville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] (172nd overall/17th DL) was two inches taller, he would hold 20 plus offers to this point but the fact that he is 6 '2 230 pounds, coaches are hesitant to offer due to his size. What the Knights defensive end makes up for with his lack of size is a motor that doesn't stop and good athletic movements from his bend and dip around the edge to his closing speed towards the ball. Indianapolis recently got on board with an offer but they won't be the last as I expect many others to get on the board with this talented pass rusher.    Ranked 177th overall and 18th among the defensive linemen, [player_tooltip player_id='2132227' first='Christian' last='Lillard'] from Pearl Cohn could become a breakout performer this Fall season, especially if he takes those next steps needed in his game. A strong, physical guy at the point of attack, Lillard brings a nice combination of athleticism and power to the trenches that could make him quite disruptive not just this coming season but into college ball as well.    Some of the best quickness of the ball inside the D-line class resides with Southwind senior [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']. The Jaguars defensive tackle (178th overall/19th DL) stays low and fires off quickly into the backfield where opposing blockers have a hard time getting hands on him. One big thing that has Bates this low in the rankings is his size. He stands 6 '0 and nearly 280 pounds and his height does hurt his recruitment but he makes up for it with athleticism, speed to power and a relentless mindset that you love to watch on film.    Nash. Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry'] (179th overall/20th DL) could be considered a two-way lineman by college coaches but we here at PRZTN personally like him best on defense where his athleticism and size can be difference makers. The Eagles senior takes up space and eats up blocks well but also has the agility to break off and disrupt the backfield. This coming season might be Newberry's best as long as he has developed like I think he can.   Two under the radar Memphis products in [player_tooltip player_id='2186986' first='Gabe' last='Parks'] (186th overall/21st DL) from Harding Academy and [player_tooltip player_id='2187158' first='Amarrie' last='Alston'] (198th overall/22nd DL) out of St. Benedict's are two D-linemen I have my eyes on this season as potential breakthrough guys that could rise up during our next update. Parks in particular is someone I am very high on and think could maneuver his way into the “Top 100” with a strong senior year. Both guys are defensive ends prospects that set the edge versus the run while showing pass rushing potential. Parks and Alston need further enhancement with their get-off and explosion but sport tools that can be developed into quality pass rushers in college.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/gparks.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-2225951" style="width:209px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Just Outside the “Top 200” …….   - This is where the 2027 D-line class flexes its muscles. The large group above helps with this but the depth within our senior defensive class starts to show here with a bevy of guys that are lacking in an area or two but show enough potential and worth to be recruited and continue developing their game on the collegiate playing stage. There are a few guys in this section that I can see breaking out this coming season and not just increasing their recruiting value but boosting their rankings into potential “Top 200” prospects.    MBA senior [player_tooltip player_id='1847724' first='Luke' last='Kleiner'] (214th overall/23rd DL) is an intriguing prospect to me due to the fact he doesn't have junior film nor much recruiting interest but he made inside our senior rankings because of the brief game play I've seen from him and it's been quite good. I honestly don't know what the status is for Kleiner this season but if he is on the field, I expect him to be a major producer on defense that could be a signed prospect by December.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a>   A prospect that could be moved to the O-line during the next update, Ensworth senior [player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely'] has athleticism and size to be recruited for defense but I could easily see someone liking him for offense as well. The Tigers big man (215th overall/24th DL) has a good build, a frame that can fill out much that might work well on either side of the line. Another two-way lineman to follow this Fall is [player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen']. This South Gibson senior (223rd overall/25th DL) shows upside for either the offensive line or defensive tackle, so watching how he formed his body and performs this season will go a long way towards seeing how far his stock will go.    A sneaky good talent that could move into the “Top 200” is Knox. Halls senior [player_tooltip player_id='1629881' first='Travis' last='Brasfield']. This Knoxville area defensive end (238th overall/26th DL) returns this Fall as one of the more productive pass rushers in the state. He has a mature pass rush skill set but must form his body better and get stronger to gain more college interest. McCallie defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='892300' first='Zachael' last='Fortin'] (240th overall/27th) is a max effort, physical pass rusher that displays next level abilities but may be a tad undersized for some college staffs. This is a good football player though that gives you his all while sporting a nose for getting into the backfield.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/72-Travis-Brasfield-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687318" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:192px;height:auto" /></figure>   James Lawson might have one of the better defensive units in the state this Fall with [player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'] leading the way as their top ranked guy. Placed 250th overall and 28th among the defensive linemen, Suong is an undersized but long armed, broad shouldered guy that shows a solid get-off, bend and closing speed around the edge along with nice physicality. The Lightning senior could be a guy that pushes his game to new heights this year and raises his stock with the potential to produce double digit sacks.    White Co. defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] (264th overall/29th DL) comes from a small town but has played a lot of productive football throughout his career and done a lot of winning. The Warriors senior big man has been a starting linchpin up front since his freshman season but has yet to receive much college interest or offers. I think is certainly worthy of more looks and just might turn everything around this Fall with his best season yet.    Two interior defensive tackle prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] (265th overall/30th DL) from Antioch and [player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James'] (266th overall/31st DL) out of James Lawson are two active, athletic guys that have a chance to boost their stocks with standout senior years. Denton shows explosive flashes on film of being able to rush the backfield from the interior. He needs to get bigger and stronger but the athletic tools are there to be developed. Brooks-James is a versatile piece up front that can take snaps at defensive end but his future in college resides best as a 3-tech guy that disrupts backfield action.    Ranked 267th overall and 32nd among the defensive linemen, [player_tooltip player_id='1651726' first='Donavon' last='Hunt'] from Briarcrest Christian is another big man that I could see moving into the “Top 200” by the end of the 2026 season. Active and strong at the point of attack, the Saints senior D-lineman brings a nice combination of athleticism and power to the trenches but could be even better with increased explosion and added weight. This is one guy to follow this Fall as a potential breakout guy that maneuvers his way into FCS opportunities.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/dhunt-e1781113881542.jpg?w=309" alt="" class="wp-image-2225960" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure>   Gallatin defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1654146' first='Kason' last='Boswell'] (268th overall/33rd DL) is an undersized but compact and strong guy that displays occasional pass rush and the power to hold up versus the run. The Green Wave does need to form his body better and become more explosive but Boswell has tools worthy of further development. James Lawson senior [player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.'] (269th overall/34th DL) has untapped upside that hopefully the Lightning defensive lineman starts to show this coming season. Standing 6 '3 245 pounds, Patterson has the look of an edge guy with good arm length that could provide a solid pass rush once he arrives on the college stage.    New to the state of Tennessee and to Davidson Academy for the 2026 season, [player_tooltip player_id='1394355' first='Brady' last='Adams'] (271st overall/35th DL) has the look and overall size to be looked at much harder by college coaches but he must improve his athleticism and burst off the line to gain more interest. The physical tools are there for Adams, so it will be interesting to watch how he performs this Fall and how much better he can be. Knox. West defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='2142847' first='Amare' last='Cruse'] (285th overall/36th DL) is an undersized interior prospect that displays good athletic play and flashes of pass rushing but must get bigger and stronger to hold up on the college level. I do like the makeup of Cruse and what he can become down the line. His senior year will play a big part in his college interest, so a breakout year might increase his next level opportunities.    Looking back at this D-line group as a whole, it's a really strong class that is very talented with depth and several guys that have breakout potential this Fall. There are some underrated prospects that might not have the ideal physical tools and traits but are talented and worthy of bigger looks. I can also see this group becoming deeper as we go through the next several months with guys who are not ranked at the moment but could be within our next update.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/acruse.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-2225969" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure>