Top 5 Class 4A D-Linemen in Tennessee: 2026 Scouting Report

Tennessee high school football is loaded with talent heading into the 2026 season, and the Class 4A group is packed with standout defensive playmakers. As summer approaches, several guys are emerging as top prospects to watch in Tennessee high school football recruiting.   In this scouting series breaking down the top football players by position and classification, here's an in-depth look at the top five Class 4A defensive linemen in Tennessee entering the 2026 high school football season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LexWinfree8/status/2043906230817534120?s=20 </div></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] – White County High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] has been a productive player for White County High School since he took the field as a freshman, but he took that next step in his junior season. In 12 games, he totaled 53 tackles, six for a loss, five sacks, seven quarterback hurries and a defensive score. He recently picked up his first offer from UT-Martin, but is a player who should see his recruitment ramp up this summer.   He offers solid size for his interior position, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 275 pounds, with a strong frame well-built for defensive line play. Winfree is a disruptor in the middle of White County's front seven, consistently blowing up plays. I love what he does in the run game, where he is arguably the top run stuffer in 4A. He also offers nice pass-rush upside, making him a complete player who can be used on all three downs.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-03-2026-5-05-20-PM-1-crop-422x278-1767481895.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2098719" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Red Bank DL Demarii Gordon. Photo from his X/Twitter.</figcaption></figure>   2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2170725' first='Damarii' last='Gordon'] – Red Bank High School   [player_tooltip player_id='2170725' first='Damarii' last='Gordon'] from Red Bank High School saw time at multiple positions in his freshman season. He was primarily a defensive tackle, but he can also kick outside to defensive end and remain effective due to his athleticism. Even as a young buck, he was productive in Class 4A.   The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman stands out to me as a do-it-all player whom you can trust to make an impact in several ways. He's shown the ability to shut down the run and take up multiple blockers at once because of his disruption. Gordon is a solid pass rusher who could use some work in that area, but has shown the ability to be a difference-maker at times. He is somewhat raw, but after the 2029 prospect further develops on the field and in the weight room, he could become one of the top defensive linemen in Tennessee.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/mmoshay2-e1781465194239.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2138403" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Pearl-Cohn DL [player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] before a game. Photo from his X/Twitter.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] – Pearl-Cohn High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] was one of the top defensive players in his classification this past season, recording 58 tackles, 17 for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble. After producing at a high level, he was named to the Prep Redzone All-State team, building a lot of momentum for his senior year. He holds 11 Division I offers, but could be a breakout candidate on the recruiting trail throughout the summer and into the 2026 campaign.   He offers solid size at defensive end, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, with a long, athletic frame that gives him big upside at the next level. Moshay is a relentless defender with a nice first step, strong hands, excellent football instincts and the length to consistently beat offensive linemen. The 2027 prospect is extremely physical and seemingly always finds his way around the ball carrier. He must put on weight, but he has the physical tools to play defensive end or edge at the next level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/56-Mylan-Morris.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2210647" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Marshall County DL [player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] – Marshall County High School   Marshall County's [player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] is one of the more underrated defensive players in 4A, but is coming off a solid junior season with the Tigers. He totaled 55 tackles, 7.5 being for a loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries and a blocked field goal. He added his first offer from Carson-Newman in May, but could see more roll in with another productive season in 2026.   He offers solid size for his defensive tackle position, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 270 pounds with a stout frame that allows him to dominate on the interior of MCHS's front seven. Morris is a strong run stuffer who constantly keeps his eyes in the backfield and can completely take over a game that way. He needs to become more explosive and develop a pass-rush game, but he could become a solid contributor at the next level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-20-2026-12-22-02-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2231978" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Stone Memorial OL/DL Braden Thompson during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   2027 Braden Thompson – Stone Memorial High School   Braden Thompson was a productive player in limited time a season ago, but is due for a breakout season with a larger role. In eight games for Stone Memorial, he totaled 28 tackles, five being for a loss. While he's going under the radar, the rising senior should be one of the best trench players in Class 4A this upcoming campaign.   He possesses good size for his position, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 305 pounds with a stout frame that allows him to be strong along the defensive front. Thompson is better on the offensive line, but I think he's due for a big senior season on both sides. He's an excellent run stuffer and commands multiple blockers with his ability to disrupt. The 2027 prospect must develop a pass-rush game to become well-rounded, but I think he'll do just that over the offseason.

Tennessee high school football is loaded with talent heading into the 2026 season, and the Class 4A group is packed with standout defensive playmakers. As summer approaches, several guys are emerging as top prospects to watch in Tennessee high school football recruiting.