TN2028 Rankings Overview (Part Four)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrapping up our in-depth look at the 2028 junior in-state rankings, here we go through the edge rushers and linebackers and how they are placed inside the "Tennessee Top 150." Neither position provides a lot of depth right now but can certainly change by the time we get to the end of the 2026 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We finish our junior rankings overview with the edge rushers and linebackers, two defensive positions that present several next level options, including a few potential impact players on the college stage. We don't have a whole lot of star power or depth with these two positions just yet but that can change in time as prospects continue to develop and grow into their bodies.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Solid Crop of Pass Rushers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The state of Tennessee hasn't been a hotbed for recruiting pass rushers but I can see the slow and steady growth, which shows within our rising junior class. It's a solid crop as things right now but definitely has room to add many others. What I see right now are a few D1 caliber prospects with a few others sporting physical abilities that could generate more looks but tons of time is needed both on the field with experience as well as on the training field, developing their games further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our top edge rusher for the TN2028 class going into the new season is Alcoa junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry']</strong>. This East Tennessee product is an interesting prospect as Henry shows upside at both working off the edge or manning the middle at off the ball linebacker. The Tornadoes defender (26th overall/1st EDGE) is an athletic, broad shouldered, long armed prospect that brings a versatile skill set to the field along with a motor that doesn't slow down. I like what Henry brings to the gridiron and what he can eventually be on the college level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177924' first='Langston' last='Robinson'] </strong>(42nd overall/2nd EDGE) may have the most upside of any edge rusher within this class. The Mustangs edge defender has the look and overall size desired in college along with a frame that can certainly get bigger and stronger. Looking at his film, Robinson does a good job of setting the edge versus the run while displaying upside at rushing the passer. This Mid-Tennessee product has further to go in his progression but I love the long term potential with Robinson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2236671,"width":"238px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/lrobinson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2236671" style="width:238px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transferring to Tennessee and McCallie for his final two years of high school ball, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147018' first='Carter' last='Sims'] </strong>(59th overall/3rd EDGE) is a high motor performer that fires off the ball well and gets into the backfield quickly. Sims is an athletic guy that can be used purely as a pass rusher but has the skill set to drop into coverage to play the pass or potentially play off the ball when called upon. The Blue Tornado junior does need to gain more body mass and stronger overall but I like the raw pass rushing upside from Sims.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year as a sophomore, Page edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206375' first='Connor' last='Sullivan'] </strong>(70th overall/4th EDGE) gained good experience as he began to establish himself as a top defensive prospect but this Fall, I'm expecting a potential breakout year from this junior edge rusher. What stands out about Sullivan is his physical size and build along with a combination of power and speed. Sullivan has plenty of development left to go but I see the next level upside with him that might start to flash in a big way this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverdale junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2097875' first='Justin' last='Williams'] </strong>(73rd overall/5th EDGE) could be headed towards a breakout season as this Murfreesboro area prospect brings upside to the field that could translate well to the college game. Buzz started generating this summer for Williams as he picked up an offer from MTSU and many others could follow if the Warriors edge rusher steps up and produces at a high level this Fall. Williams only stands about 6'2 but he is long armed with good arm length that fires off the snap well and those traits usually generate interest and offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=EDGE" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=EDGE">TN2028 Edge Rusher Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to BGA this coming season, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664612' first='Easton' last='Plunkett'] </strong>(146th overall/6th EDGE) is an intriguing prospect to follow this season as he steps up competition while playing alongside several other college level players. Plunkett has the physical size wanted in college but for him to reach the next steps in his progression, the Wildcats junior must increase his agility and release off the line while enhancing his closing speed. I do like what Plunkett brings to the field, it's simply about continued development for him and how he performs this season on the D2-Class AA level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206403' first='Tomarco' last='Vereen'] </strong>(147th overall/7th EDGE) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027749' first='Sam' last='Keith'] </strong>(148th overall/8th EDGE) from Beech are two long term, big potential prospects that have yet to come into their own but show next level upside that may start to show up this coming season. Vereen is a good athlete that provides athleticism and speed to the defensive side of the ball but is still raw when it comes to getting after the quarterback. The Cobras junior defender also needs time filling out body to become bigger and stronger but the tools are there to be formed into a possible difference maker down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keith is an interesting guy to me as his clips mainly show him playing with his hand in the dirt as an edge setter, which is something could end up doing in college but I see upside with him being able to stand up and play in space. What I do like about the Buccaneers junior is his ability to do several things off the edge from working against the run or dropping into coverage and playing the flats. There is a lot of development left to go for Keith but we start seeing his potential come to light this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landing an offer this summer camp season from Arkansas State, junior edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880414' first='Bronson' last='Norris'] </strong>(149th overall/9th EDGE) is a technique driven performer that does the small things right and puts himself in position to succeed. Putting together a highly productive junior campaign is something Norris must do to get other college programs looking in his direction because the Goodpasture edge rusher doesn't have the ideal size. Norris stands about 6'1 but he makes up for it with nice bend, active hands and enough speed around the edge to cause fits against the opposition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2236676,"width":"230px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/bnorris.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2236676" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wait &amp; See Linebacker Class&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This position has a lot of growth to go before it's considered one of the best positional groups from the TN2028 class. The highest ranked player at this moment in time from the linebackers is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2054772' first='Evan' last='Kellum'] </strong>at 29th overall and there are only four overall inside the top 100. I do see some depth within the backers but the only way for this position to grow is for many to push themselves and take those proper next steps in their progressions. This coming Fall season will do a lot for how this position will look moving into the future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transitioning from safety to linebacker for the coming season, Kellum is someone I like a lot due to his instincts and ability to become a playmaker from the middle part of the defense. The Wildcats junior defender picked off five passes last year playing in the secondary, which speaks towards his ability to cover running backs and tight ends. I think Kellum can turn into a tackling machine as he spends more time at linebacker while maintaining his athleticism and pass coverage skills in open space.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking behind Kellum at 2nd among the linebackers is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187260' first='Octavius' last='Flynn, Jr'] </strong>(52nd overall) from Briarcrest Christian. Flynn is someone I am high on as I like how he recognizes the play early and attacks with his speed and violence. The Saints junior is a hard hitter that plays sideline to sideline with the ability to get into the backfield on a consistent basis. He also shows upside playing the pass but certainly needs more experience in that area moving forward. There are still tools for Flynn that need to be refined but the long term upside is definitely strong with this Memphis area product.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'] </strong>(79th overall/3rd LB) could have a bright future ahead of him on the college stage but the Patriots junior must enhance his agility, explosion and speed to gain those much wanted Power Four, D1 opportunities. Cisneros is a physical, hard hitting middle linebacker that reads and reacts to the run game very well, showing high football intelligence but must get faster to make a bigger impact on the game. If he can enhance his lower base, Cisneros could have a big junior year that pushes his stock higher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2244693,"width":"191px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.74487895716946","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/tcisneros.webp?w=762" alt="" class="wp-image-2244693" style="aspect-ratio:0.74487895716946;width:191px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of what was said above about Cisneros can be said about Lipscomb Academy linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177918' first='Jacob' last='Kreis']</strong>. Standing 6'2 215 pounds, the Mustangs junior (84th overall/4th LB) has the physical tools and size to excel on the next level but must increase his athletic traits to gain big interest. I am also interested to see how Kreis continues to grow and develop his body because I could see him moving to “Edge” at some point in time throughout his career. This coming Fall season will show me a lot about who the Mustangs backer is and who he can be in the future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming to Anderson County in the offseason as a new transfer, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178600' first='Lyric' last='Jackson'] </strong>(102nd overall/5th LB) is someone that may have some of the best long term upside in this linebacker class but will it be off the ball or on the edge rushing the passer. That's what is good about Jackson as he brings a versatile skill to the field that can be utilized in a variety of ways. The Mavs junior prospect is an athletic guy that shows a quick first step and agile lower base that can chase down the ball in the run game or bend and get after the quarterback. Jackson does need more body mass but the long term athletic upside is certainly in-place already.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next stud linebacker to come out of the Baylor program could be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1357966' first='Maxym' last='Sugoniako']</strong>. This Canadian native (107th overall/6th LB) is a true inside backer that fits the profile of a college run stuffer that uses his intelligence and physicality to succeed. The Red Raiders junior isn't the tallest guy (6'0 195 lbs) but Sugoniako makes up for it with his physical game play and motor. If he can enhance his lower half explosion and speed while getting bigger and stronger, Sugoniako could have a productive junior campaign that squarely gets on the college radar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=LB" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=LB">TN2028 Linebackers Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown'] </strong>(109th overall/7th LB) is an athletic, two-way prospect that shows good skills at receiver but for the next level, I like his game best as an inside backer that has upside playing in space. The Mustangs defender moves well on the field, showing explosive flashes and physicality along with the ability to develop into a nice run stuffer that also causes disruption in the pass game. Brown displays the ability to become a violent hard hitter that makes plays sideline to sideline. His development and work this coming season will go a long way towards building his college stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We don't have a lot of buzz right now on West Ridge linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2225069' first='Orlando' last='Mack'] </strong>(112th overall/8th LB) but if you turn on his sophomore film, you will see a big, athletic linebacker that runs well and shows violent tackling. The Wolves junior defender has the physical size and tools that translates well to the college game along with an athletic profile that can be developed into an active, highly productive linebacker. Mack is still raw and learning himself and the game but I definitely like the potential from this East Tennessee product, who I think could put forth a breakout season this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest, more violent linebackers we have in this class is Mt. Juliet junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136049' first='Dontae' last='Young']</strong>. If the Golden Bears defender was two to three inches taller, Young (113th overall/9th LB) would have multiple offers right now and plenty of D1 level interest. You immediately see the explosiveness and speed when you turn on this guy's film. Young plays hard and fast with a great motor while displaying sideline to sideline range. Plenty of time is needed for Young to get bigger and stronger but I can see why Eastern Ky offered and why the Golden Bears linebacker could become a major stock riser.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2244694,"width":"291px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/dyoung-e1783615245218.jpg?w=645" alt="" class="wp-image-2244694" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->