Inside The Rankings: #TN2026 Defensive Line

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is one of the deeper, more talented D-line classes we have had in this state w/ more than a handful of guys sporting Power Four, D1 upside. Inside our new senior rankings, the D-line is well represented and could grow deeper after the Fall football season. </h2>     The Top Ten    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] - Germantown (12th overall/1st DL)   - This Memphis based prospect grabbed the #1 spot for our D-line due to his impressive junior film and upside for the college ranks. Bah is an athletic guy that shows outstanding initial burst, closing speed and agile lower base that allows him to consistently get into the opponent's backfield. The Red Devils senior has seen his stock soar over these off-season months where he has landed multiple Power Four offers and I don't think he is done. Bah is just scratching the surface of his potential and I believe college coaches have recognized this. While he could make a college decision this summer, look for his recruitment to go all the way into signing day this December.    - - - - -    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] - South Gibson (16th overall/2nd DL)   - Gaad is right on the cusp of being our top ranked D-lineman for the #TN2026 class and if he can increase his burst and speed around the edge, the Hornets big man may grab that top spot. This is one of the more physically gifted prospects we have for this cycle that immediately looks the part stepping off the bus. The Hornets defensive end is hard to handle at the point of attack, using his powerful hands to shed blocks and chase down the quarterback. Gaad at one time was committed to SMU but has since re-opened his recruitment where he has some big time programs hot on his trail. Whoever lands his West TN prospect will be getting a high upside talent that should flourish with continued development.    - - - - -    (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'] - BGA (29th overall/3rd DL)   - Sporting the potential to excel in college on either side of the line, Fleming sits just inside our Top 30 overall prospects due to his versatility but also his upside as a pass rushing traditional defensive end that could also work inside as a 3-tech. The Wildcats senior has one of the best bursts off the line of scrimmage in the state with the ability to get skinny then close towards the ball. This guy plays with the ultimate motor and passion for the game of football that many college coaches would love to have on their team. Fleming holds 20 plus offers but has yet to breakthrough into Power Four status, however I think that can change with a strong action in summer camps and another productive year this Fall.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/connersmith04/status/1906824055040422033 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield'] - Cleveland (30th overall/4th DL)   - One of the best motors you will find within our senior D-line class comes from this East Tennessee prospect that plays fast and violent every time he steps on the field. Westfield is an outstanding pass rusher that brings versatility up front that can be utilized on the end as well from the interior. The Blue Raiders senior is a tad undersized from a height point of view but his physical approach to the game as well as his athleticism more than makes up for it. Westfield holds plenty of offers at the moment but those P4 opportunities have been elusive thus far, however I think that can change soon with standout summer camp performances.    - - - - -    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] - Powell (31st overall/5th DL)   - Major potential resides within this Knoxville based defensive tackle that has the athleticism and size to turn into a Power Four starter one day. Ranked 5th among our #TN2026 defensive linemen, Garcia is a wide bodied, powerful young man that gets off the line fast and uses his strength and deceptively good athleticism to cause havoc in the backfield. I see strong potential with this East TN product where I could see Garcia moving up our rankings during our Fall update. I could also see some big time programs getting involved with his recruitment before he signs in December because the upside and long term potential is quite strong.    - - - - -    (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1210664' first='Jayden' last='Arenas-Michel'] - Baylor (44th overall/6th DL)   - Checking in 6th among our D-linemen is this Chattanooga based prospect that has outstanding size (6'5 265) with length and position versatility. Arenas-Michel is one of the more intriguing guys we have in the trenches because of his look and upside on the next level. The Red Raiders senior could excel at both defensive end or inside or either the 3-tech or potentially nose guard. This is a power rusher that uses his hands well and finishes with violence. At this point in his recruitment, Arenas-Michel has landed plenty of options but has yet to break through into Power Four status. That could change with enhanced agility, speed and further development.    - - - - -    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1281457' first='Tobja' last='Walters Jr'] - Oak Ridge (47th overall/7th DL)   - If this East Tennessee product was two to three inches taller, Walters would be a national recruit with all sorts of college options. He only stands about 6 '1 but trust me, the Wildcats big man can play and I personally think he will be a steal for whoever decides to sign him. Walters is one powerful dude with strong hands that sheds blocks well then uses his lower base explosiveness to track down the ball. Opposing offensive linemen have a hard time dealing with Walters and I expect that to continue on the next level. Army, Memphis & ETSU are his lone offers but that will change soon as I see his recruitment exploding in the very near future.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tobja_walters/status/1914485497000305071 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr'] - Collierville (51st overall/8th DL)   - Potential is the key word here with Smith, Jr as he brings great size and physical traits to the playing field that translate well to the collegiate gridiron. The Dragons senior shows excellent burst off the snap then uses his long arms and athleticism to work past blockers and into the backfield. His body and game style says he could grow into a 3-tech pass rusher but I like his upside best remaining on the outside as a traditional defensive end. Smith, Jr holds plenty of offers in-hand at the moment but I could see bigger programs getting involved at some point due to his untapped upside and potential on the next level.    - - - - -    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'] - Greeneville (59th overall/9th DL)   - Ranked just inside our Top 60 overall prospects, Harris is one guy within our #TN2026 class that college coaches are missing the beat on right now because this guy is legit and potentially one of the better defensive tackle prospects we have in the Volunteer State. The Green Devils big man has a well built, compact body and frame that is tough to block but Harris is also a good athlete that has a great combination of power and speed. He may be a tad undersized for some coaches but this guy is legit with his best football days ahead of him. This guy is definitely a steal for whoever gets on board with his collegiate upside.    - - - - -    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] - South Pittsburg (62nd overall/10th DL)   - Standing 6 '6 225 pounds with long arms and a frame to pack on more size, Hardrick is an interesting prospect that should have his best football days ahead with big potential for the college game. This guy is a traditional defensive end prospect that might be able to develop into an edge guy with further development within his lower base. College coaches see the potential as Hardrick holds 15 plus offers in hand with plenty of interest coming from Power Four programs. He could definitely be a ranking riser in our next update with additional weight and enhanced burst and speed coming off the line.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JRHardrick2026/status/1908147842654388482 </div></figure>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=DL">#TN2026 D-line Rankings</a>   - - - - -    The Next Five …..   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'] - Lipscomb Acad. (67th overall/11th DL): Collins could be the top nose guard prospect we have from the #TN2026 class. He is a load in the middle with a wide body and powerful lower base that allows him to stack blocks and close up running lanes.    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] - Southwind (73rd overall/12th DL): Sullins has been highly productive throughout his high school career due to his speed off the edge and unique feel for getting after the quarterback. The Jags senior could develop into an edge guy in college with added agility.    (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1512350' first='Avery' last='Hughes'] - Portland (78th overall/13th DL): Big time potential resides with this Mid-TN product. Hughes shows some excellent pass rushing upside that college coaches have started to recognize. He needs to pack on more size but the raw athletic skills and traits are definitely there.    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1641926' first='Amaree' last='Williamson'] - Cookeville (98th overall/14th DL): Williamson is load to handle in the trenches that is also one of the most naturally powerful D-linemen we have from the #TN2026 class. He has strong hands with good athleticism that allows him to shed blocks and chase down the ball.    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] - Smyrna (107th overall/15th DL): A 3-tech prospect for the next level, Martin is a highly active interior pass rusher that is quite strong for his size with good bend and active hands. He is undersized but the Bulldogs senior plays much bigger with an active motor.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MartttinJerry/status/1914851937477869660 </div></figure>   - - - - -   Other Ranked Defensive Linemen   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='624847' first='Jacob' last='Rice'] - Knox. Catholic (113th overall/16th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1103026' first='Bennett' last='Spillman'] - Lipscomb Acad. (115th overall/17th DL)   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'] - McCallie (118th overall/18th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1218538' first='Issiaga' last='Yattara'] - Webb School (119th overall/19th DL)   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1566697' first='Joshua' last='Williams'] - Germantown (174th overall/20th DL)   - Rice is a multi-talented lineman that could be recruited for either side of the ball. I like his upside best on defense as an interior pass rusher that could occasionally work on the end; Spillman missed his junior year due to injury but is someone to pay attention to this summer and Fall. This is an athletic, physically well built young man that brings pass rushing and run stuffing to the trenches; Hudgins is a 3-tech pass rusher that has the athleticism to work off the end as well. He shows some active hands with the ability to get skinny and find his way into the backfield; Long term potential resides with Yattara. Standing 6'5 270 plus pounds, this Mid-TN product provides versatility up front where he could work inside or at traditional defensive end; Williams is another prospect that has the potential to work at 3-tech or provide snaps at defensive end   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/joshwilliams.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1664920" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure>   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'] - Dyersburg (175th overall/21st DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='981349' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] - Green Hill (185th overall/22nd DL)   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] - Sequatchie Co. (189th overall/23rd DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1455214' first='Shawn' last='Daulton'] - GCA (193rd overall/24th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods'] - Riverdale (199th overall/25th DL)   - One of the more hidden gem prospects we have from our senior D-line class is Grant. This West TN product missed most of his junior season but showed excellent upside as a pass rushing defensive end; Harris is a two-way lineman that could get some looks for offense but I like his upside best as a 3-tech defensive tackle with the body to grow into a nose guard; Sporting an active motor with a physical mindset, Smith is a small town standout that brings ultimate effort every time he steps onto the field; Daulton is a wide bodied nose guard prospect that is a solid athlete that can provide a pass rush while doing good work as a run stuffer; A little undersized with his weight, Woods is a long term potential prospect that could flourish on the college level with added size and continued development. This guy is an active interior pass rusher with good athleticism and a good burst off the snap   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/sdaulton.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1664929" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure>   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'] - Carter (231st overall/26th DL)   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1588109' first='Jarius' last='Jones'] - Pope Prep (232nd overall/27th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] - Jefferson Co. (240th overall/28th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'] - South Gibson (243rd overall/29th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1634775' first='Terzaion' last='Cook'] - Kirby (244th overall/30th DL)   - Coffey returns for his senior season as one of the leading sack artists in the state that has potential as a 3-tech pass rusher on the collegiate level. He shows a solid get-off along with some active hands that allows him to consistently play in the opponent's backfield; Jones is a versatile prospect that can provide occasional work at defensive end with his best potential coming inside as a 3-tech; A max effort guy to know about is Wilson. This East TN product loves the game and competes at a high level each time he steps onto the field; Smith is a wide bodied, run plugger that has deceptive athleticism. He is a nose guard prospect that can provide the occasional pass rush; Cook is another lane plugger that stacks blocks well then uses his athleticism to disrupt plays in the backfield   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1633934' first='Haiden' last='Cox'] - Science Hill (245th overall/31st DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1648776' first='Elijah' last='Daniels'] - Boyd Buchanan (246th overall/32nd DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'] - Camden (247th overall/33rd DL)   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1651729' first='Jack' last='Baker'] - Briarcrest Chrst. (248th overall/34th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1634248' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] - Germantown (250th overall/35th DL)   - The Hilltoppers have a stud on the defensive front with Cox that fits the 3-tech well due to his athleticism and ability to chase down the quarterback; Daniels missed most of his junior season but has the size and upside to make his way into the college game. He shows the potential to rush the backfield as a 3-tech or pack on more size and develop into a nose guard; Coming from a small town, many people may not know much about Grigsby but I like how he performs and his potential on the college level. The Lions senior is a strong and active interior D-lineman that can rush the backfield or plug up the run; Lookout for a potential breakout senior year from Baker, who shows excellent upside as a traditional pass rushing defensive end; Jones is an undersized 3-tech prospect that competes with a high motor and the ability to rush the passer.    (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1585716' first='Johnathan' last='Holcomb'] - Ripley (261st overall/36th DL)   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1622588' first='Porter' last='Ragle'] - MBA (262nd overall/37th DL)   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1571450' first='Calvin' last='Johnson'] - Page (276th overall/38th DL)   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1659827' first='Michael' last='Douglas III'] - Jackson Chrst. (283rd overall/39th DL)   (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell'] - Grundy Co. (293rd overall/40th DL)   - Holcomb returns for the Fall season as one of the leading sack artists in the state with the body style and game play to excel either at defensive end or inside as a 3-tech; Ragle is someone I'm interested to follow over the coming months. He is a max effort, high motor guy that plays at defensive end but may have the athleticism to work as an edge linebacker as well; Johnson is a well built nose tackle prospect that has big potential but doesn't see how good he can be. If he can tap into his upside this Fall, watch out for this powerful people mover; A breakout senior year could be on its way for Douglas. This guy plays with an active motor along with a nice bend and a solid burst around the edge; Sporting great size (6'5 265) with a big frame, Grizzell is a small town hidden gem that could work his way up our rankings in the Fall with a standout senior season.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 300</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/mdouglas.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1664934" style="width:294px;height:auto" /></figure>