Freeman has great zone awareness and will make plays on balls thrown outside of his primary coverage area. He broke into the rotation as a junior, and given Garner’s defensive back depth chart, we think he could earn more playing time as a senior.

Tristan Freeman Tristan Freeman 5'7" | 130 lbs | DB Garner | 2027 NC Emerging in Garner’s Loaded Secondary

Tristan Freeman Tristan Freeman 5'7" | 130 lbs | DB Garner | 2027 NC is a name you’re going to learn this season. Playing nickel in a deep and talented Garner secondary, Freeman stepped up with game-changing plays when it mattered most — proving he’s more than just a role player.

Freeman showcased his ability to carry slot receivers vertically, stay disciplined in coverage, and funnel plays to his safeties. But what truly stood out was his football IQ and instincts. In the quarterfinals, Freeman made the game-clinching interception — not just off athletic ability, but by reading the play before the ball was even snapped. His recognition of the alignment allowed him to jump the route and seal the win.

While he may be the lesser-known DB on this talented Garner roster right now, that won’t be the case for much longer. Tristan Freeman Tristan Freeman 5'7" | 130 lbs | DB Garner | 2027 NC is on the rise.

Freeman’s size often leads opposing teams to target him, but he’s an excellent corner in off-man coverage and has made numerous big plays over the course of his varsity career. I got the chance to see him in person late in the year and came away impressed with how often he was in on a play. As he continues to grow, I’m interested to see if the college interest follows.

Tristan Freeman Tristan Freeman 5'7" | 130 lbs | DB Garner | 2027 NC played much bigger than his size at the NLG Myrtle Beach 7-on-7 Tournament. His natural instincts and nose for the ball were on full display, as he recorded several pass breakups and excelled in zone coverage.

Freeman’s ability to consistently be in the right place at the right time makes him a standout playmaker. As he heads into his junior season next fall, Tristan Freeman Tristan Freeman 5'7" | 130 lbs | DB Garner | 2027 NC is definitely a name to remember.