As the 2026 Tennessee high school football season draws near, The Daily Herald has turned its spotlight to the defensive players who are expected to shape the upcoming campaign. The newspaper’s latest feature spotlights the top returning defensive standouts, inviting the community to weigh in on who will have the biggest impact.
Fans will have until noon on Friday to cast their vote for the player they believe will dominate the defensive line, the secondary or the linebacker corps. The poll reflects a growing tradition of fan engagement that the Herald has cultivated over recent years.
Defensive Standouts
Among the names already making noise is Conner Duncan of the Grizzlies, who recorded 67 tackles, seven for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery last season. Nathanel Karkau added 40 tackles with six for a loss and two sacks, while Xzavior Murphy, an All‑Region 4‑5A First Team selection, posted 40 tackles, 12 for a loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. Zane Nash of the Lions led his team with 76 tackles, 15 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, earning an All‑Area First Team nod. Brody Bullock contributed 48 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions from the defensive backfield, and Gage Moses logged 41 tackles, 12 for a loss, four sacks and two fumble recoveries, including a blocked field goal.
Other notable performers include Hanlee Thornton, who surpassed 40 tackles before a shoulder injury halted his junior campaign, Braydon Parish with 77 tackles and three forced fumbles, AJ Seiber who amassed 94 tackles and a forced fumble for the Tigers, and Collin Cagle, an All‑Area First Team honoree with 123 tackles and three interceptions. Gavin Jacobs added 41 tackles, eight for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries, while Jackson Taylor recorded 47 tackles, five for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Eli Shaffer led the Eagles with 50 tackles, five for a loss, a sack and an interception, and Ryan Ellis topped the area with 146 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks and an interception, a performance that earned him All‑Area First Team honors.
Reporter Harrison Campbell covers high school sports for The Daily Herald, guiding readers through the storylines that will define the upcoming season. With the vote deadline looming, the newspaper encourages supporters to make their voices heard before the poll closes.