As the 2026 Tennessee State Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) football season approaches, coaches and analysts are already turning their attention to the defensive backfield, where a new wave of talent is poised to make its mark.
Becks Allen from Hardin Valley built on a strong 2025 campaign that earned him all‑region honors, finishing with 63 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Zach Banks of Sevier County logged 66 tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions, while Jarrell Chandler at Halls added 94 tackles and three forced fumbles to earn a PrepXtra second‑team selection.
Greeneville’s Taren Claridy impressed with eight interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, and De’Mauri DuBose of Alcoa contributed 28 tackles and two picks, drawing interest from several college programs.
Braylen Gibbs from Catholic recorded a pass breakup and an interception, and Ethan Fortner of West added 14 pass breakups to his 58 tackles along with a fumble recovery.
Bennett Jelks at CAK filled the stat sheet with 43 tackles, four interceptions and a defensive touchdown, while Skylan Johnson’s performance earned him an offer from the University of Tennessee.
Other notable names include Brooks Johnston, John Keohane, Kaine Ricker, Chase Tucker, Kaden Webber, Zayden Williams and Cooper Wheeler, each of whom posted impressive numbers that suggest they will be key contributors for their respective schools.
Rising Stars in the Defensive Backfield
The depth of talent across the region not only promises exciting play on the field but also signals a busy recruiting calendar, as college scouts flock to watch these athletes in the upcoming season. With preseason practices underway, the focus will shift to how these players adapt to new schemes and competition, but early indications suggest that the 2026 defensive back class could be one of the most competitive in recent memory.