Voting for the top preseason defensive back for the 2026 Tennessee State Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) football season remains open until noon on July 23, giving fans a brief window to shape the early narrative of the upcoming year.
Standout Performers
The competition showcases a deep pool of talent, with standout performances from the 2025 campaign still resonating as coaches and analysts dissect the stats that defined last season.
Among the most talked‑about names is Jarrell Chandler from Halls, who earned PrepXtra second‑team honors with 94 tackles, eight pass breakups, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception, and who has already committed to Clemson as a four‑star safety.
Taren Claridy of Greeneville also impressed, posting 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups, eight interceptions, four tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns, a performance that placed him on the PrepXtra second team.
Other notable contributors include Zach Banks of Sevier County, who recorded 66 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery; and Braylen Gibbs from Catholic, a four‑star Alabama commit who added a pass breakup and an interception.
The list also features De'Mauri DuBose of Alcoa, whose 28 tackles and two interceptions complemented nine pass breakups, while Ethan Fortner from West contributed 58 tackles, 14 pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Brooks Johnston returns with 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions, and Kaden Webber of Grace Christian posted 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, an interception, a sack and a quarterback pressure.
With commitments to power programs such as Clemson, Alabama and Tennessee already in hand, the upcoming vote not only highlights individual excellence but also signals the next wave of college talent that will shape the SEC and beyond.