As the 2026 Tennessee State School Athletic Association (TSSAA) football season approaches, coaches and analysts are already turning their attention to the defensive standouts who will anchor their teams from the linebacker position.
Defensive Standouts to Watch
Among the most talked‑about returnees is Jackson Coffey of Grace Christian, a senior who earned PrepXtra Third Team honors last year with 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback has made him a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ defense.
Dax Cole from Maryville leads a deep senior class with 123 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery, while Reece Franklin of Concord Christian posted 70 tackles and five sacks that helped his team stay competitive.
Alcoa’s junior Jennaris Henry has already drawn attention with 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries, including a defensive touchdown, showcasing a rare blend of speed and power.
William Blount’s Mason Johnson accumulated 95 tackles, 29 quarterback pressures and 2.5 sacks, while Greeneville’s Jack Lister added 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, underscoring the depth of talent across the region.
Sweetwater’s Landon Murphy contributed 101 tackles and three blocked PATs, and Sevier County’s Parker Newman, a Duke commit, logged 117 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four interceptions and three defensive touchdowns, highlighting his all‑purpose impact.
Maryville’s JP Peace, a Tennessee commit, recorded 121 tackles and a forced fumble, and Halls’ Carson Pearce, a PrepXtra First Team honoree, amassed 137 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and seven sacks, cementing his status as a defensive workhorse.
Other notable performers include Gavin Self of Halls with 151 tackles and four sacks, Connor Wheeler of Heritage with 72 tackles and two interceptions, and Wyatt Wilber of Maryville, a Minnesota commit, who added 98 tackles and a sack.
The list also features Marvin Wyrosdick of CAK, a junior who posted 116 tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles, and Gatlinburg‑Pittman’s Jackson Younger, who finished the season with 72 tackles and two sacks.
These seniors not only bring impressive statistics but also leadership and commitment to collegiate programs, with several already pledged to schools such as Duke, Tennessee and Minnesota. Their performances will likely shape the competitive balance of the upcoming season and provide a focal point for fans eager to see how the defensive landscape evolves.