Who are some of the area’s notable transfers on defense this offseason?
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The transfer portal has affected several teams in our coverage area, so it’s interesting to take a look at how the new kids on their prospective blocks could benefit their new teams.
This is the third installment of our 2026 Preview Series.
Aug. 13: Who are some of the area’s notable transfers on offense this offseason?
Aug. 12: 615 Preps’ week-by-week guide of games to attend in 2026
Defensive Line
Zyon Brown, Ravenwood – Brown comes from across I-65 at Franklin. He is a big-bodied lineman that holds numerous college offers. If he continues to develop his speed and technique, he will be a force to be reckoned with at the next level.
Cheyenne Harris, Lipscomb Academy – “Cinco” Harris recorded 57 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and four sacks last year for the Pearl-Cohn Firebirds. He’ll line up against some of the best linemen in the state in Division II-AAA.
Khristopher Rice, Brentwood Academy – Rice comes over from Ensworth, where he locked down the right end of the defensive line. He is big, but not overly tall at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, but the former Tiger can get upfield in a hurry through solid technique and a quick step. He knocked down several passes last year and can run backs down from behind.
James Stewart, Riverdale – The Arkansas commitment was a force in the Blackman front line last year. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound, Region 3-6A Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year moved down I-24 to join the Warriors this offseason. Last year with the Blaze, he tallied 68 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles, significant because of the number of double-teams he faced last season.
Ayden Woodruff, Ravenwood – Woodruff was part of the BGA championship team from last year that locked up the Wildcats’ first gold ball since 2003. Now the “Lumberjack” moves to the Raptors, hoping to push them to the TSSAA crest as well. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman recorded 40 tackles, 25 solo, and five sacks last year.
Linebackers
Colby Barone, Lipscomb Academy – Barone was the leading tackler last year for the Independence Eagles. Of his 107 tackles, 71 were solo. In addition, Barone added six tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Timothy Curtis, Pearl-Cohn – The 5-foot-11, 190-pound linebacker/running back joins the Firebirds from JPII where he recorded 72 tackles, 54 of them solo. His 4.6 speed and reading ability allow him to fill holes and get to the edge from the middle linebacker position.
Ruston Kemp, Gordonsville – Kemp leaves the Smith County Owls to join his brother with the cross-county rival Gordonsville Tigers, a 12-minute drive down Highway 53. Kemp brings a tough demeanor at middle linebacker. Last season he amassed 77 tackles and two interceptions. He can play on the offensive line as well. He will be a big addition to head coach Steven Jackson’s defense.
Adrian Peebles, Oakland – Adrian comes from a Rutherford County background, as his father Antron played for Riverdale’s 1994 state champions. Peebles will join the current state champions and Warrior cross-town rival Oakland Patriots. The Massachusetts transfer should start immediately and brings speed, size and good hands that enable him to fight off blockers and get to runners before they can get to the next level.
Jadon Stafford, Stratford – Stafford had a stellar season last year, racking up 53 tackles, three sacks and caused a fumble for Lebanon. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound linebacker should make an immediate impact for the Spartans, especially since he will be teaming up with fellow transfer linebacker Kendrick Dunlap, formerly of East Nashville.
Cornerbacks
Caleb Graves, Friendship Christian – Graves is a solid defensive back and receiver that will bring his 4.5 speed to the Commanders defensive backfield. Considering how potent the offense is for FCS; there will likely be several balls flying around. He had 24 tackles, a sack, and an interception for Mt. Juliet Christian Academy. It will be interesting to see how he fares with more talent around him.
Amari Mitchell, Whites Creek – The West Georgia commitment joins the Whites Creek Cobras from FRA. Last year with the Panthers, Mitchell recorded 51 tackles. He has tremendous size for a corner at 6-foot-3, but he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. That combination makes him very valuable in the defensive backfield.
Jackson Sensabaugh, Ensworth – The 6-foot, 170-pound Lindenwood commitment tallied 40 tackles and a pick last year at Dobyns-Bennett. He did not permit a touchdown against him in his junior year with the Indians. He is physical with receivers coming off of the line with quick hips and good speed. He is also a tremendous special teams player.
Ka’Juan Taylor, Antioch – Taylor stands 6-foot-1 and at 180 pounds, he has the size and speed to play corner, safety and even outside linebacker. He played a lot of safety at James Lawson, but corner seems to be a future fit for him. He has an uncanny ability to locate the ball and make plays. He also reads offenses well and is strong at the point of attack. He should be a big addition to the Bears.
Trevon Tyson, Hillsboro – The former JPII Knight follows Jamaal Stewart down to the Burros for his sophomore season where he will likely play on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Tyson plays well in bump coverage; his quickness allows him to make up ground is the receiver gets off the jam. He has good hands and can make plays on the ball. He is only a sophomore, so he should get exponentially better as the season rolls on in Stewart’s defensive scheme.
Safeties
Braylen Bedford, Brentwood Academy – Brentwood brings in some additional help in their defensive backfield, this time in the form of the four-star safety from Vardaman (Miss.). Last season he contributed 69 tackles, 41 of them solo, along with an interception and three forced fumbles for the Rams.
Izsaiah Emery-Whitfield, Riverdale – A transfer from Warwick High (Va.), Emery-Whitfield is a safety that plays like a middle linebacker. He has a high motor, enabling him to fill holes quickly, come hot off of the edge or close ground quickly. In his junior year, the 6-foot, 185-pounder recorded 85 tackles and six forced fumbles for the Raiders.
Micah Graves, East Nashville – The speedy junior with 4.46 speed comes over to the Eagles from Maplewood, where he was All-Region, All-Metro, and the Special Teams MVP. He led the Panthers in tackles with 82, 8.5 for loss and 59 solo tackles. Whether playing man up or in zone coverage, Graves finds the ball and is a threat to take it all the way back. Throw at him at your own risk.
Cole Hackett, Macon County – Macon County gains a big-time ball hawk in Hackett. Last year with the Smith County Owls, Hackett intercepted five passes and forced a fumble to go along with his 54 tackles. He can play both safety roles, which will definitely help head coach Kyle Shoulders’ defensive backfield.
Kingston McQueen, Rockvale – He only played in six games last year for the Red Hawks of Stewarts Creek, but made the most of that time with 27 tackles. He looks the part at safety, standing six feet tall and nearly 200 pounds, but has fluid hips and a quick burst that helps him make a weapon to rush or cover. If he stays healthy, head coach James Counce may have a steal here.
