Guardian Foundation Repair Preseason Defensive Back 2026

Leading Defensive Back Candidates

The annual Guardian Foundation Repair poll ranks the top preseason defensive backs for the 2026 TSSAA football season. Fans can cast their ballots until noon on July 23, and Knox News reserves the right to remove votes that show signs of manipulation. The field includes a mix of returning standouts and promising newcomers from across the Knoxville area.

• Becks Allen (Hardin Valley) – Allen earned all‑region honors in 2025 after posting 63 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. His work on the field has made him a serious contender for the award.
• Zach Banks (Sevier County) – Banks compiled 66 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery last season. His versatility on defense has kept him in the conversation.
• Jarrell Chandler (Halls) – Chandler was a PrepXtra second‑team selection with 94 tackles, eight pass breakups, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. He also holds a four‑star commitment to Clemson as a safety.
• Taren Claridy (Greeneville) – Claridy emerged as a premier ballhawk, earning PrepXtra second‑team honors with 40 tackles, ten pass breakups, eight interceptions, four tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns.
• De’Mauri DuBose (Alcoa) – DuBose became a key defensive back for the Cougars, racking up 28 tackles, nine pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.
• Braylen Gibbs (Catholic) – Gibbs contributed a pass breakup and an interception in 2025 while playing behind Notre Dame signee Chaston Smith. The junior cornerback is a four‑star Alabama commit and will see an expanded role in 2026.
• Ethan Fortner (West) – Fortner added 14 pass breakups to his 58 tackles and also secured a fumble recovery, highlighting his impact on the secondary.
• Bennett Jelks (CAK) – Jelks delivered a well‑rounded performance with 43 tackles, four interceptions, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown.
• Skylan Johnson (Catholic) – Johnson recorded 29 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup, earning an offer from Tennessee.
• Brooks Johnston (Catholic) – Returning with extensive experience, Johnston posted 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions for the Fighting Irish.
• John Keohane (Sevier County) – Keohane earned All‑State and PrepXtra second‑team honors after hauling in 73 tackles, seven pass breakups, four interceptions and three tackles for loss at Gatlinburg‑Pittman. He transferred to Sevier County for the upcoming season.
• Kaine Ricker (Greeneville) – Ricker was a lockdown defender for the Greene Devils, compiling 42 tackles, six interceptions, five pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown.
• Chase Tucker (Maryville) – Tucker recorded 49 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception, showcasing his growth as a defender.
• Kaden Webber (Grace Christian) – Webber earned PrepXtra third‑team recognition after accumulating 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, an interception, a sack and a quarterback pressure.
• Zayden Williams (Oak Ridge) – Williams, a sophomore, logged 27 tackles, six pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble, signaling a potential breakout campaign.
• Cooper Wheeler (Powell) – Wheeler produced 57 tackles, 11 pass breakups, three tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2025, establishing himself as a top performer.

Statistical Highlights and Recruiting Impact

Many of these players bring impressive stat lines that set them up for standout seasons. Defensive backs like Chandler (94 tackles) and Webber (70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss) stand out for their ability to pressure the ball carrier. Interceptions also figure heavily; Claridy and Ricker each recorded multiple picks, while Jelks added four picks of his own.

College recruiters are watching closely, with several candidates already holding offers or commitments. Chandler’s Clemson pledge and Gibbs’ Alabama commitment illustrate how the poll can boost national exposure. Meanwhile, Skylan Johnson’s Tennessee offer shows that local producers are gaining traction on the recruiting trail.

Transfers add another dynamic to the 2026 landscape. Keohane’s move to Sevier County brings a proven All‑State performer to a new program, while other players remain with the schools that developed them. This mix of experience and fresh talent will shape the competitive balance across the region.

How the Poll Influences the Season

Voters have until noon on July 23 to submit their choices, giving fans a direct say in recognizing defensive excellence. The Guardian Foundation Repair poll not only honors individual achievement but also serves as a preview of which players are expected to dominate tackle statistics and game film come fall.

As the preseason narratives develop, the standout defensive backs will be tracked for how they translate off‑season training into on‑field results. Coaches will watch for improvements in pass breakups and tackling efficiency, areas where many of these prospects already posted solid numbers.

The poll also creates a narrative thread for local media and recruiting reports, highlighting emerging stars like Williams and DuBose who have yet to receive national attention. Their performances in the coming season could reshape perceptions of which schools have the deepest defensive talent in the TSSAA ranks.