Vote for the Guardian Foundation Repair top 2026 TSSAA football preseason defensive back

Here are the candidates for the Guardian Foundation Repair top preseason defensive back for the 2026 TSSAA football season. Voters have until noon on July 23 to submit their responses.

Knox News reserves the right to remove an individual from a poll if it suspects any voting irregularities.

Becks Allen, Hardin Valley: Allen was an all-region selection in 2025 with 63 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Zach Banks, Sevier County: Banks logged 66 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Jarrell Chandler, Halls: Chandler was a PrepXtra second team selection last season with 94 tackles, eight pass breakups, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Chandler committed to Clemson football as a four-star safety recruit.

Taren Claridy, Greeneville: Claridy was one of the top ballhawks in the Knoxville area and earned PrepXtra second team honors with 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups, eight interceptions, four tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns.

De'Mauri DuBose, Alcoa: DuBose emerged as one of Alcoa's top defensive backs with 28 tackles, nine pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

Braylen Gibbs, Catholic: Gibbs recorded a pass breakup and an interception in 2025 while behind Notre Dame signee Chaston Smith. The junior cornerback and four-star Alabama commit will feature in the 2026 season for Catholic.

Ethan Fortner, West: Fortner added 14 pass breakups to 58 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Bennett Jelks, CAK: Jelks filled the stat sheet with 43 tackles, four interceptions, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown.

Skylan Johnson, Catholic: Johnson had 29 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup and picked up an offer from Tennessee.

Brooks Johnston, Catholic: Johnston returns as one of Catholic's more experienced defensive backs with 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions. 

John Keohane, Sevier County: Keohane earned All-State honors and was a PrepXtra second team selection with 73 tackles, seven pass breakups, four interceptions and three tackles for loss for Gatlinburg-Pittman. He transferred to Sevier County for the 2026 season.

Kaine Ricker, Greeneville: Ricker was another elite defensive back for the Greene Devils with 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.

Kaden Webber, Grace Christian: Webber was a PrepXtra third team member with 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 is poised for a breakout season after having 27 tackles, six pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble as a sophomore.

Cooper Wheeler, Powell: Wheeler produced 57 tackles, 11 pass breakups, three tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2025.

Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Vote for the Guardian Foundation Repair top 2026 TSSAA football preseason defensive back