East Nashville’s Demarquez Trotter (5).
With the start of high school football less than two months away, here’s a look at some of the top returning Midstate defensive backs for the 2016 season, as ranked by The Tennessean’s Michael Murphy.
Football
10. Ray Coggins
Wilson Central, senior
Hgt.: 5-11 Wgt.: 185
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Coggins, a 2015 All-Region 3-6A selection and three-star Eastern Kentucky commitment, helped lead the Wildcats to a 6-7 record and a Class 6A quarterfinal appearance
9. Josh Smith
Brentwood Academy’s Josh Smith (19).
Brentwood Academy, senior
Hgt.: 6-1 Wgt.: 203
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Smith, a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, recorded 13 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery in seven games last season for the Division II-AA state champion Eagles.
8. Matthew Jackson
Hillsboro’s Matthew Jackson
Hillsboro, senior
Hgt.: 6-2 Wgt.: 180
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Jackson recorded 39 tackles from his safety spot with an interception and a pair of defensive touchdowns as a junior in 2015, helping lead the Burros to a 9-4 record and a Class 5A quarterfinal appearance.
7. Jaylon King
Ensworth’s Jaylon King
Ensworth, junior
Hgt.: 6-1 Wgt.: 170
Position: Cornerback
Why chosen: King, who has already received scholarship offers from Tennessee and Vanderbilt, tallied 45 tackles with 20 pass defenses and a pair of interceptions as a junior for the Tigers.
6. Landon Guidry
Independence’s Landon Guidry
Independence, senior
Hgt.: 6-1 Wgt.: 185
Position: Cornerback
Why chosen: Guidry, a three-star Mississippi State commitment, recorded 80 tackles, one sack, an interception and three fumble recoveries while helping lead the Eagles to a 15-0 record and a Class 5A state championship.
5. Rodney Owens
Ensworth’s Rodney Owens (2).
Ensworth, senior
Hgt.: 6-0 Wgt.: 180
Position: Safety
Why chosen: In addition to posting a team-high 330 yards receiving as a junior in 2015, Owens, a three-star Louisville commitment and 2015 all-region selection, posted 52 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups for the Tigers.
4. Kaleb Oliver
Oakland’s Kaleb Oliver (6)
Oakland, senior
Hgt.: 6-3 Wgt.: 190
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Oliver, a three-star Mississippi State commitment and 2015 All-Region 2-6A selection, tallied 99 tackles (including 12½ behind the line of scrimmage), with three sacks, five interceptions, six pass breakups and a pair of fumble recoveries for the Class 6A semifinalist Patriots.
3. Gentry Bonds
Riverdale’s Gentry Bonds (left)
Riverdale, senior
Hgt.: 6-1 Wgt.: 195
Position: Cornerback
Why chosen: Bonds, a three-star prospect and 2015 All-Region 2-6A selection, recorded 59 tackles (including five behind the line of scrimmage), four interceptions and a fumble recovery as a junior for the Warriors.
2. Theo Jackson
Overton’s Theo Jackson (5)
Overton, senior
Hgt.: 6-3 Wgt.: 185
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Jackson, a three-star Tennessee commitment who will also serve as Overton’s starting quarterback this fall, posted 33 tackles with three interceptions a season ago, helping lead the Bobcats to a 7-5 record and a Class 6A second-round playoff appearance.
1. Maleik Gray
La Vergne’s Maleik Gray (left)
La Vergne, senior
Hgt.: 6-2 Wgt.: 205
Position: Safety
Why chosen: Gray, a four-star Tennessee commitment and 2015 All-Midstate selection, tallied 53 tackles (including 13 behind the line of scrimmage), six sacks, two interceptions and a pair of defensive touchdowns for the Wolverines last season.
2017 Maleik Gray 6’2″ 200 Safety
Other positions:
Top 10 Nashville area returning high school quarterbacks
Top 10 returning Nashville area high school RBs
Top 10 returning Nashville area high school receivers
Top 10 returning Nashville-area offensive linemen
Top 10 returning Nashville-area defensive linemen
Top 10 returning Nashville-area linebackers
Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.