Tennessee is getting a monster defensive lineman with Dereon Albert after his commitment to the Vols on Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-2, 305-pound lineman is ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2026 class and is the second-highest rated defensive player in the Vols’ class. 247Sports’ Composite Rankings have Albert listed as the No. 359 player in the class, the No. 42 defensive lineman in the cycle, and the No. 14 player from the state of Mississippi.
The first thing that stands out about Albert’s tape is his mobility. Numerous plays in his film show his ability to shed offensive linemen and track down the quarterback or ball carrier. He even recorded a heads-up pick-six on the line during his junior season at Jackson Academy in Jackson, MS.
He’s a force in the middle of the line with the ability to put pressure on the quarterback or create a wall in the trenches.
“3-4 interior defensive lineman that shows the ability to win with a bevy of different pass rush options at the point of attack, including twitch, athleticism and power,” 247’s Cooper Petagna wrote in a June evaluation. “Estimated at a shade under 6-foot-2 and just north of 300-pounds, Albert’s unique blend of athletic traits and stout frame makes him a difficult assignment for opposing offensive linemen on a down-to-down basis.”
According to 247’s Gabe Brooks, Albert racked up 81 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and seven sacks during the 2024 season.
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Want to see it in action? Check out Dereon Albert’s highlights from his junior season below:
Tennessee DL Commit Dereon Albert
