Wilson Central's T.J. Minnifee switches back to defensive end

LEBANON — Where T.J. Minnifee will land next season is undetermined.

He feels back at home for now though.

As a result, the senior standout is hoping to lead Wilson Central to greater success during the upcoming campaign.

“There’s definitely a lot of excitement in this program,” Minnifee said.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder will transition back to defensive end, a position he played as a sophomore at Hillwood. He served as an outside linebacker for the Wildcats after moving to Wilson County prior to last season.

Wilson Central senior T.J. Mennifee looks into the backfield as he drops in pass coverage during a recent practice.

“It was a transition going to outside linebacker,” Minnifee said. “This year, it was more natural. Pass rushing is my favorite thing to do. At outside linebacker, it’s more coverage, but it’s (about) whatever helps my team.”

He has gained 30 pounds since last season.

“His next level is definitely at defensive end,” Wildcat coach Brad Dedman said. “He’s going to be on the outside. He’s a tweener for us.

“He needs to have a really good year for us. He has to win the line of scrimmage for us. He has to penetrate and run people down.”

His coaches and teammates have noticed a difference in Minnifee since last season.

“Coming in last year, when he transferred schools, we didn’t know the potential he had,” said Devon High, a Navy commitment. “Seeing him, he’s amazing (physically). I like what he brings to the table. I like his size on the edge.”

Expectations for Minnifee rose when South Carolina extended a scholarship offer in June.

“I went to one of the satellite camps, and (South Carolina running backs coach Bobby) Bentley offered me,” Minnifee said.

T.J. Minnifee

Austin Peay, Jackson State, Kentucky Wesleyan, Miami (Ohio), Samford, Tennessee State and UT-Martin have also made offers. Louisville, Purdue and Texas A&M have shown interest.

“I’m very much a Georgia fan, but I try not to get that in the way of my recruitment,” Minnifee said. “More schools are contacting me. They want to see my first three games.”

Minnifee hopes to commit by December.

For now, Minnifee and the rest of the senior class is hoping to improve on last year’s 4-6 regular season, which was followed by two playoff wins and a quarterfinal loss at Whitehaven.

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean.