Taron Essex
Taron Essex is a three-star recruit from Decatur, GA, out of Southwest DeKalb (No. 2,231 in the 2026 class) who has not played in Western Kentucky's 8 games this season.
Where Essex comes from
- Decatur, GA
- Southwest DeKalb
- About 250 miles from Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
- Three-star, No. 2,231 in the 2026 class.
Where Essex fits
Western Kentucky lists 28 defensive backs this season.
Western Kentucky defensive backs with a game this season
Western Kentucky is 3-5. Next: at Middle Tennessee, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Southwest DeKalb
Also from Decatur, GA
Splits
Home and road splits, scheme and staff
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Tyson Helton
Pass share
53.4%
444 pass / 388 run
Plays / game
104.0
8 games
Team sack rate
5.9%
323 dropbacks · PBP
Scheme: Balanced, fast tempo.
Awards
A three-star recruit at defensive back for Western Kentucky -- now projected as a quality contributor in the secondary.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Grades highest in zone coverage and speed.
Western Kentucky has produced 10 All-Conference defensive backs. 2 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Upton Stout went on to the NFL out of this room (2025).
Joined Western Kentucky in 2026
- 2026 Western Kentucky HeltonYear 1 · Games –
- High school Southwest DeKalbDecatur, GA · Class of 2026Three-star, No. 2,231 in the 2026 class. Signed with Western Kentucky.Also from Southwest DeKalb: Earnest Rankins (Florida State), Sam Turner (Auburn) and Therrian Alexander (BYU).
2026
- Signed with Western KentuckyThree-star, out of Southwest DeKalb