Taron Essex
6′3″ · 210 lb · Decatur, GA · Southwest DeKalb
On the Western Kentucky roster; he has not appeared in a game on our list yet.
Where he comes from
- Decatur, GA
- Southwest DeKalb
- About 250 miles from Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
- Three-star recruit, No. 2231 nationally in the 2026 class, rating 0.8489.
Where he fits
Western Kentucky lists 28 defensive backs this season.
Western Kentucky defensive backs with a game this season
Western Kentucky’s week
- RecordWestern Kentucky is 3-4.
- Next gamevs Delaware · Tue Oct 27
Players like him
Same class and position
From Southwest DeKalb
Also from Decatur, GA
News and fans
No outlet on our list has written about him by name this season.
Western Kentucky in the news
- WKU wins first conference game
College Heights Herald Oct 9
Where to follow him
Splits
Home and road splits, scheme and staff
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Tyson Helton
Pass share
51.9%
373 pass / 346 run
Plays / game
102.7
7 games
Team sack rate
5.8%
275 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.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
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 · on the roster, no stat line
- Before collegeSigned with Western Kentucky in 2026 as a 3-star recruit, No. 2,231 in the country.
His moves
- Signed with Western Kentucky in the 2026 class, a 3-star recruit.
His career
2026
- Signed with Western Kentucky3-star out of Southwest DeKalb