Class of 2022 Rankings – Defensive Stock Risers

The Class of 2022 rankings were just updated for the offseason for Prep Redzone Texas and it is now time to look at five defensive players who have gained ground since last season both in recruiting and their abilities. 1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117024" first="Jaray" last="Bledsoe"] (DL) - Bremond High School (Bremond, TX)</strong> One of the top defensive linemen in the state, Bledsoe has gotten attention from several top colleges across the country including Alabama, Baylor, Florida and Georgia. He was named to the first-team all-district team as both a running back and defensive lineman last season. His most recent offer was from Houston on April 15. On top of his 104 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles and one safety, he also rushed for 1,259 yards and 21 touchdowns. Although listed as a defensive lineman, the fact that Bledsoe plays both sides of the ball so well showcases his abilities and why he remains such a top performer and why he has gotten the recognition he deserves as he continues weighing the options for his step into the next level. 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60764" first="Quincy" last="Wright"] (DL) - Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)</strong> Another top defensive lineman that is gaining ground is Wright, who is apart of the always elite Duncanville Panthers. Wright has several offers from schools including Arkansas, Colorado State, Kansas and Marshall. In the 2019 season, he was a part of the squad that was close to winning the 6A Division I state championship. His most recent offer was from Colorado State back in February. Watching his tape, Wright always kept his eye on the football and constantly would blow past the offensive line to create disruption and to instantly close any gaps. As Wright enters his senior season, he will definitely be worth a watch as he gains even more stock. 3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60732" first="Martrell" last="Harris"] (LB) - The Woodlands High School (The Woodlands, TX)</strong> Harris remains one of the top players overall in the state but is also an elite linebacker. He currently sits with several offers including but not limited to Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Houston and Kansas. His most recent offer was from Louisiana back in March, but also recently got offers from Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Texas Tech. Harris is explosive off the snap and has the speed and agility to chase down any running back. He is definitely someone a back does not want chasing him. 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60741" first="Julian" last="Humphrey"] (DB) - Clear Lake High School (Houston, TX)</strong> One of the best players in the state, Humphrey has received multiple offers already including Penn State, Florida, LSU, Texas A&amp;M and USC, which he named to his top five in February. According to MaxPreps, he registered a total of 24 tackles, one interception that resulted in a touchdown, eight pass deflections and one forced fumble. He also received first-team all-district honors last season as well as his sophomore season in 2019. Humphrey plays the position already at the next level as he knows just how aggressive to be when covering receivers, while not drawing a pass interference call, but he also is able to keep his eye on the quarterback and is quick to move in front of the receiver to make the pick. He is fast, agile, and a ball hawk and will be fun to watch his senior season. 5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60733" first="Austin" last="Jordan"] (DB) - Ryan High School (Denton, TX)</strong> With Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas as his top three, it is already expected to see a top athlete as he already ranks amongst the top in Texas. According to MaxPreps, he had 13 total tackles, one sack, one interception, four pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble last season. He was also unanimously given first-team all-district honors and helped his team with the 5A Division I state championship. Much like Humphrey, Jordan keeps his eye on the ball 100 percent of the time and can sniff out trick plays with ease. He is also a master at stripping the ball and is willing to put his body on the line to deflect passes. He is quick and strong and is willing to face a charging running back head-on.