2023 Rankings Stock Risers: Defense

An inside look into some of the 2023 prospects rising up the Prep Redzone Rankings. <strong><img class=" wp-image-109199 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/3E7F7FD1-3E99-49EB-A042-8E54A30ABA5E.jpeg" alt="" width="189" height="189" />[player_tooltip player_id="144960" first="Daylen" last="Austin"], DB, Long Beach Poly</strong> Impressive cover corner that has seen his recruiting stock on the rise since the start of 2021. Picked up his first offer from San Jose State in late January and its been all uphill since then with nine Power 5 programs coming in including Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, and USC. Possesses exceptional natural coverage instincts and anticipation. He’s able to read/diagnose plays before they develop allowing him quickly break on the ball often times before it is thrown. Elite level recovery and transitional speed puts himself in position to make plays on the ball and use his excellent ball skills. He shows he can matchup 1on1 in press coverage and be effective all over the field. He’s a physical corner that initiates contact and is a strong open field tackler. Currently the third ranked 2023 DB in the state closely following [player_tooltip player_id="25459" first="Aaron" last="Williams"] out of Centennial and [player_tooltip player_id="25395" first="RJ" last="Jones"] out Bishop Alemany. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145120" first="Maliki" last="Crawford"], DB, Pacifica</strong> Crawford is a long cover corner at 6’3” with quick feet and great change-of-direction. Flashes good short area quickness and burst to match WR movement and allow very little separation. He’s very fundamentally and technically sound with his footwork showing good efficient movement with little wasted motion. Good top end speed to cover vertically down the field but also shows he can effectively cover underneath on more technical routes and designed plays. He’s a reliable open field tackler but would like to see him become stronger at the POA and drive his legs through contact. Colleges love his length, natural athleticism, and huge upside as a Power 5 corner. He’s picked up 13 offers thus far including half of the PAC12 in addition to big time programs such as Michigan State, Miami, and Florida State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145132" first="Ty" last="Lee"], DB, St. John Bosco</strong> One of the top safeties in the state got off to a fast start in his recruitment when USC, Utah, Arizona State, Oregon all offered within a few days of each other. Good combination of natural talent and high football IQ. He does a great job playing with his eyes and reading the QB to put himself in position to make plays. He shows great awareness of the field and what the offense is trying to do. One of his best attributes is his ball skills, he shows a good ability to track/adjust to ball flight and attack the ball at the highest point. Love his body control and ability to play the ball in the air without drawing a penalty. Look for him to continue to pull in more offers as he gets more game experience and will most likely be a double digit Power 5 prospect sooner rather than later. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145171" first="Jaeden" last="Moore"], DE, Central Valley Christian <img class=" wp-image-116873 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/PREP-REDZONE-PICTURE-NEW.jpg" alt="" width="458" height="258" /></strong> Great size and frame to build on at 6’4” 220 lbs. as a sophomore. He’s explosive off the ball and extremely quick coming off the edge. He’s a plus athlete with good bend and flexibility, also shows good balance and body control to stay on his feet. He’s a high motor guy with good short area burst and lateral agility to close space on the ball carrier. He’s got a great nose for the football and is relentless in pursuit showing he can make plays sideline to sideline. Flashes good efficient hand usage and strength to prevent a blocker from getting into his body. Just recently received his first offer from Cal but expect that to change as the recruiting cycle continues and he’s able to showcase his skillset. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145191" first="Deven" last="Bryant"], LB, St. John Bosco</strong> Bryant is a versatile LB that recently picked up his first offer from Oregon. He’s a great athlete that can be a three down LB at the college level given his ability to play the run or drop back in coverage. Quick to read and react he possesses a fast trigger and good transitional speed to locate the ball carrier and close space. Does a great job shedding blocks and avoiding blockers to get to the contact point. At the POA he shows good strength and power as he drives through contact. He’s violent, physical, and aggressive as a tackler. Shows good range with his ability to fly around and make plays all over the field. Playing for one of the top programs in the country he shows great upside and potential as he continues to develop and stack up more offers.