2023 Rankings Update: Unranked Defensive Players Make Their Mark

Several players turned productive off-seasons into a spot in the 2023 Prep Redzone rankings. Here’s a look at five defensive players who can make a big leap with solid senior seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="336118" first="Damien" last="Jackson"]<strong>, LB, Northwestern:</strong> Jackson is a textbook LB at 6-feet, 215, with 4.5 speed. He shows every bit of that quickness on the field, closing on the ball quickly and creating havoc in the backfield. He’s also strong, shaking off blocks and meeting runners in the lanes, usually winning heads-up matchups. [player_tooltip player_id="336122" first="CJ" last="Cox"]<strong>, DL, Loris:</strong> Cox does just about everything you’d want from a defensive lineman. He fills the gap, he wins at the line of scrimmage, and he gets after the QB. He had 82 tackles last year, including 58 solo, to go with four sacks, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He’s got a good motor, and he seems to get better with every rep. [player_tooltip player_id="336140" first="Colton" last="Phares"]<strong>, DB, Beaufort:</strong> In the first highlight of Phares’ junior film, he chases down a play and prevents a touchdown, covering about 60 yards of field distance and going hash-to-opposite-sideline in the process. The rest of the tape is more of the same: relentless effort. He’s fast, covers well, contributes on special teams, plays a little wildcat QB, and just NEVER seems to stop. [player_tooltip player_id="336141" first="Justin" last="Copeland"]<strong>, ATH, Clinton:</strong> Copeland is basically a one man no-fly zone for the Red Devils. He’s a pure cover guy, able to make up distance with his speed, and is particularly adept at reading plays and knocking away passes. Offensively, while Clinton doesn’t throw it often, Copeland is clearly the Red Devils’ top receiver and go-to guy, with great speed and the ability to adjust to a ball in the air. [player_tooltip player_id="336143" first="Thomas" last="Edmonson"]<strong>, LB, Greenville:</strong> Edmonson is listed at both MLB and OLB for the Red Raiders, but his home is quite obviously on the outside. There, a lethal first step makes him an absolute terror to block. He’s got good speed and discipline when he drops into coverage, and provides great run support.