2023 Rankings: 10 Fastest Stock Risers (Defense)
In this article:
Earlier this week, we released the updated 2023 rankings. Since then, we’ve told you about some of the fastest Stock Risers,. In Part 3 of a series, we focus on the defense: Michael Ash Michael Ash 6'0" | 275 lbs…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEarlier this week, we released the updated 2023 rankings. Since then, we’ve told you about some of the fastest Stock Risers,. In Part 3 of a series, we focus on the defense:
Michael Ash Michael Ash 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Bernalillo | 2023 State NM , Bernalillo: Ash has been one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the Albuquerque Metro region for a couple of year. He finished with an impressive 112 tackles this past season, including a state single game record 27 against Del Norte. He added 30 tackles for loss , 7 sacks and 12 QB hurries. That’s a career for most players.
Aggie Aguilar, Bloomfield: The Bobcats’ offense grabbed most of the headlines on the way to Bloomfield capturing the Class 4A title, but the defense was pretty good too. Aguilar had a team-high 91 tackles, 6 sacks and 9 QB hurries.
Jabulani Cooper Jabulani Cooper 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Albuquerque | 2023 State NM , Albuquerque High: Speed is the essence of Cooper’s game. He runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds and has offers from all three D-II teams in the state.
Gavon Hall Gavon Hall 5'7" | 160 lbs | LB Ruidoso | 2023 State NM , Ruidoso: If you’re still wondering how Ruidoso managed to shut out St. Michael’s in the Class 3A state championship game, the talented Warriors’ defense had ballers all over the field. Hall finished with 137 tackles, 12 TFL and 5 sacks to lead the Ruidoso defense.
Peyton Harrison Peyton Harrison 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Cibola | 2023 State NM , Cibola: Harrison emerged as one of the top linebackers in Albuquerque – if not the state – this past season, finishing with 117 tackles, 15 TFL and 7 sacks to lead the Cibola defense.
Kayden Lee Kayden Lee 5'7" | 170 lbs | DL Aztec | 2023 State NM , Aztec: Little known outside the Four Corners, Lee enjoyed a fabulous 2022 campaign with 126 tackles, 11 TFL and 11 QB hurries.
Colt Mangino Colt Mangino 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB La Cueva | 2023 State NM , La Cueva: Named first team all-district, first team all-metro, and first team all-state for two years. Mangino could play FBS football as New Mexico State has offered a PWO opportunity. He has also been offered by FCS Valparaiso, Eastern New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands and Grand View University (Des Moines, IA).
Cole Runyan Cole Runyan 6'4" | 190 lbs | DB Centennial | 2023 State NM , Centennial: With a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, Runyan will be a solid safety/nickel at the next level. Centennial was another team with a great defense and Runyan was solid all season long.
Zebadiah Thompson Zebadiah Thompson 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB West Mesa | 2023 State NM , West Mesa: One of the Thompson Twins (not the 80s music group), Thompson made 85 tackles with 6 passes defended. He’ll play the next level. He has been offered by New Mexico Highlands, Eastern New Mexico and Willamette University (Oregon).
Anderson Weese Anderson Weese 6'1" | 160 lbs | LB Raton | 2023 State NM , Raton: Weese has been one of the top defensive players in northern New Mexico for the past two years. This season he finished with 132 tackles and 2 interceptions from his LB spot. He ended his career with an impressive 234 tackles. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Weese has good size with plenty of room to grow at the next level.