2027 Watch List: Standout Defensive Players to Keep an Eye On!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a lot of talented defenders throughout the state's 2027 class, here we are taking a look at some standout talents that have impressed us!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["366554"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='366554' first='Darius' last='Whitlow'] is a really promising up and coming defensive line prospect out of Opelika that made a lot of splash plays for them last season. Standing at 6'1 275, Whitlow already has a big frame as a freshman and uses every bit of it when he plays. He physically outmatches many of the offensive linemen he lines up against, is extremely powerful, and can penetrate the backfield to make plays very often. Whitlow is especially good against the run, he is able to use his size to close up gaps with ease and is a really good tackler that never allows the opposing back to break off into the open field. Last season, Whitlow showed a lot of potential with how well he was able to play. Keep an eye on him going forward to see how he continues to develop, I think he could be a really good prospect!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["465532"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='465532' first='Rocky' last='McKinnon'] is a really talented linebacker out of Hoover that has the potential to be a force for their defense the next several seasons. McKinnon had a really solid freshman season where he demonstrated lots of great skills and traits as a key leader of the defense. He has some seriously impressive instincts and anticipation, he is able to very quickly diagnose and and disrupt plays regardless of what kind of things the opposing offense are doing. McKinnon is also a really solid tackler with a lot of sideline to sideline skills- he has the athleticism to impact plays all over the field, regardless of where he initially is lined up. Watch out for him in this Hoover defense going forward, he's made a ton of plays against the run and pass already and is set up for a great sophomore campaign this next year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["500055"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='500055' first='Josh' last='Stack'] is a really exciting defensive end prospect out of Oxford that had a real impact on their defensive front last season. It doesn't matter what opposing offenses plan on doing, Stack finds a way to disrupt and cause havoc on the field. Stack is a really good run defender, he does a great job setting the edge and not letting the ballcarrier break off big runs. He also has the athleticism to make some bigtime plays against the pass as well- Stack has a good set of pass rushing moves that allow him to quickly beat offensive tackles to either pressure or sack the quarterback. Keep watching what Stack is doing down in Oxford, he had limited varsity snaps last fall but will likely carve out a bigger role this next season!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["498919"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='498919' first='Max' last='Perkins'] is another talented defensive line prospect that is coming off a really good freshman season. Perkins was really effective at nose guard for Mars Hill Bible last fall, he made a big impact against some really good rushing offenses across the state. Perkins is a big guy upfront and commands a lot of attention from offensive linemen. Frequently Perkins has to face double teams due to his power and ability to get his hands on the running back, but its all for nothing- he consistently finds ways to get by blocks and make plays on and behind the line of scrimmage all throughout games. In addition to his abilities against the run, Perkins also has shown he can generate pressure on the quarterback, making him a really well rounded, valuable defensive linemen. Keep watch of him this next season, he's set to do some big things for their defense!","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660a3e58d6f2e"} /-->