Louisiana 2027 rankings update countdown: Nos. 20 to 11

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its latest 2027 rankings this week, continuing its class-by-class updates process as the upcoming season approaches.   Leading up to the complete, 100-player list of rising seniors on Thursday afternoon, we will count down the top 30 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes, including looks at debuts, stock-risers and top remaining uncommitted prospects.     No. 20 [player_tooltip player_id='723628' first='Zyron' last='Forstall'] — 6-3, 220 DL — Jesuit   Kicking off the top 20 is one of the first 2027 trench prospects to hit Prep Redzone Louisiana's radar two years ago — and once again the highest-ranked lineman on either side of the ball in the second rankings update for the class. As previously noted, Forstall's athleticism at his size as a middle-schooler playing on the 7-on-7 circuit stood out even against older competition, and he earned freshman playing time in one of Louisiana's toughest Class 5A districts and held his own physically. Marshall and Nicholls State both extended offers this offseason.   No. 19 [player_tooltip player_id='934559' first='Javon' last='Vital'] — 5-9, 150 ATH — Hamilton Christian   The Warriors' dynamic and versatile star maintains his top-20 ranking for the second edition of the list. Vital has been electric for two varsity seasons already as a quarterback, slot receiver, defensive back and return man. And while his role for his school's perennially contending basketball program means opportunities to see him in football settings in the offseason can be hit or miss, Vital looked a bit bigger physically and notably confident in his demeanor as both a playmaker and all-around leader on the court.   No. 18 [player_tooltip player_id='934591' first='Kingston' last='Johnson'] — 6-0, 180 QB — Live Oak   Again one of the top handful of quarterback prospects in a loaded Louisiana class at the position, Johnson is already too talented to keep off the field with his strong arm, quick feet and all-around athleticism as both a passer and on the move and is continuing to grow into a greater feel for the leadership associated with the role working with his coaches and an older teammate with whom he is expected to split snaps.   No. 17 [player_tooltip player_id='1356159' first='Jayden' last='Anding'] — 6-0, 165 DB — Ruston   The highest debut of any prospect in this round of 2027 rankings updates, the younger brother of star cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='914207' first='Aidan' last='Anding'] is expected to start at safety this fall for the reigning champion Bearcats' stingy defense. Jayden is already listed slightly bigger than Aidan and is also gaining valuable early varsity experience — compared to Aidan who joined the team during the offseason prior to his junior year and has been on a meteoric rise since. Miami and Arkansas both extended offers to Jayden this offseason.   No. 16 [player_tooltip player_id='723530' first='Ashton' last='Stark'] — 5-9, 160 WR — Lutcher   The speedy Bulldogs weapon holds down his No. 16 spot from the initial rankings earlier this year after productive 7-on-7 and camp performances to follow up his notable freshman season already earning playing time for the traditional power. Stark is a quick, smart route-runner and reliable pass-catcher capable of excelling outside, in the slot and in the return game.   No. 15 [player_tooltip player_id='723579' first='Easton' last='Royal'] — 5-10, 170 ATH — Brother Martin   Royal remains steady at his No. 15 position from earlier this year as as intriguing pass-catcher who seems to play bigger than his listed height with his length, strong build and sure hands to reliably make catches out away from his body, over his head and in traffic. And his relative youth for his grade is also notable when considering his upside for the years ahead.   No. 14 [player_tooltip player_id='934564' first='Braylun' last='Huglon'] — 5-10, 175 DB — Calvary Baptist   The first of a string of talented defensive back prospects is one of Louisiana's most productive and decorated 2027 players thus far early in the group's high school careers. Huglon snatched six interceptions this past fall for his state-champion Cavaliers, has bulked up notably since first hitting Prep Redzone Louisiana's radar as an explosive young prospect in middle school already camping well at colleges and put together another solid offseason of work on both sides of the ball on the 7-on-7 and camp circuits.   No. 13 [player_tooltip player_id='485983' first='Emmanuel' last='Moses'] — 5-11, 180 DB — University Lab   While the Cubs' secondary still features notable 2025 and 2026 talent, the youngest Moses brother should see a role this fall as a sophomore with his instincts, ball skills and willingness to play physically. Like older brothers Dylan and Keylan, "ManMan" is a versatile athlete capable of playing various roles, but his long-term fit appears to be as a defensive back.   No. 12 [player_tooltip player_id='934561' first='Rontrae' last='Carter'] — 5-11, 165 DB — Archbishop Shaw   The Eagles' talented multisport standout already has two seasons of high-quality varsity experience — even at a higher-classification school as Class 4A Archbishop Shaw — under his belt and has looked the part every step of the way as a smart, confident defensive back with a great feel for the game who flies around the field as a fast, physical playmaker.   No. 11 [player_tooltip player_id='940554' first='Trenajh' last='Smith'] — 6-1, 170 ATH — South Terrebonne   The long, wiry and versatile athlete from the Bayou Region remains one of the more under-the-radar names this high on the 2027 rankings list, but also one of Louisiana's most promising young cornerbacks. Smith has all the tools major-college coaches look for at the position with his frame, speed, fluidity, ball skills, feel for the game, confidence, work ethic and tenacity, and he should become a prospect many more know sooner than later.

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its latest 2027 rankings this week, continuing its class-by-class updates process as the upcoming season approaches.