2025 Bay Area Best Available: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of some of the 2025 bay area prospects that are still uncommitted closing in on early signing day. </h2>    A first year football player from England that has recently exploded on the recruiting scene with his first three offers coming last week from San Diego State, Fresno State, and Wyoming. At 6'4” 265 lbs. he's got ideal size, length, and frame for a D1 interior DL prospect. Possesses a ton of raw potential and upside to build on with his combination of natural athleticism and strength. Like his natural movement skills and bend at his size, shows he can run and work laterally to redirect and close space on the ball carrier. Initial quickness allows him to gain penetration on the snap and make plays at or behind the LOS. On the year he totaled 53 tackles, 11 TFL, five sacks, and nine QB hurries. He'll be a late steal for any D1 program.   3 Offers: San Diego State, Fresno State, Wyoming      High-level safety prospect that checks a lot of boxes with his size, athleticism, and play making ability. 6'2” 170 lbs. but he plays bigger and brings solid contact in run support and after the catch. Can cover a wide area of the field with his speed and reactionary skills. Plays well with his eyes to read run/pass and put himself in position to make plays. Plus ball judgement skills showing he can locate the receiver, track the ball, and then compete at the high point. A force of a tackler, he drives through contact to finish opponents to the ground and shows he can break down in space to be reliable in the open field. Released his top seven last February that included Washington, Oklahoma, Cal, Miami, SDSU, Arizona, and Oregon State but has yet to make his commitment.   12 Offers: Washington, Oklahoma, Cal, Miami, SDSU, Arizona, Oregon State, UNLV, Houston Chrisitan, San Jose State, Washington State, Oregon     Excellent cover corner that can lock down opponent's top receiver. At 5'11” 170 lbs. he's got the lateral quickness, change of direction, and top end speed to stay in phase to all three levels of the field. His fluidity and quick twitch allow him to mirror receiver's lateral movement and close separation at the short and intermediate depths. Covers the deep third well with a smooth transition and acceleration out of his turn. He's physical using his hands to jam at the LOS and maintains clean contact to squeeze and put himself between the ball and the receiver. Efficient with his footwork, he limits wasted movement and is technically sound throughout the play from his back pedal, to his transition, and through his break. Offered by six D1 programs thus far.   6 Offers: Lehigh, Sacramento State, Nevada, Montana, BYU, and San Diego State      Jones was listed as one of the top rankings newcomers last update prior to the season and has continued to improve/develop as a senior. At 6'4” 245 lbs. he's a hard-nosed edge rusher and offensive tackle for El Cerrito. He's still got room to grow into his frame and add weight without sacrificing his speed or movement skills. Plays hard and has natural strength at the POA to deliver heavy contact on both sides of the ball. At DE, he's got a good combination of speed and power moves to beat blockers and pursue the ball. He's violent with his hands and shows good ability to separate and disengage from blockers. Plus all-around athleticism to bend off the edge, change directions, and run to the ball. Just went on a game day visit to Fresno State and has three other D1 offers to his name.   4 Offers: Fresno State, Valdosta State, Portland State, Louisville      Outstanding all-around football player that made plays on both sides of the ball for Liberty. At 6'3” 185 lbs. he has the size and skillset to transition to either OLB or Safety at the D1 college level. He plays fast and physical as a defender consistently showing his violent tackling ability on film. Possesses the speed to have good range and coverage ability in the secondary while also being able to quickly fill run lanes and close space in a hurry. Shows he can read the quarterback's eyes and trigger while tracking the ball to make a play at the catch point in coverage. Has a strong presence on the field that is competing with a high motor and looking to make a play on every snap. Under recruited given his size and ability holding three offers to date.   3 Offers: Nevada, Hawaii, New Mexico      Cahoon is an active defender that is instinctive and flies around making plays sideline to sideline. At 6'2” 205 lbs. he's a hard-hitting LB with an athletic build and growth potential in his frame. Great awareness, he's quick to diagnose run/pass and trigger to the ball with speed. He's got good burst to close and explodes at the POA to bring violent contact to his tackles. Shows good ability to play in space and drop back into coverage. High IQ player that anticipates where the ball is going and is smart with his attack angles in pursuit. This season he's got 98 total tackles and eight TFL. 11 D1 offers from a variety of FBS and FCS programs.   11 Offers: Air Force, Army, Eastern Washington, Idaho, Navy, Nevada, Sacramento State, San Diego State, UAB, Washington State