2025 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the new defensive prospects in the updated 2025 PRZ state rankings.</h2>    Liles debuts in the rankings at #100 overall and the #12 LB in the state. He's an extremely active defender that plays fast and physical to be a sideline to sideline playmaker. At 6'2” 220 lbs. he's a plus athlete that can run and moves well laterally in pursuit. He's a violent tackler that explodes at the contact point to finish ball carriers to the ground. His speed and ability to cover allows him to be a three down LB with good upside for the college level. Was one of the leading tacklers in the state with 151 total tackles, 16 TFL, 5.5 sacks, two picks, and eight PBU. Holds offers from Black Hills State and Arizona Christian but would be a late steal for a higher level program.      Forsgren played the hybrid OLB/Edge position well for Williams Field on his way to 94 total tackles, six TFL, and three sacks. Quick to read and react he's got good anticipation skills to get an early break on the ball and put himself in position to make a play. Effective as a run stopper and dropping back into zone coverage to play the pass. Strong tackler at the point of attack, he does a good job breaking down in space and wrapping up to the ground. Shows toughness and hand usage shedding blockers and disengaging to free himself up. Listed as a top performer in week 13 when he finished with 21 total tackles and five TFL.      Naylor is a high IQ safety prospect that has great play recognition and instincts. He's got good range to cover ground and close space with the ball in the air. Flashes great eye discipline to make quick decisive reads and trigger to the ball. Solid in coverage but can also come down aggressively in run support to make a tackle and bring strong contact at the POA. Like his reactionary quickness and the efficient angles he takes to the ball to limit wasted movement in pursuit. Filed the stat sheet throughout his senior season finishing with 92 tackles, seven PBU, and four interceptions. Committed to Claremont McKenna in September over an offer from Lewis & Clark.      Solid defender at 6'2” 235 lbs. that can hold the edge as a DE. Size, frame, and strength could allow him to add weight and move to the interior when he gets on campus at Claremont McKenna next season. Well coached, he's got good technique and hand usage at the POA. He's able to keep blockers away from his body and maintain separation so he can shed. Does a great job of holding his ground and playing with leverage, showing patience in waiting for the ball carrier to commit. Flashes good command of a variety of moves to avoid being blocked, especially in pass rush situations.      Checking in at 6'4” 230 lbs. Mayse has good size, length, and growth potential in his frame to add weight. He's an attacking defender that plays with high effort and relentlessness in pursuit. Uses his size and strength to set the edge effectively, making it difficult for running backs to bounce outside. His physicality and awareness in reading run plays allow him to disengage from blockers and make tackles at or behind the LOS. Excels as a pass rusher that can work laterally around blockers and get up the field quickly to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays. Finished the 2024 season with 61 tackles, 15 TFL, and 12 sacks. Holds offers from Fort Lewis, Western New Mexico, and Gettysburg.      Wootton breaks into the rankings at #115 overall and the #14 defensive lineman. The Drake commit has ideal size and frame for the interior DL at 6'2” 275 lbs. Natural strength and power makes him disruptive inside and allows him to control the LOS. He maintains positional leverage, pushes the pocket as a pass rusher and is able to clog running lanes. Strong anchor, he's able to hold his ground making him difficult to move off the ball in running situations. Moves well laterally and can redirect in the short area to chase the ball carrier. A tough blocker for any high school offensive lineman with his combination of strength and quickness off the ball. Committed to Drake prior to the start of the season over another offer from Denison.