Stock Rising Freshman Defenders

The 2028 class in Texas is already showcasing a remarkable group of young talent, particularly among freshman defenders making an early impact on the field. These athletes have wasted no time proving their potential, showing the skill, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to shine at the high school level. Prep Redzone Texas has recently unveiled its first rankings for this class, highlighting the players whose stock has risen due to standout performances in their debut season. From disruptive pass rushers to lockdown defensive backs, these freshman defenders are setting the foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey through their high school careers.    Vailahi has quickly established himself as a dominant force in the trenches, showcasing a stellar combination of skills that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a great first step, violent hands, and excellent short-area quickness, Vailahi's ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage has set him apart. His stellar freshman season earned him a spot on the SPC 4A 1st Team Defense, solidifying his status as one of the top young defensive linemen in Texas in the 2028 class. Already catching the attention of college programs, Vailahi holds offers from Baylor, Miami of Ohio, SMU, Texas State, USF, UTSA, and Washington State, positioning him as a rising star in the 2028 class.     Stinson has been on a steady rise since earning MVP honors at the Prep Redzone Showcase in January, and his freshman campaign has only solidified his reputation as a standout defensive back in the 2028 class. He has great instincts, clean footwork, and ability as a sure tackler who consistently takes proper angles to the football, Stinson excels in all aspects of his game. His range on the backend allows him to cover ground quickly, making him a crucial asset in pass defense. With a huge upside, Stinson's impressive season earned him 24-6A Newcomer of the Year honors and a spot on the First Team All-District 24-6A, establishing himself as a player to watch moving forward.     Williams has proven to be a dominant presence in the trenches, showcasing exceptional ability as a run-stopper and playmaker for Walnut Grove. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 285 pounds, Williams combines his stout frame with quickness off the ball and impressive agility, excelling in short-area situations. He consistently holds his attack point, controls the line of scrimmage, and finishes plays with aggression. His freshman season saw him record 21 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, cementing his status as a force on the defensive line. With a skill set that will only improve as he matures, Williams has all the tools to flourish as one of the top linemen in his class.     Jacquet is an explosive defender who combines power and speed to dominate in the trenches. With a quick burst off the ball and the ability to remain stout at the point of attack, Jacquet constantly disrupts opposing offenses. His violent hands and effective use of leverage in close quarters make him a problem for blockers. Despite being just a freshman, his impressive play earned him 23-6A Honorable Mention, signaling his immense potential. With a huge upside, Jacquet is poised to attract attention from college programs as he continues to develop and refine his game.     Foster III emerged as a dynamic playmaker on defense during his freshman season, excelling as a free safety for Lancaster. He plays with ball-hawking ability, Foster III's great range, long and lean frame, and excellent field vision allow him to make plays all over the field. He plays fast, tackles with precision, and is versatile enough to play down in the box or cover wideouts in space. His outstanding debut earned him 11-6A Newcomer of the Year honors and has already drawn offers from Arizona State, Ole Miss, SMU, and Oklahoma. With his skill set and upside, Foster is poised to be one of the most sought-after safeties in the 2028 class.     Naupoto is an absolute force in the trenches, with an explosive first step and the kind of technique that makes him a nightmare for offensive lines. His violent hands and powerful play allow him to be both stout against the run and a relentless pass rusher. Naupoto's raw talent and high football IQ have already earned him accolades, including MVP honors at the Prep Redzone Showcase. He was named an Under Armour Defensive standout at the Dallas Showcase this past offseason, further cementing his status as one of the top young defensive linemen in the state. With his immense upside, Naupoto is a player to watch as he continues to develop.     Mosley is a formidable presence in the trenches, who has a quick first step and exceptional short-area quickness that allow him to disrupt plays with ease. He uses great leverage to gain an advantage over blockers, and his high motor ensures he never stops hustling, playing through the whistle on every snap. Mosley's relentless energy and skillset give him a huge upside, making him a player with immense potential as he continues to develop and refine his game. His ability to make an impact on both the run and pass rush sets him apart as one of the top young defensive linemen in his class.     Bimage possesses the skill set that college coaches covet in a defensive back. Standing tall and long with a rangy frame, he has the ability to cover ground quickly and effectively. His great feet allow him to stay in phase with receivers, while his violent hands make him tough at the point of attack. Bimage's ability to play stout against the run and his natural coverage skills give him the makeup of an elite cornerback. Recently picking up an offer from Arizona State, Bimage's upside is undeniable, and he's quickly becoming one of the top cornerbacks in his class.     Hall has quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional instincts and polished technique in the Aledo secondary. His clean footwork and fluid hips allow him to transition smoothly in coverage, while his excellent recovery speed ensures he can quickly bounce back when beaten. Hall is a sure tackler in the open field, consistently bringing down ball carriers with precision. His impressive freshman season has caused his stock to rise, and he recently picked up an offer from Auburn, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a highly successful high school career.

The 2028 class in Texas is already showcasing a remarkable group of young talent, particularly among freshman defenders making an early impact on the field. These athletes have wasted no time proving their potential, showing the skill, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to shine at the high school level. Prep Redzone Texas has recently unveiled its first rankings for this class, highlighting the players whose stock has risen due to standout performances in their debut season. From disruptive pass rushers to lockdown defensive backs, these freshman defenders are setting the foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey through their high school careers.