Louisiana 2027 rankings update countdown: Nos. 40 to 31

Prep Redzone Louisiana continues its winter rankings process this week with the latest 2027 update, following this month's 2025 and 2026 updates and with the first 2028 rankings on the horizon.   Leading up to the complete, 150-player list on Thursday, we will count down the top 40 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes on the 2027 cohort, including looks at debuts and stock-risers.     No. 40 [player_tooltip player_id='406748' first='Franky' last='Frank Jr.'] — 6-0, 170 DB — Cecilia   The Bulldogs' young defensive back accomplished two major goals this fall as he continued developing into a bigger, more physical tackler and played his role in helping the program win its first championship since 1995. Both aspects reached a pinnacle late in the title game as Frank, among the team's leaders with seven tackles, hit a ball-carrier and ripped away a fumble that was pivotal and critical in Cecilia's comeback victory. Frank is a smart, hyper-competitive cornerback with good ball skills who has continued to round out his game and potential positional flexibility in the secondary.   No. 39 [player_tooltip player_id='942208' first='Mason' last='Moore'] — 5-9, 160 DB — Central (Baton Rouge)   Another talented young defensive back with a knack for making high-impact plays, Moore also made the most of a title-game opportunity to showcase some of his strengths on the big stage. The Wildcats' instinctive safety snatched a fumble recovery and an interception in the state championship to help highlight the team's first title since 1966. Moore's feel for the game and quick feet seem to have him consistently well-positioned to make plays, including half a dozen pass breakups. And he also shows himself a willing and effective tackler with 39 stops, including seven for loss.   No. 38 [player_tooltip player_id='1356118' first='Asher' last='Carter'] — 6-3, 180 WR — Zachary   Carter didn't see as much varsity action this fall as some of his highly ranked counterparts, behind a veteran group at the top of the Broncos' receiving depth chart. But the limited clips available further supported the early impression he made during the school's 7-on-7 action last summer as a big, physical target with a a long catch radius to go up and make plays over or around smaller defenders.   No. 37 [player_tooltip player_id='1594309' first='Maison' last='Smith'] — 6-3, 275 DL/OL — University Lab   One of the higher-ranking debuts in this round of 2027 updates, the Cubs' big defensive tackle packs a nice combination of power and agility in his Division-I frame that make him a disruptive and tenacious interior rusher. And, as is the case with many of U-High's top players through the years, Smith also boasts some two-way potential as evidenced first-hand with his recent Prep Redzone Louisiana Stock Up Showcase, during which he was a top performer among both line groups.   No. 36 [player_tooltip player_id='934563' first='Devin' last='Lavalais'] — 6-1, 165 ATH — Marksville   The Tigers' sophomore standout is one of the top athletes in Central Louisiana on both the football field and basketball court and was a dynamic dual-threat playmaker at the helm of his team's offense this fall with more than 1,300 yards split between his passing and his running. Lavalais has the quick feet, all-around elusiveness and speed to be gone for huge gains in a blink, as well as a strong arm with some well-placed deep balls on his film.   No. 35 [player_tooltip player_id='934571' first='Bryson' last='Phoenix'] — 6-2, 230 EDGE — Alexandria   The thickly built, physical edge rusher is one of the state's most-promising, somewhat-kept secrets after suffering an injury as a freshman and then having to sit out varsity action this fall after transferring from nearby Pineville. But Phoenix is a powerful athlete who fires out of his stance, through or past blockers and to quarterbacks and ball-carriers in a hurry and is an explosive tackler when he unloads to make play. The season is still several months away, but he has the chance to go from largely behind the scenes as a sophomore to one of the team's top playmakers as a junior.   No. 34 [player_tooltip player_id='934591' first='Kingston' last='Johnson'] — 6-0, 180 QB — Live Oak   Two or three quarterbacks at the top of the class have dominated the headlines early in the 2027 groups' development, but Johnson is among the underrated young passers who should provide notable depth to the position around the state. The Eagles' sophomore starter has a strong arm and quick release and the quick feet and athleticism to make plays with his legs, whether extending plays and making throws on the move or slicing his way to gains on the ground.   No. 33 [player_tooltip player_id='1356113' first='Marvin' last='Joseph'] — 6-0, 170 DB/ATH — Central (Baton Rouge)   The Wildcats have a pair of safeties in the top 40 of the class rankings once again after strong sophomore seasons by both Moore and Joseph. Joseph in particular was immediately thrown into an even heavier role out of the gate than anticipated to help Central win its opener despite injuries sidelining several senior leaders. At safety, Joseph is a ballhawk with a knack for high-impact plays such as a touchdown return off a blocked field goal in the semifinals and an interception in the title game. And he also showed good vision and toughness in opportunities at running back and wildcat quarterback during the season.   No. 32 [player_tooltip player_id='423247' first='Dylan' last='Henry'] — 5-11, 160 DB — Mandeville   The sophomore safety was already viewed as not only an important playmaker, but a young leader for the Skippers' defense this fall. Henry already brings a well-rounded skillset to the secondary with his instincts, discipline and ball skills on the back end of the defense and his physicality to play closer to the line of scrimmage and make reliable tackles in run support or on the perimeter. He finished the season with an interception, a sack and a handful of tackles behind the line among his highlights.   No. 31 [player_tooltip player_id='463125' first='Savoy' last='Guidry'] — 6-0, 180 DB — Holy Cross   The long, versatile defensive back has been among the highest-ranked in the position group throughout their high school career thus far and is listed another inch taller and 15-20 pounds stronger, along with a reported 4.54-second 40-yard dash. Guidry put together a solid sophomore season of film at cornerback where he blanketed opposing receivers and makes well-timed plays on the ball, but is also an engaged and effective tackler in run support. He's also shown in 7-on-7 settings a good feel for playing free safety

Prep Redzone Louisiana continues its winter rankings process this week with the latest 2027 update, following this month's 2025 and 2026 updates and with the first 2028 rankings on the horizon.