Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2

Prep Redzone looks at some of the Class of 2027 football prospects from the Maryland and D.C. areas already on the radar of college coaches.   You can go here to check out Part 1.   [player_tooltip player_id='717345' first='Joseph' last='Buchanan III'] | DE | 6-4 | 230 | MD | McDonogh   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/IMG_1887.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1592871" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='717345' first='Joseph' last='Buchanan III'], a 6'4", 230-pound right defensive end from McDonogh High School in Maryland, is an exciting defensive prospect with offers from FBS schools, including Boston College, Maryland, Penn State, and Syracuse. Buchanan has demonstrated exceptional skills as both a run defender and a pass rusher. Against the run, he sets a hard edge and consistently sheds blockers to make tackles near or behind the line of scrimmage. His tackling fundamentals are sound, as he reliably wraps up ball carriers and limits yards after contact. In pass-rushing situations, Buchanan uses a combination of speed, violent hand techniques, and leverage to disrupt quarterbacks. His ability to play at a low pad level allows him to get underneath offensive linemen, creating separation and outmatching his opponents. Additionally, his lateral mobility and relentless effort enable Buchanan to pursue plays effectively, showcasing his athleticism and awareness.   Buchanan's football IQ is evident in his play, as he recognizes offensive schemes and adjusts mid-play to maximize his impact. He has shown his playmaking ability with highlights such as a 40-plus-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, multiple sacks, and quarterback hurries using inside and outside pass-rush moves. His physical attributes—particularly his solid frame—make him dominant on the edge. Over the season, Buchanan recorded 34 tackles (5 solo, 29 assisted), including three tackles for loss, and added one sack for 9 yards lost. His ability to pressure the quarterback and his strength in run defense make him a valuable dual-threat defender.   Buchanan's recruitment outlook is promising, as his versatility and skill set position him as a player who could contribute early at the collegiate level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1291840' first='Anthony' last='Sweeney'] | DE | 6-4 | 210 | MD | Good Counsel   [player_tooltip player_id='1291840' first='Anthony' last='Sweeney'], a 6'4", 210-pound defensive end from Good Counsel High School in Maryland, is a promising football prospect with offers from FBS schools, including Buffalo, Florida, Miami (FL), Syracuse, Tennessee, South Carolina, Maryland, and West Virginia. Known for his quick first step and relentless motor, Sweeney excels as a pass-rusher, frequently beating offensive tackles off the snap. His highlights showcase a variety of techniques, including an impressive speed rush, excellent hand usage to keep blockers off his body, and an ability to bend low and stay under an opponent's pad level. In one standout play, he used his quick get-off to beat an offensive tackle and a running back, sacking the quarterback 12 yards deep.   In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Sweeney is a strong run defender. He consistently sets the edge to maintain containment and fights off blockers to secure tackles. His tackling technique is reliable, as he consistently wraps up and minimizes yards after contact. Sweeney is a versatile player who is effective on both the defensive line's left and right sides, excelling in pass-rushing and run-stopping situations.   Statistically, Sweeney had an impressive season with 49 total tackles (20 solo and 29 assisted), including nine tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, resulting in 52 yards lost for opposing offenses. Notably, he recorded three sacks in a single game, showcasing his ability to take over a contest. His ability to engage and shed blockers quickly was evident in multiple plays, whether disrupting a quarterback in the backfield or stopping a running back near the line of scrimmage.   While Sweeney is already a standout athlete, adding more weight to his frame will help him handle bigger offensive linemen at the college level. Refining his pass-rushing moves will also complement his natural speed and agility. With his blend of athleticism, technical ability, and high motor skills, Sweeney projects as a high-upside prospect. He's poised to make an early impact at the collegiate level, particularly in pass-rushing scenarios, and his development could make him a dominant edge presence in the future.   James Pace | DE | 6-4 | 225 | MD | DeMatha Catholic   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/A054C504_241012_DJ0C.jpg?w=1024" alt="James Pace" class="wp-image-1592869" /></figure>   James Pace, a 6'4", 225-pound defensive end from DeMatha Catholic in Maryland, is an explosive and versatile prospect with offers from FBS schools, including Florida, Marshall, Maryland, Penn State, Syracuse, Temple, and Virginia Tech. He possesses an elite first step off the snap, consistently overwhelming blockers with his quickness and closing speed. As a pass rusher, Pace excels in beating offensive tackles outside with speed and inside with quick, decisive moves. His advanced hand usage and multiple pass-rush techniques make him a nightmare for opposing linemen. Pace is equally impressive in run defense, showcasing the ability to engage and disengage blockers efficiently, read plays quickly, and make strong tackles, often wrapping up opponents for losses or minimal gains.   Pace's physical tools are ideal for a defensive end. He has the size and frame to add muscle, and his agility and fluidity for his size allow him to excel in both pass-rushing and run-stopping roles. Pace's high motor and relentless pursuit make him a constant threat, and his ability to recover quickly often mitigates occasional lapses in outside containment. He also disrupts on special teams, as evidenced by his highlights of blocked punts and field goals, utilizing his length and athleticism to make game-changing plays.   While Pace's frame and athleticism make him a standout, adding strength will help him better handle larger offensive linemen in the run game. Refining his edge discipline will also enhance his ability to maintain outside leverage consistently. Despite these areas for improvement, his explosiveness, versatility, and relentless energy make him a high-upside recruit poised for success at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1348710' first='Tyler' last='Butler-Simpson'] | DB | 5-11 | 185 | DC | St. John's   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/tylerbutlersimpson1.jpg?w=1024" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='1348710' first='Tyler' last='Butler-Simpson']" class="wp-image-1592875" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1348710' first='Tyler' last='Butler-Simpson'], a 6'0", 180-pound safety from St. John's College, is a versatile and dynamic defensive back garnering early offers from schools such as Auburn, East Carolina, Marshall, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Tennessee. Known for his ability to line up across the defensive backfield, Butler-Simpson is a sideline-to-sideline player who combines sharp instincts, physicality, and elite athleticism to make impact plays consistently. Whether defending the run in the box, pressing slot receivers in man coverage, or patrolling deep zones, his versatility makes him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme.   One of Butler-Simpson's standout traits is his physicality, evident in his hard-hitting tackles and ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. In run defense, he diagnoses plays quickly, closes downhill with authority, and often stops ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. Bulter-Simpson's range and speed allow him to cover ground efficiently, effectively defending passes and track deep throws. His ball skills are another strength, as he consistently positions himself to high-point the football and create turnovers.   In coverage, Butler-Simpson shines both in zone and man-to-man situations. He excels at pressing receivers at the line, disrupting routes, and maintaining discipline against double moves. Butler-Simpson's ability to mirror slot receivers and prevent separation forces quarterbacks into low-percentage throws, often leading to incompletions. His plays, such as his tight coverage on a corner route in the end zone and his stride-for-stride defense on a stop-and-go route along the sideline, showcase his technique and football IQ. Butler-Simpson also reads plays well from depth, as evidenced by his interception on a lofted pass where he displayed great anticipation and ball-tracking ability.   As a blitzer, Butler-Simpson shows explosiveness and timing, creating havoc when attacking the quarterback. On one highlight, he blitzes off the edge unblocked and delivers a sack. His versatility allows him to line up as a nickel back, box defender, or deep safety, making him a chess piece for defensive coordinators. Plays such as his no-gain tackle on a quick pass to the flat or his end-zone disruption on a deep sideline throw demonstrate his ability to affect the game in multiple ways.   While Butler-Simpson's 180-pound frame suggests room for added bulk to prepare for the physicality of higher levels, his athleticism and technique help compensate for it. Refining his tackling angles will further enhance his ability to secure stops in open-field situations. Nonetheless, his skill set, instincts, and football IQ project him as a high-level collegiate safety. With his versatility and playmaking ability, [player_tooltip player_id='1348710' first='Tyler' last='Butler-Simpson'] is showing why he has the potential to become one of the top safety prospects in his class.   Other articles to read   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland  2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a> (changed title to skill players)   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-playmakers-at-the-skill-positions-pt-2/">Meet some of the IAC's skill players - Part 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 1</a>

Prep Redzone looks at some of the Class of 2027 football prospects from the Maryland and D.C. areas already on the radar of college coaches.