Stars in the Making: Eight Defensive Prospects from the C/O ’28

When it comes to football, the old saying holds true: defense wins championships. While offensive highlights might dominate the headlines, it's the defensive players who often set the tone and control the game. These are the prospects who make life miserable for quarterbacks, ball carriers, and offensive coordinators alike.   In Part 2 of our dive into standout 2028 prospects, we're diving into eight defensive players who are already showing they belong on the big stage. From disruptive pass rushers to lockdown corners and hard-hitting linebackers, this group brings a mix of talent, grit, and football IQ to the table. Some of these players have already made a name for themselves, while others are quietly building the foundation for breakout seasons. Either way, they're the kind of players you don't forget after seeing them play.    Jalanie George from Desert Edge is a name that already strikes fear in opposing offenses. At 6'5" and 240 pounds, George is a long, athletic player who moves quickly and fluidly around the line of scrimmage. His physicality and strength make him a punishing hitter and incredibly difficult to evade once he's locked in on a target. As a pass rusher, George is nothing short of exceptional, consistently applying pressure and disrupting backfields. But he's far from a one-dimensional player. His ability to crash down the line of scrimmage and contain the run game makes him a complete defender. Whether coming off the edge or defending against the run, George's presence is felt on every snap. With his combination of size, speed, and football instincts, Jalanie George is poised to continue making a significant impact as his high school career progresses.     [player_tooltip player_id='1614605' first='Ezra' last='Spivey'] from Tucson wasted no time making an impression as a freshman. Standing at 5'11", Spivey combines incredible closing speed with elite instincts, making him a dynamic force in the defensive backfield. He's a natural at reading the quarterback's eyes and knowing exactly where receivers are on the field, allowing him to cover ground with ease and make big plays.Spivey's ball-hawking skills are undeniable. In just his first four games at the varsity level, he racked up a whopping six interceptions. Beyond his ability to snag interceptions, Spivey also has some impressive speed and is always around the ball when it matters most. His knack for making game-changing plays and his high football IQ set him apart, ensuring that offenses will be keeping a close eye on him for the rest of his career. [player_tooltip player_id='1614605' first='Ezra' last='Spivey'] is already proving that he's one of the top young defensive talents in Arizona.     Aaron Whitten from Phoenix Christian is the definition of a disruptive force on the defensive line. At 5'10" and 195 pounds, Whitten uses his stocky build, long arms, and aggressive mindset to dominate in the trenches. His physicality makes him an incredibly effective run stopper, as he closes gaps quickly and makes it nearly impossible for ball carriers to break free. What sets Whitten apart is his active hands, which allow him to shed blocks with ease and find his way into the backfield. Once he's there, he wastes no time making his presence felt, racking up an impressive 10 sacks in just nine games as a freshman. This level of production so early in his career speaks volumes about his talent and potential. With his combination of strength, technique, and relentless motor, the sky is truly the limit for Aaron Whitten as he continues to refine his game.     Brophy's [player_tooltip player_id='1166462' first='Max' last='Alcoverde'] is a linebacker who embodies strength and physicality. At 5'10" and 200 pounds, he's hard to move off his spot and has the power to fill gaps and blow up running lanes. His strong frame and aggressive nature make him a natural enforcer in the middle of the defense, consistently disrupting opposing run games. While Alcoverde's strength is evident, his ability to quickly shed blocks and get into position is equally impressive. He's shown solid instincts in coverage, understanding where he needs to be to disrupt passing lanes. As he continues to gain experience, developing a more aggressive approach to attacking the run without hesitation will elevate his game even further. Additionally, as he improves his quickness, he'll become an even greater asset in pass defense, making him a true all-around linebacker with incredible potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='1327677' first='Daniel' last='Barnhart'] from Cactus is a big-bodied defensive standout who thrives coming off the edge. His technical skills are as impressive as his frame, allowing him to play with patience and avoid overrunning plays. Barnhart's disciplined approach ensures he doesn't miss assignments while still being ready to attack when the moment presents itself. Barnhart's strength and secure tackling make him a reliable presence on the outside. His ability to stay composed and finish plays really stands out. With his mix of size, technical refinement, and football IQ, Barnhart has the foundation to continue developing into a dominant force.     [player_tooltip player_id='955584' first='Ian' last='Fullmer'] from Pinnacle is an athletic monster on the edge. At 6'1" and 200 pounds, Fullmer has the physical tools and work ethic that make him a standout defensive end. His long strides and quick burst off the ball allow him to gain instant depth into the backfield, making him a constant threat to disrupt plays before they develop. Fullmer's physicality and aggression shine through on every snap. He's relentless in his pursuit of the ball, and his motor never stops running. Whether it's a pass-rush situation or setting the edge against the run, Fullmer consistently finds ways to make an impact. With his athleticism and drive, he's a player whose ceiling seems limitless as he continues to refine his technique and gain experience.     [player_tooltip player_id='1327753' first='Brecken' last='Garday'] from Liberty High School is as well-rounded a linebacker as you'll find in the 2028 class. At 5'10" and 180 pounds, Garday combines speed, strength, physicality, and instincts to make his presence felt on every play. His ability to fly through running lanes and meet the ball carrier as quickly as possible is a hallmark of his game, while his speed also allows him to keep up in coverage when called upon. Garday is a smart blitzer, understanding how to time his rush and disrupt the passer effectively. Whether he's filling gaps, covering in space, or attacking the quarterback, Garday showcases a complete skill set. His balanced approach and football IQ make him a reliable force on defense and a player whose growth will be exciting to watch as he develops further.     [player_tooltip player_id='1327835' first='Devion' last='Jones'] from Central is a dynamic cornerback with incredible speed and explosiveness. At 5'9" and 150 pounds, he makes up for his smaller frame with quick reactions and elite athleticism. His ability to break on the ball is unmatched, allowing him to disrupt passing plays with precision and confidence. What makes Jones even more impressive is his physicality for a defensive back. He's not afraid to lay a hard hit, bringing toughness to his position. In coverage, Jones does a fantastic job of attacking the hands of receivers, making plays on the ball and limiting completions. His speed, combined with his aggression and instincts, make him a force to be reckoned with on defense. As he continues to grow and add weight, Jones has all the tools to become a lockdown corner.

When it comes to football, the old saying holds true: defense wins championships. While offensive highlights might dominate the headlines, it's the defensive players who often set the tone and control the game. These are the prospects who make life miserable for quarterbacks, ball carriers, and offensive coordinators alike.