8 highest-ranked unsigned 2025 defensive prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the dust has settled on the 2025 recruiting class, but a few talented high school players around the state are still available as potential late signings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top eight prospects on defense in the latest Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings who have not yet locked in — or reported locking in — their college plans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/8-highest-ranked-unsigned-2025-offensive-prospects/">Click here for more information on eight prospects on offense</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Or <a href="https://x.com/jeritroser">send a message to share any updates</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1214150' first='Emil' last='Allen'] — 5-10, 180 DB — Northlake Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The former Mandeville ballhawk missed his senior season after transferring schools in the summer, but continued to work behind the scenes in hope of landing a college opportunity at some level. Allen's anticipation, break and ball skills stood out when last on the field for a seven-interception junior season and active spring on the 7-on-7 circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598260' first='Jonavon' last='Begnaud'] — 6-2, 170 ATH/DB — Welsh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The versatile, productive athlete was a star quarterback and defensive back for his Greyhounds during his high school career, who appears to project best at the next level as a safety with his reported 4.5-second 40-yard speed and physical, tenacious tackling whether lining up near the line of scrimmage or on the back end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913898' first='Jacoby' last='Berry'] — 6-3, 270 DL — Ponchatoula </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big-bodied, likely two-gap defensive lineman at the next level showed enough quickness and athleticism to bring some versatility to the Green Wave front. In addition to Berry's abilities inside to either clog running lanes or slip past blockers for disruptive plays in the backfield, he also saw snaps outside rushing off the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914120' first='Brian' last='Broussard'] Jr. — 5-10, 170 DB — St. Thomas More</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars' standout was among the state's top cornerbacks this fall, a leading playmaker on a stingy defense with his 56 tackles, eight interceptions, 13 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. Whether playing consistently in-phase in coverage and making well-timed breaks on passes or showing a nose for fumbles, the quick, instinctive athlete has a knack for making high-impact plays, including in some of the team's biggest matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1596632' first='Deanel' last='McGee Jr.'] — 6-4, 225 EDGE — South Plaquemines</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The athletic edge rusher was one of the under-the-radar eye-catchers during the Hurricanes' state championship run as a disruptive force and all-state honorable-mention with 107 tackles, including 57 solo stops, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks for the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1214135' first='David' last='Perry Jr.'] — 5-11, 180 DB — Bonnabel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highest-ranked defensive prospect on the Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings, the Bruins' standout defensive back was recruited by ULM, Marshall and Georgia State among others during his junior year, but suffered an injured this fall. Perry is a quick, physical cornerback who uses his hands well to disrupt receivers' releases before blanketing them in their routes and showing good timing on his plays on the ball when tested. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='915063' first='Kaleb' last='Williams'] — 6-3, 220 DL/EDGE — Ruston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bearcats' big defensive end was one of the senior leaders on a new-look front this fall replacing notable Division-I talent. Williams is a strong athlete with good length to his frame whose best film came against the run, setting the edge, getting his hands into opposing blockers and ripping them aside to shed free for tackles at and behind the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1558160' first='Bennett' last='Woodring'] — 6-1, 205 LB — Catholic (New Iberia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The speedy, hard-hitting linebacker finished his senior season with 72 tackles, including five for loss, and three forced fumbles, two recoveries and a pair of pass breakups and saved his best for last with an 18-tackle performance in the Panthers' title-game win. Woodring is a quick, versatile athlete effective off the edge, dropping in coverage or playing the run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->