Louisiana 2028 rankings release countdown: Nos. 20 to 11

Prep Redzone Louisiana's winter rankings process continued Thursday with its release of the first 2028 class rankings.   In addition to the 50-player list, we will take a closer look at the top 20 in more detail, as well as additional features on young cohort making their first impressions on the recruiting trail.   Here's a look at the prospects ranked Nos. 11 through 20 in the initial list.     No. 20 [player_tooltip player_id='1618861' first='Brandon' last='Duffy Jr.'] — 6-1, 175 WR/DB — Carencro   The Bears' young multisport standout's biggest highlight of the fall came on his corralling of a game-winning hail-mary pass as time expired on a district matchup with Sulphur. But Duffy showed several flashes throughout the fall as a speedy weapon who can stretch the field to the outside and vertically with good size and hands and the ability to go up and get the ball.   No. 19 [player_tooltip player_id='1618848' first='Ivory' last='Johnson'] — 6-1, 165 DL — Liberty Magnet   The player on this list of whom we've had the chance to see the least thus far, Johnson has a tall, long frame this early in his physical development and good explosiveness off the line. Based on the endorsements of a couple local coaches, he may prove to be underrated here at No. 19. But we'd like to see more footage or an in-person performance before any higher movement.   No. 18 [player_tooltip player_id='1372176' first='Trey' last='McDaniel'] — 6-0, 160 DB — Calvary Baptist   The Cavaliers' cornerback has the makings of a prototypical long, lean frame at the position and some of the best early film in Louisiana's freshman class. McDaniel has good ball skills on throws to his side of the ball, appears to recover well downfield when necessary and shows notable physicality for a young defensive back whether wrapping up tackles in space or popping the ball loose with hard-hitting pass break-ups.   No. 17 [player_tooltip player_id='1607116' first='Jeremiah' last='Evans'] — 6-0, 300 DL/OL — Haynesville   The younger cousin of former LSU signee Joseph "JoJo" Evans appears to have the chance to be one of the next college prospects coming out of the storied Golden Tornado program in the northwest corner of the state. Jeremiah has experience on both sides of the line of scrimmage, but particularly has our early attention as a big-bodied defensive tackle who bursts out of his stance with good power and quickness to consistently create good push inside.   No. 16 [player_tooltip player_id='1618856' first='Darren' last='Coates Jr.'] — 6-0, 195 EDGE — St. Augustine   One of the top young prospects in a great wave of underclassman talent coming through the Purple Knights' program, Coates is a powerful, tenacious edge rusher with a good frame at his age and good instincts for keeping an eye on opposing passers and getting his hands in passing lanes when a throw comes his direction.   No. 15 [player_tooltip player_id='1393848' first='Gregory' last='Williams Jr']. — 5-9, 160 RB/ATH — Catholic (Baton Rouge)   Williams was among the standouts at the recent Prep Redzone Louisiana Stock Up Showcase with his quickness, speed and strong, reliable hands as a pass-catcher. His early film as a dynamic young running back look likely to make him an intriguing complement to 2027 star [player_tooltip player_id='739720' first='Jayden' last='Miles'] in their Bears' backfield, but Williams also appears to possess the build and ball skills that would allow him to excel working out of the slot.   No. 14 [player_tooltip player_id='1372169' first='Jaden' last='Keleen'] — 5-11, 190 DB — John Curtis   The Patriots' strong safety is one of the most physical young athletes in the state, showcased throughout his freshman film working in more of a box role and in his recent Prep Redzone Louisiana Stock Up Showcase performance with his aggressive, tenacious coverage of receivers in press man. Keleen ran his 40-yard dashes at the event in the 4.4-second range with burst and speed that also show up on his film as he closes and unloads on ball-carriers.   No. 13 [player_tooltip player_id='1618868' first='A'khiree' last='Parker'] — 6-1, 165 WR — Terrebonne   Troy recently made the Tigers' young multisport standout one of Louisiana's first freshman to receive a college offer. We have more footage of Parker thus far on the basketball court than on the football field, but he looks like an intriguing athlete at the receiver position with good size and quick feet and hands. And, notably he'll develop in the same programs where current LSU freshman Kylan Billiot did as a basketball standout who later blossomed into one of the state's top football prospects.   No. 12 [player_tooltip player_id='1618849' first='Jaelle' last='Noble'] — 6-1, 185 QB — St. Augustine   The promising young athlete was already talented enough that, even with an upperclassman leader at quarterback, the Purple Knights found opportunities to consistently work him into their games as his freshman season progressed this fall. That role primarily leaned on Noelle's athleticism with the ball in his hands in goal-line and other short-yardage situations. But a few of his passing clips also show the ball zipping out of his hands in intriguing fashion for a young quarterback.   No. 11 [player_tooltip player_id='228925' first='Lucas' last='Owens Jr.'] — 5-10, 185 RB/ATH — Minden   The Crimson Tide's two-way standout has worked at linebacker and running back early in his career both on the field and in camp settings and has been particularly intriguing as young running back prospect where he excelled at the recent Prep Redzone Louisiana Stock Up Showcase. Owens possesses a thick build and a good combination of power through contact and burst to beat defenders to the outside. Baylor extended an offer, making him one of the first few 2028 prospects in the state to report a college offer.

Prep Redzone Louisiana's winter rankings process continued Thursday with its release of the first 2028 class rankings.