2025 Final Rankings: Defensive Newcomers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">With the release of the final 2025 state rankings, take a look at the defensive prospects making their debut.</h2>    Excellent natural coverage instincts and range with the versatility to add value playing both corner and safety. Displays strong recognition of route combinations and has the awareness to read the quarterback's eyes, often jumping routes and putting himself in position to play the ball in the air. Good technique and footwork, he's patient and under control with his movement to limit wasted steps. Plays with good pad level throughout his back pedal and break allowing him to quickly change directions and plant and drive on the football. Committed to South Dakota State and debuts in the rankings inside the top 100 overall.      Lopez is an impressive playmaker out of Maricopa that was a difference maker on both sides of the ball. Projects as a safety for Black Hills State where he shows a well-rounded skillset that combines his range, ball skills, and physicality. He's able to cover a lot of ground quickly and has good eye discipline to anticipate where the ball is going. Excellent ability to create game changing plays and turnovers, finished the season with four interceptions and four caused fumbles. Possesses natural ball skills showing he can attack the ball in the air and come down with tough catches. Collected nine total offers before committing to Black Hills State.      Cummings is an attacking defender with a strong build and plus athleticism. 6'0” 215 lbs. he plays downhill and aggressive to be a violent tackler. Plays with leverage at the POA and drives through contact with good forward momentum to finish ball carriers to the ground. Shows good reactionary speed and burst to close when he triggers. He's got the vision to process his reads and locate the ball as the play develops. Does a good job weaving through traffic to avoid blockers in pursuit of the ball carrier. In passing situations, he's effective when rerouting and can spot drop at the short/intermediate levels and then find his threat with good eyes. Committed to Fort Lewis over three other offers.      A plus athlete with excellent length in his frame, 6'0” 165 lbs. with a 78 inch wingspan. He's got good all round speed that allows him to cover all areas of the field. Can get out of his backpedal and turn and run to stay in phase vertically and shows the change of direction to come out of his break at the short/intermediate levels. Length and leaping ability allows him to go up and compete for the ball at the high point. Rarely gives up an easy reception and does a good job forcing the receiver to make a difficult catch. Committed to Southwest Minnesota State over several other offers and still has some raw potential to build at the college level.      Stowe is an instinctive free safety that is equally effective in coverage and run support. 6'3” 175 lbs. he's got a long lean frame that will add weight as he develops. He's a long strider that allows him to cover ground and close separation with the ball in the air. Flashes good anticipation and reactionary quickness to his reads. Takes good efficient angles when driving on the ball in coverage and when he comes downhill in run support. Like his ability to see route combinations and snap his eyes to stay alert against multiple threats and adjust his positioning based on the play development. He can play deep or roll down and is a strong one on one open field tackler. Collected seven total offers before committing to Blacks Hills State.