2027 Rankings Preview of Defenders with Offers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing with our Class of 2027 Ranking Preview, today I have some of our top ranked defensive players you will see in our updated rankings who currently hold offers. A common theme you will see with these players is their versatility on the field to produce from multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["720778"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af03c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our top-ranked player in the state in last year's 2027 update, [player_tooltip player_id='720778' first='Khalid' last='Rainer'] is an elite-level player who has several <a href="https://x.com/Khalid_Rainer/status/1900258813229383712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>spring visits</strong></a> lined up with Michigan, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Duke, Penn State, Georgia, Rutgers, and Kentucky. Versatile to play Outside Corner, Slot, and Safety, his elite athleticism allows him to be versatile on the field. He can align in Press, Soft, and Off Coverage, showing elite foot quickness, short area quickness, and change of direction to play tight man coverage. He has the range to play Safety and patrol the back end of pass coverage. He is good with his hands to disrupt routes and deflect passes, playing through the receivers' hands. He is also a very good run defender, able to come downhill quickly with good angles and making tackles. He is fun to watch and has a bright future ahead in his football career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19824704/Khalid-Rainer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/khalid_rainer?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311467"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af0a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing Safety for Huguenot, Ziggy has the elite size you are looking for at the position mixed with top-end athleticism. Holding multiple P4 and G5 offers, he has more than earned these offers. He is a hard-hitting safety with range to cover the field. Very good ball skills to force turnovers and incompletions. Quick downhill movement to cover and tackle anyone in front of him. I agree with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/06/breaking-down-the-cornerstones-of-virginia-2027-top-1-5/"><strong>Vic's analysis</strong></a> last year that he has the flexibility to play other positions on the field. He will return once again this year as one of our top-ranked players in the class of '27.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19524893/Zayvon-Miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/2k_ziggy?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311471"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af0ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A common theme you will see among our top-ranked Defensive Backs is their ability to excel in both pass defense and run defense, and Jack is no exception here. Fielding offers from Buffalo, UCONN, and East Carolina, and having a mix of visits to other schools, Jack is a high-end D1 defensive back. Playing Corner for Salem, I view him as versatile across the defensive backfield, and he often aligns inside near the line of scrimmage. Very good change of direction and quickness allow him to be a playmaker in coverage and quickly come downhill against the run. He has no issue playing physical at the line of scrimmage versus blockers and making tackles. Expect more offers to come in for Jack this summer as he returns as one of our top-ranked defensive backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19407402/Jack-Strother" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/__jackstrother?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311473"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af12e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most versatile defenders of our top-ranked players, Trey has offers from Temple, East Carolina, Old Dominion, UNC Charlotte, and Arkansas State. He primarily plays linebacker, but he can play Safety, Nickel, and EDGE as well. Given his size, Saftey or Nickel is likely where he will end up in college and will be used around the line of scrimmage in schemes. He has very good processing, is not caught off guard by fakes, and understands his assignment in the schemes. Very good run defender, quickly filling his gap and tackling through ball carriers. He has the athleticism to cover receivers in the slot and the range to play safety. I really like what I see in Trey's tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19483243/Trey-Cherry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/treycherry_?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311625"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af170"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing linebacker for Huguenot's defense, Romelo is a versatile hybrid LB/Safety prospect who has earned D1 offers from Liberty University and UNC Charlotte. Very good read and reaction to plays with very good run defense at the point of attack led Romelo to another great season this past fall. He also shows good range against outside runs to defend the edge of the defense. He can split out and cover the slot and has the athleticism to play at safety as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19235943/Romelo-Perry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/romelo_perry?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["581539"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af1b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most impressive players from our January Player Showcase, Baum will be making his ranking debut in this year's ranking update. He has an offer from Old Dominion, and more will come for this Edge defender. A sophomore campaign that consisted of 108 TKLs, 17 TFLs, 11 Sacks, 2 INTs, 3 FFs, and 4 Defensive TDs, Baum is an impact player on the field. He proved to be arguably the best athlete at our showcase with impressive scores of a 4.31 Shuttle and 8'7" Broad. He has a very quick first step that allows him to create leverage on offensive tackles in pass rush, winning with speed, quickness, and strength. Shows discipline in run defense to hold his gap. Relentless pursuit through the whistle. He can also drop in Zone coverage and play with solid coverage skills. He is one to watch as his recruitment picks up and will be featured as a highly ranked defender in the upcoming rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17624171/Baum-Hogge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/qb1_baum16hogge?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1535249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d47087af1f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah will be making his rankings debut in this year's update. He holds offers from Maryland, Texas A&amp;M, West Virginia, Penn State, and Virginia Tech. A stacked linebacker who excels in pass coverage. Very good in Zone awareness, understanding route concepts, and putting himself in the right position to make a play. It is tough for lead blockers to get a hold of him due to his quickness and use of hands to evade and shed blocks. He is a hard hitter and a dependable open-field tackler. He shows the same processing skills versus the run and is able to shed blocks and defend his gap. It is easy to see why so many schools are interested in his commitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19762053/noah-glover" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/noahglover11112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**Cole cannot communicate with prospects directly due to his work in college football. Any questions related to his contact must be directed to the <em><a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a></em></em> <em>account**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scouts&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;</em><a href="https://x.com/EdOBrienCFB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@EdOBrienCFB</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->