2027 Sleeper Defenders To Know This Spring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2027 defenders could have breakout seasons later this fall...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901643"],"_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-67c65808bfc5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top returning linebackers across DeKalb County, Tolliver was a tackling machine for the Tucker Tigers last season where he made a team-leading 83 tackles along with five TFLs and one fumble recovery. He played physical, was a dependable run defender, and did it all as a sophomore. His best football is still way ahead of him, and with a big junior season this fall, Tolliver could see his recruitment really pick up down the road. He made 10+ tackles in four games last year and should be even better next season in year three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1099330"],"_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-67c65808bfcbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An Athens-area linebacker who proved to be one of the more reliable defenders in the area last year in the 2027 class, Magness played like a seasoned veteran at times last year as a sophomore where he made an impressive 93 tackles and 11 QB hurries. He may not be the biggest or fastest linebackers in the 2027 class, but he shows great instincts and knows how to tackle. He plays hard, has a nose for the football, and is one of the top returning defenders in the area next fall. If he keeps improving and adding good weight over the next six months, Magness could be in store for a major junior season next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942240"],"_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-67c65808bfd03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top young defenders in the Augusta area, this fast-rising linebacker in the 2027 class was an absolute football magnet this past season. He shows great instincts against the run, closes quickly, and knows how to wrap up properly and make a fundamental tackle on the ball-carrier. This playmaking defender made an eye-opening, team-leading 114 tackles last season to go along with 14 TFLs. He flashed easy D1 potential and could easily see some offers come his way down the road. He lit up the stat sheet and will see a new ranking this month when the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings are released.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749289"],"_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-67c65808bfd44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dependable young linebacker in the Athens area who was a consistent defender throughout the 2024 season, Durning is an instinctive, gritty linebacker who knows what he's doing and play the position the right way. He brings a high football IQ for his age and is coming off a really productive sophomore season where he made 84 tackles, three TFLs, four QB hurries, one sack, three pass-breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He did a good job of consistently finding his way to the ball and was an easy addition to the 2027 rankings update this spring. Look for him to have a possible "breakout" junior season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378408"],"_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-67c65808bfd83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Lee County Trojans are loaded with defensive talent in the 2027 class and Murray is absolutely one of those defenders who should see his recruitment pick up sooner than later. This hard-hitting linebacker is a max-effort defender who reacts quickly and plays with ruthless aggression. He's physical, athletic, and is a multi-sport standout for Lee County. He's coming off a productive sophomore season where he made 80 tackles and an eye-opening 26 TFLs. Look for him to make a big jump in the next 2027 Prep Redzone update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->