Elite Defensive Talents in the Houston Area

Here we will highlight some incredible players who flashed great skills last season. The players below are high on many recruiting lists and will be guys who will garner much attention from their play. The standouts are crucial pieces to their teams success and make it look easy. Follow these names throughout the offseason as they will be popular guys mentioned at the top of their positions in the area.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Zachary Taylor | CB | Katy Jordan | 2026   Taylor is a rangy corner with excellent awareness and the skills to match the IQ. Taylor has the ability to shadow the oppositions best weapon and neutralize them. He is a shutdown corner who welcomes any challenge. His length at the position makes him a tough defender to throw at. With excellent technique, Taylor is able to go stride for stride with any receiver in man coverage. He uses his physicality to knock opposing players off their routes and displays great ball skills as well. Taylor is one of the best at the position and will be looking to remind people of that for his senior campaign.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1545876' first='Isaiah' last='McMillian'] | CB | Katy | 2026   McMillian plays a physical brand of ball at the corner position. He shows great acceleration and drive on the ball out of his back pedal, meeting opposing players and driving them into the ground. McMillian plays with excellent speed and effort, going at 100 mph on just about every play. In coverage his ability to track the ball stands out. He shows top-notch recovery skills and plays the ball like a receiver with strong hands. McMillian is a playmaker and a guy who is not afraid of the moment. He will be a popular name this offseason heading into next year.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='947690' first='Kosi' last='Okpala'] | EDGE | Mayde Creek | 2026   Okpala is a top-tier talent in the area and a player who can take over a game with his tenacity off the edge. His first step is explosive, putting opposing tackles at a disadvantage from the start. Okpala can get by using his speed or by running through the oppositions chest. He gets into the backfield in a flash and disrupts an entire gameplan with the pressure she applies. Okpala excels at causing turnovers, ripping the ball away on tackles and swiping when pressuring quarterbacks. He is strong in the run game as well, side-stepping and ripping through pulling guards to make stops at the line of scrimmage. Okpala is already a highly-touted recruit and will look to help lead his team to a success season next year.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1652943' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'] | OLB | Katy | 2026   Smith showed his versatility last season, being effective in both run and pass defense. He is an elite pass rusher, showing an incredible jump off the snap and never-ending pursuit of the ball. Smith's speed and quickness gives opposing blockers issues. He has the agility to dip and avoid base blocks and make key plays on the ball. Smith has shown impressive skill in coverage as well, going step for step with slot receivers and displaying ball-hawking abilities with the ball in the air. He plays with a motor not seen in many and plays a winning brand of ball, doing what it takes to get the win with all-out effort.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Evan Ferns | ILB | Fulshear | 2026   Ferns plays with great physicality and speed from the inside backer position. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows impressive pursuit to the ball. He takes on blocks with half his body, allowing him to get by using his elusiveness and agility. Ferns is strong in run defense, hitting gaps with power and chopping down runners before they can get traction. He is a fast flowing player who goes sideline to side, and tackles very well in the open field. Ferns will be a key returning starter for the Chargers and is a player who will gain the attention of many with his play.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Jordan Ohakawa | DT | Dulles | 2026   Ohakawa shows dominance in his game. He controls what is in front of him and makes it look easy. The power, pure strength, and pursuit to the ball is eye-catching. He is quick off the snap, swiping away blockers hands and applying pressure with great effort. Ohakawa is physical in the trenches and is so quick that it causes issues for his opponents. His blend of power and swiftness allow him to make incredible moves and stops in crucial situations. Ohakawa flashes top-tier talent and his play on the field will put him amongst the top at the position. Remember this name heading into next season, as he is a player with the potential to shoot up the rankings.

Here we will highlight some incredible players who flashed great skills last season. The players below are high on many recruiting lists and will be guys who will garner much attention from their play. The standouts are crucial pieces to their teams success and make it look easy. Follow these names throughout the offseason as they will be popular guys mentioned at the top of their positions in the area.