Top defensive additions to final 2025 rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana released its final rankings for the 2025 class this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last update for the cycle featured another 50 additions to help round out the list to 450 players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top defensive prospects who joined the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644863' first='Shay' last='Collins'] — 6-6, 215 EDGE — Mamou</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nicholls State signee was the highest-ranking debut in the final round of rankings. Collins is a tall, long and speedy athlete off the edge with a good burst and strong upper body and active hands he uses well in his pass-rush moves, his extension and shedding against run-blocks and disrupting passing lanes on throws to his side of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644718' first='Cody' last='Morris'] — 6-0, 175 DB — Edna Karr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the senior leaders in a loaded secondary among the highlights in the Cougars' state championship run, the nickel/safety is a quick athlete whose physicality stands out at his size crashing downhill to help in run support or making tackles in the open field. Morris signed with Southern this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644723' first='Darius' last='Servick'] — 6-2, 270 DL — Hammond</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Big Baby," the Northwestern State signee, is a disruptive athlete in the middle of the defensive line who carries his weight well and moves well from his quick get-off, to his agility to his pass-rush moves and his good closing speed. And once he arrives, he's a sure tackler with strong hands opposing ball-carriers or quarterbacks rarely escape once he makes contract.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644691' first='Jayden' last='Hypolite'] — 6-5, 220 EDGE — Southside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The long, lead edge rusher's quickness and speed to opposing passers and ball-carriers stand out, but he also shows good motor and balance through contact even against bigger, physical blockers and should have the potential to became an even stronger and more well-rounded playmaker at the position as he continues to develop physically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644769' first='Vallen' last='Charles'] — 6-2, 280 DL — Acadiana</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The thickly built, strong defensive lineman has good quickness and underrated athleticism that made a versatile option along his Wreckin' Rams' front with the ability to slip past or drive back opposing blockers and then close in a hurry on ball-carriers and passers. He signed with Kilgore College earlier this month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644840' first='Kennedy' last='Tyler'] — 6-1, 170 DB — John F. Kennedy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Texas College may have found a February steal in the Cougars' free safety, whose anticipation, speed and ball skills make him a high-impact playmaker on the back end of the defense. Tyler covers nearly the entire width of the field in a hurry, tracks the ball well and consistently snatched away interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644759' first='Chase' last='Cresson'] — 6-0, 210 LB — Episcopal (Baton Rouge)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The four-year starter wrapped up his high school career with a 134-tackle senior season, including five for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception. Cresson, who announced his commitment to Morehead State late in February, is a shorter, stouter inside linebacker who plays fast, shows good acceleration and is a sure tackler. <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->