Tuesday Film Room: Junior Defensive Stock Risers

Jake Lemming

March 18, 2025 @ 01:46 PM

Today, I'm looking at which 2027 defenders are seeing their stock rise in the great state of Texas. These prospects have recently made their way onto my radar and impressed me on tape. They've got plenty of upside and should continue to develop over the next two seasons. Look to see their offer list grow in the near future.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   LB: Landon Traylor, 6" 220, David W. Carter   Landon is quick to the ball, he plays downhill and is extremely disruptive. His speed gives interior offensive linemen problems, he's physical taking on blocks at the point of attack and can make tackles out of awkward body positions. This kid plays angry and is always around the football.   DL: Hayden Gandolfo, 6'1" 270, Seven Lakes   He's a bit on the smaller side from a vertical stature side, but man is he productive. He's flexible, has a great first step, shows the slip to split double teams, and can generate knockback out of his stance. He's powerful, plays smart, and has a motor that never stops running.   LB: [player_tooltip player_id='1248380' first='Bryce' last='Breeden'], 6'2" 205, Bridge City   A tough inside linebacker prospect that plays with an attitude. He's a punishing tackler once he gets hands on a ball carrier, he's a natural at timing up blitzes and is a highly effective pass rusher. He's the hammer, not the nail when taking on blocks, and can quickly detach from opposing offensive linemen.   DL: [player_tooltip player_id='1566797' first='Bryce' last='Jackson'], 6'2" 290, Barbers Hill   Jackson has a strong upper body to shed blockers at the point of attack, he fights to get lockout on his opponent and plays relentless. He's got loose hips, a strong anchor, and plays with compact, yet violent hands.   DT: [player_tooltip player_id='1774764' first='Javon' last='Rogers'], 6'2" 250, Plano East   Rogers explodes out of his stance and strikes on a rise, he's got heavy hands & can easily shock and shed a blocker. He has some positional versatility and can kick outside as a five-technique when need be. He's got unusual pass-rush ability for a three-technique and will force protection schemes to slide to him.   EDGE: Khaidyn Hopson, 6" 205, Crawford   Hopson can dip and rip around the edge, he's got a knack for forcing fumbles at the point of contact and has the closing speed to wreak problems if left unblocked on the backside. He's athletic, plays loose, and can penetrate behind the line of scrimmage.

Today, I'm looking at which 2027 defenders are seeing their stock rise in the great state of Texas. These prospects have recently made their way onto my radar and impressed me on tape. They've got plenty of upside and should continue to develop over the next two seasons. Look to see their offer list grow in the near future.