Stock Up: ’27 and ’28 Prospects Flash Next-Level Talent

If you've been paying attention this offseason, you already know it's not just the offensive guys making noise — some of the state's young defenders are showing they've got next.   From lockdown corners to explosive edge rushers, the Classes of 2027 and 2028 are stacked with playmakers who are already flashing traits you usually see from seasoned varsity guys. Whether it's dominating in 7-on-7 settings, showing physical growth, or just popping off the tape from last fall, these defenders are making it clear they're not here to wait their turn.   Some of these names are already grabbing early attention from coaches and fans alike, while others are just now breaking out. Either way, they've all earned a spot on the radar heading into the 2025 season. Let's take a look at the defensive standouts whose stock is already on the rise.    Jauregui is one of those defensive backs who just seems to be in the right spot at the right time — and it's not luck, it's footwork and instincts. You can see it right away in how quickly he reacts once the quarterback winds up. He's reading the play, breaking downhill in a flash, and getting to the receiver just as the ball arrives. What makes him stand out even more is how he finishes those plays. He doesn't just aim for the big hit — he times his attacks at the catch point and gets his hands in there to disrupt. That's not something every young DB prioritizes, but he's clearly been taught well and executes it consistently. His footwork is a big part of what makes him so effective — smooth, controlled, and always setting him up to drive toward the ball. And while he's got that finesse side to his game, he's no stranger to physicality. He's not afraid to come downhill and wrap up ball carriers in space. He's the kind of safety who can clean up on the back end but also step up and make stops when it's just him and the running back. As he continues to develop physically, that combo of technique and toughness could turn him into a real centerpiece for the Casteel defense.      Fierros is one of those guys who looks built for the trenches. He's got the kind of frame that gives him a natural advantage — long arms, solid base, and the ability to hold his ground even when offensive linemen come flying off the ball. In the run game, it's like he plants his cleats in the dirt and says, “you're not moving me.” No matter how hard the blocker comes at him, he fires out with even more intent and holds his spot. What really stands out is how he uses that length to his advantage. He's not just holding ground — he's actively disengaging and finding the ball. His hand placement and timing help him shed blocks quickly, and when he locks onto a runner, the play's usually over. He's got better foot speed than you'd expect for someone with his build, and it helps him redirect and finish plays up the middle. You can see the pass-rush potential in flashes, too. While he's already a force against the run, his quickness and motor give him the tools to become even more of a dominant force as he keeps developing. With his size, strength, and football IQ, he's someone you want anchoring a front seven — and he's only going to get better with more reps and physical maturity.      Patterson is as physical as they come in the secondary. He doesn't just play hard — he plays with a chip on his shoulder, always looking to separate the ball from the man. You can tell he enjoys the contact side of the game. Whether it's coming in to make a hit on or coming up to fill an open gap, he brings that aggressive edge that coaches love in a DB. He's also got the kind of makeup speed that gives him a chance on plays where others might be beat. If a receiver gets behind him, it's not the end of the world — Patterson can close that gap quickly and still make a play on the ball. That recovery speed combined with his physicality makes him tough to beat over the top. If there's one area for growth, it's getting just a little quicker on his initial breaks. Sometimes he waits a half-beat too long to trust what he sees. But that's the kind of thing that comes with reps and confidence — and the instincts are already clearly there. When he gets a clean look at the ball, his hands are strong and reliable. He secures the catch like a receiver, and that makes him a real threat when the ball is in the air. Patterson is a name worth watching as he continues to fine-tune his game.      Denson is one of those DBs you watch and immediately think, "This kid just gets it." He's got the kind of natural feel for the game that shows up in all the little ways — from how he reads route combinations to how quickly he diagnoses what the offense is trying to do. He doesn't just chase plays, he anticipates them, and that's a rare quality for someone this young. Physically, he's already impressive. He's got long arms that help him disrupt passing lanes and make life tough for receivers trying to get clean releases. But it's his quickness that really stands out — especially that first step. He reacts fast, breaks on the ball with confidence, and finds ways to get involved when QBs aren't expecting him to. You'll catch him sticking with receivers through sharp cuts, switching off routes mid-play, or just closing in on a pass that looked like it was going to be completed. His understanding of spacing and timing from the secondary makes him a huge asset, and as he continues to grow physically and sharpen those instincts even more, Denson could very well become a major difference-maker for Tucson in the next couple of years.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaidenDenson09/status/1906532115950567925 </div></figure>     Vasquez is the kind of player who just always seems to be around the action. He reads quarterbacks really well — you can tell he's watching more than just the route, he's picking up on tendencies and locking in on where the play is headed before the ball even leaves the QB's hands. That awareness puts him in the right place more often than not, and once he's there, he's got the hands to finish the play. Everything looks smooth when he goes up for a ball — it's like watching a receiver make a routine catch. And speaking of receivers, he's no stranger to that side of the ball either. He's made some plays at wideout, and there's definitely potential for him to be a legit two-way contributor as he continues to develop. But what really helps him stand out as a DB is his footwork. He stays patient in his backpedal and keeps his eyes on the quarterback for longer than most guys his age can manage — that combo of discipline and speed helps him stay connected even against some of the fastest wideouts. As he keeps sharpening the mental side of the game and filling out physically, Vasquez has the skill set to grow into a real impact player for Highland. He's already flashing the tools, and the instincts are only getting better with every rep.      Smith is one of those DBs who already plays like he's been doing this a long time. Technically, he's as sound as they come at this age — smooth footwork, efficient in coverage, and rarely out of position. He's got the kind of length that makes life tough on receivers, especially in contested catch situations, and he pairs it with just enough quickness to stay in phase through the route. Physically, he checks a lot of boxes. He's got really good agility, can elevate when he needs to, and has a pair of hands that look more wide receiver than DB. Whether he's going up to high-point a ball or securing a pick off a tipped pass, he handles it with confidence and control. His ball skills definitely pop. There's still room for him to grow, literally. Adding a bit more weight and physical strength will help him hold up even better in press coverage and against the run. That added physicality could really round out his game and make him a more complete defensive back. But even right now, Smith shows flashes of a high-level prospect — the kind of guy who makes you double-check the roster to confirm he's not actually a senior.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Had a great past 2 weekends with <a href="https://twitter.com/AzAngels7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AzAngels7v7</a> at gottabelieve(Champions) and redzone! <a href="https://t.co/NH6B7eB61J">pic.twitter.com/NH6B7eB61J</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1212102' first='Hassan' last='Smith'] (@SmithHassan10) <a href="https://twitter.com/SmithHassan10/status/1886206864402391291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>

If you've been paying attention this offseason, you already know it's not just the offensive guys making noise — some of the state's young defenders are showing they've got next.