2027 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 2027 class is already loaded with talent, and a new wave of defensive standouts is starting to emerge. From explosive edge rushers to rangy defensive backs, these newcomers have made a strong first impression with their physical tools, high-level production, and long-term upside. Here's a look at the top defensive prospects making their debut in the latest 2027 rankings.</h2>    Gant debuts in the PRZ 2027 rankings at #63 overall and inside the top 10 of the DB position group. He's an instinctive safety with good range and ball skills to anchor the secondary. Quick to react, he covers ground effortlessly on the back end, reading quarterbacks with precision and showing the ability to break quickly on the ball. Flashes his level processing ability and instincts to anticipate ball location. His movement skills and speed allow him to cover deep zones, close gaps in coverage, and provide reliable help over the top. He's also a sure tackler in space, coming downhill with physicality and control to finish plays in the open field. Voted All-Region as a sophomore.      Sutton is an active and versatile safety that can line up and be effective in multiple spots showing he can drop into deep coverage, drive short/intermediate level routes, or come down in the box and be aggressive in run support. 5'11” 180 lbs. he shows high level technique and footwork throughout the play. His back pedal is smooth and he maintains good pad level to his transition and break. A plus athlete that can change directions and accelerate coming out of the break demonstrating a strong plant and drive. High football IQ with good field vision to see the play as it develops. He's aware and calculated with his movement to be efficient with his movement and angles of pursuit. Enters the rankings at #68 overall and the #8 DB after racking up 53 total tackles, two sacks, and one interception as a sophomore.      Patterson enters the rankings as a high upside LB with a solid 6'2” 205 lb. frame. He plays hard and downhill, showing good instincts against the run and the ability to fill gaps with force. His frame and natural strength allows him to take on blockers while maintaining balance and leverage. Shows he's able to drop into zone coverage and react to short/intermediate level routes to close space quickly. Chases hard in pursuit demonstrating the ability to work laterally and make plays outside the box and to the perimeter. Strong tackler that is reliable in the open field that wraps up and finishes ball carriers to the ground. Ranked #65 overall and the #5 LB, he's got good size and a strong foundational skillset to build on as he develops.      Moala plays the hybrid OLB/Edge spot well for Cactus. 6'0” 210 lbs. he shows plus read and react ability, diagnosing quickly and attacking downhill with speed. Using his athleticism and high football IQ he's able to be effective against both the pass and the run. Against the run, he sets a strong edge with good awareness of his assignment. He's able to stack and shed blockers with active hands and maintaining leverage to funnel plays inside. He closes quickly and is tough to break once he gets his hands on the ball carrier as a tackler. As a pass rusher, he has a quick first step and a natural ability to bend and flatten to the quarterback off the edge. Uses a combination of speed, power, and advanced hand usage to win one on one. High effort player that debuts in the rankings at #67 overall and #6 LB.      A lot to like about To'oto'o on the DL. At 6'2” 235 lbs. he plays off the edge for Red Mountain but given his size and skillset he could easily slide to the interior depending on development. Good build to his frame that is packed with power and natural strength. He's got good initial quickness off the ball to beat blockers off the edge and gain positioning. He combines the first step with his short area burst to overwhelm blockers and beat them at the POA. Strong and active hands, using violent punch and shed techniques to disengage and control the edge in the run game. Generates consistent pressure as a pass rusher. He can bull rush through tackles or use his quickness and bend to beat them off the edge. He shows good awareness and discipline when rushing, staying in his lane and collapsing the pocket with creating escape routes. He also has the agility and closing speed to chase down plays for the backside or flush QB's out of the pocket. One to watch going into his junior year.