Preseason All-State Candidates: Southern Nevada Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Previewing the southern Nevada prospects carrying all-state upside into the 2025 season, including some elite DB talent and an up-and-coming group of LBs.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Line</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c751b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richter earned second team All-Southern Nevada honors with his breakout sophomore season for Shadow Ridge. The top EDGE prospect in Nevada's 2027 class totaled 52 tackles (40 solo), 10.5 sacks, and 17 TFLs last season. He's a long, athletic rusher that's shown great development this offseason along with picking up his first D-I offer from Sacramento St. in June. Richter's one of the most disurptive edge rushers in the state coming into what should be a highly productive junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c75b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams will be looking to follow up his first team All-Southern Nevada junior campaign with another productive season for Bishop Gorman in the fall. The top EDGE prospect in the state and recent Arizona-commit is an elite talent off the edge that can defend the run and get after the passer at a high rate. Totaled 74 tackles (62 solo), 11 sacks, and 28 TFLs last season. Williams is Nevada's best front-seven defender heading into the 2025 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139182"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maafala-Barbasa will be looking to earn his first all-state selection after a stock-raising offseason in which he added nine D-I offers including UNLV, Wyoming, Northern Arizona, and New Mexico St. He's a strong, athletic frontline defender that can play inside or out and brings a physical edge as a run defender. Maafala-Barbasa should be in the conversation for all-state honors with a productive senior season in the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1608589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c76ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tupou put his name on the radar as one of the most exciting young prospects in the state after his second team All-Southern Nevada freshman campaign with Sloan Canyon. The #2 overall prospect in Nevada's 2028 class led all freshmen in the country in sacks with 16 along with 64 total tackles and 34 TFLs last season and should be producing at a high level again this fall. Tupou holds offers from SMU, Arizona, UNLV, Hawaii, and Colorado St. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1336588"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7726"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Purcell is arguably the top interior defensive lineman in the state coming into his senior season. Now at 6'4"/320, Purcell's size, power, and athleticism has turned heads on the offseason circuit with offers from Kansas St., UNLV, Hawaii, and Utah St. coming in in recent months. He possesses all the physical tools to churn out a highly productive season with Eldorado in the fall. Purcell announced his commitment to UNLV in late June. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["717884"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c779d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taufa is coming off a second team All-Southern Nevada selection after racking up 42 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 21 TFLs as a junior. The #2-EDGE in the state's 2026 class turned in a productive season after transferring in from Utah while showing the power and versatility he brings to the defensive line. Taufa holds offers from UNLV, Hawaii, Air Force, and Idaho. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Linebacker&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7814"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gardner is an under-the-radar linebacker that's primed for a breakout senior season in the fall. The 6'2"/200 LB out of Arbor View showed promising flashes of range and physicality as a junior and will be a player to watch for continued development in the fall. Gardner has the potential to take over an Arbor View defense that graduated one of the top LBs in the country from a season ago and put his name on the all-state radar with a productive 2025 campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216711"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7889"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthews-Mafua is one of the most underrated linebacker prospects in Nevada coming into his senior season. He's a fast, athletic defender that tackles at a high rate with the range and physicality he plays with. Plays sideline to sideline, attacks the gaps downhill, and is quick to diagnose and react. Matthews-Mafua is a sneaky preseason all-state candidate that could put himself on the D-I radar with another strong showing in the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["940635"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7905"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaoteote has been the top-ranked linebacker in PRZ NV's 2027 rankings since his breakout freshman season in 2023. The 6'/210 junior was named a MaxPreps Freshmen All-American after racking up 84 total tackles and 7 TFLs just two seasons ago before losing most of his sophomore year to injury and will be looking to re-establish himself as a premier LB prospect in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["557058"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c797c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lutu is a strong candidate for a breakout junior season with the flashy upside he's shown over the past two years. He's been a top-ranked linebacker in PRZ NV's rankings since last spring, despite having limited varsity reps, because of the physical make-up and skillset he displays. Lutu carries D-I upside heading into the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598477"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c79f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sawyer-Mahoe is looking like a potential breakout candidate coming into his first season with Sloan Canyon. He's a physical athlete at 6'2"/210 that's flashed his ability to play both sides of the ball and packs intriguing upside in his traits as a future LB prospect. Sawyer-Mahoe is one of several front-seven defenders to keep an eye on for Sloan Canyon this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Back</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1173839"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7a72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Washington put his name on the national radar as one of the best safeties in the country with his first team All-Southern Nevada junior season with Bishop Gorman. Totaled 38 tackles and five interceptions in 2024. The Oregon-commit brings a rare blend of length, range, and athleticism to the secondary at 6'4"/195 and makes plays on the ball at a high rate in coverage. Washington is a sure-fire all-state candidate with a productive and healthy senior season in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7aea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Day proved to be an elite tackler in the secondary totaling 110 tackles (90 solo) and 17 TFLs in his junior season with Faith Lutheran. The 6'3"/175 safety announced his commitment to Washington in June after picking up 15+ D-I offers this offseason. He's an extremely physical defender that can play in space and cover ground from anywhere on the field. Look for Day to earn a second consecutive first team All-Southern Nevada selection this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7b67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nickels earned first team All-Southern Nevada honors with 21 total tackles and 2 INTs in his junior season. The Hawaii-commit is one of the most skilled and fluid cover-corners in his class and has the make-up of a future nickel CB at the next level. Nickels should continue to be a valuable piece of one of the most talented secondaries in the country coming into his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110877"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7be2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mason has been one of the biggest risers on the offseason recruiting trail and will be looking to earn his first all-state selection in the fall. The recent BYU-commit turned in a productive junior season totaling 102 tackles (76 solo), 2 INTs, and 10 TFLs. He's a long, rangy safety at 6'3"/190 that can stuff the box in run support and play in space around the third level. He's physical, can make plays on the ball, and tackles at a high clip. Mason should be in the all-state conversation at the end of the 2025 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["560862"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7c58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stepp was an honorable mention All-Southern Nevada selection a season ago and is primed to jump into the first team conversation coming into his junior season. The 6'3"/190 CB put his name on the national radar this offseason as one of the elite talents in the secondary with the length, skill, and athleticism he brings to the table. Stepp has added offers from Oregon, Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio St., Oklahoma, and USC since February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598496"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7ccf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Loud is an emerging DB talent that looks ready for a breakout junior season in the fall. The second-ranked defensive back in the 2027 class was a new addition to the PRZ NV rankings in January after showing elite flashes in his speed, twitch, and quickness as a cover-corner last season. Loud has since picked up offers from Arizona St., Arizona, UNLV, Sacramento St., and Idaho and should continue to add to that list with a strong 2025 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["876939"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f8797c7d46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is a rising talent in Nevada's 2026 class that's picked up D-I offers from Idaho St. and Utah Tech in recent months. He's a high-level athlete with the instincts and ball skills to produce turnovers at a high clip and showed some flashes as a slot receiver in Arbor View's spring session. He's disruptive in press coverage, possesses the speed and fluidity to cover deep, and anticipates routes as a zone defender. Johnson is a strong candidate to earn his first all-state selection in the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->