2027 Watchlist to Ranked: Southern California Defensive Prospects

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New talent continues to emerge out of the 2027 class. Here's a look at five southern California defensive prospects that moved up from the watchlist and into the PRZ state rankings.</h2>    At 5'11” 155 lbs., Yarber has solidified himself as a major D1 CB prospect thanks to his elite coverage ability and refined technique. He excels in press man coverage, using quick feet, strong hand placement, and disciplined leverage to disrupt routes at the LOS. Lean frame but plays with confidence and physicality, consistently staying in phase with receivers downfield and showing the ability to mirror movement without grabbing or losing control. His hand usage is advanced, allowing him to reroute receivers and challenge throws without drawing penalties. His fluid hips, anticipation, and football IQ make him a lockdown presence on the perimeter, and his skillset translates easily to the next level. Carries seven D1 offers going into his junior including top tier programs such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona State.   7 Offers: Georgia, ASU, North Carolina, Sacramento State, Syracuse, SDSU, Texas State      Butler is a high upside interior DL prospect with prototypical size and tons of raw potential. 6'3” 275 lbs. he's a plus athlete that possesses a good blend of natural movement skills, bend, and twitch. His size and strength make him a tough block and a disruptive force against both the run and pass. He's quick to penetrate gaps and create immediate vertical push at the LOS. Flashes solid hand usage and placement showing the ability to disengage from blocks quickly and maintain positional leverage as a run stopper and pass rusher. He plays with a high motor and physical edge, often commanding double teams and still finding ways to affect the play. Whether lined up as a 3 tech or shading the nose, he shows the versatility and toughness to anchor against the run while also flashing pass rush upside. Moves from the watchlist to the rankings just outside the top 100 overall and is #18 defensive linemen.   2 Offers: Colorado State, Sacramento State      Payne is an attacking defender coming off the edge with a strong compact frame at 6'2” 240 lbs. He brings explosive athleticism and high-level technique to every play. Like his initial quickness off the ball to create immediate pressure on blockers with his burst and timing. Possesses a wide range of pass rush moves. He can win with speed, convert power effectively, and use well-timed counters to be a constant threat in one on one situations. Shows his athleticism in his ability to redirect and bend through contact allowing him to adjust mid-rush and close on the ball carrier with speed. He plays with a relentless motor and a physical edge, routinely chasing plays sideline to sideline and from the backside. With his combination of explosiveness, skill, and physicality he projects as an impact defender at the college level who can thrive in multiple fronts.   3 Offers: Sacramento State, UNLV, Weber State      Kanan transferred out of Orange Lutheran and into Bishop Amat to play out his junior season where he brings three D1 offers and a strong skillset from the safety position. 6'0” 170 lbs. he's a well-rounded athlete in the backend of the defense highlighted by his impressive range, quick reactions, and natural ball skills. He covers ground effortlessly, showing the ability to play deep zones and close space quickly on over the top throws or underneath routes. Very efficient with his footwork, his smooth back pedal and fluid transitions allow him to stay balanced and ready to break in any direction, giving him an edge in both coverage and run support. Shows good feel and awareness for route concepts and ball location. He tracks it well in the air, shows strong hands at the catch point, and consistently puts himself in position to makes plays.   3 Offers: Michigan State, Southern Miss, Sacramento State      At 6'0” 205 lbs. Williamson is a downhill and attacking defender for one of the top programs in the country. He shows excellent closing speed and sideline to sidelines range, allowing him to track down ball carriers and make plays in space with consistency. His ability to play with leverage and explode through ball carriers makes him a force as a tackler often bringing heavy and violent contact. He takes smart, efficient angles in pursuit and rarely finds himself out of position showing a high football IQ and strong instincts. Whether setting the edge, shooting gaps, or dropping into coverage, he brings a well-rounded and versatile skillset with a relentless motor that will translate well to the college level. His athletic tools and physical playing style make him a high-ceiling prospect with the potential to thrive in an aggressive, fast flowing defensive scheme.   3 Offers: Syracuse, Sacramento State, Southern Miss