DFW Names to Know: Class of 2028 Defensive Standouts

While the explosive offenses of the Metroplex often steal the national spotlight, their players' future success should be credited in part to the elite talent they faced beforehand. These high-level matchups often happen all the way up from freshman to senior seasons. After checking out the offensive side, let's introduce five class of 2028 defensive phenoms set to battle them for the next few years.    Usually fitting the role of a strong safety, Foster has a college-level DB frame already and flashes ability in both coverage and the box. James displayed elite potential in the secondary as a freshman, showcasing great instincts, polished footwork, and short-area quickness. Foster resembles a young Minkah Fitzpatrick, with the ability to play the deep part of the field, get downhill and break up passes over the middle, and man up at the line of scrimmage. The Tigers' defense has to be excited to have a versatile leader with a high motor and limitless potential for the next three seasons. The dynamic District Newcomer of the Year will continue to dominate and add to his offer list, which already includes schools such as Texas, Penn State, and Oklahoma.      Vailahi is an electric thumper of an edge rusher who plays with a high motor and an athletic skill set. He is a true defensive end whose versatility allows him also to provide value as a fullback. Fine thrives at using his hands to strike offensive linemen and set the edge. He also displays early instincts and body control to break down and finish plays in the backfield. As Vailahi continues to grow and develop his explosiveness, his unique athleticism and vet-like play style at the position will lead to success at this and the next level. The Bobcats' football-rugby blossoming star should break out on the national scale this season. He already holds offers from schools such as Baylor, SMU, and UNLV.      Lokey is a powerful and versatile player who contributes to the powerhouse Wildcats as both a defensive end and tight end. He possesses a high motor and a stellar mixture of speed and strength. Logan thrives at firing out of his hips, extending his hands to separate, and establishing a base to finish plays in the backfield. He also demonstrates solid bend and balance to get to the quarterback efficiently. Lokey's long frame, combined with his short-area quickness, projects him already to be an effective edge rusher at the next level. Logan looks to break out with another productive season this year and add to an offer list that includes UTSA, Toledo, and Texas State.      The second of a pair of Byron Nelson standout sophomores, Hawkins is a centerfielder for the Bobcats' defense. He displays great ball skills to reel in interceptions and the instincts to disrupt passes all over the field. Nolan plays with incredible effort, launching himself and diving at all angles to break up passes. He also possesses solid change of direction and the ability to flip his hips to either get downhill or run with receivers on deep routes. A versatile free safety, Hawkins sees the field extremely well and is never out of any given play. As a freshman, Nolan accumulated 3 INTs, 5 pass breakups, and 39 tackles. He's continued to put in the work leading into the season, adding offers from Baylor, Texas Tech, and TCU.      Hayes-Roberts possesses a long frame he uses with physicality to excel as both a box safety and wideout. He is a great tackler and thrives at getting downhill and lowering his shoulder into ball carriers. He also displays solid change of direction and can play sideline to sideline, making plays in the pass and run game. Bryce has strong and consistent hands that he showcases on both sides of the ball. The versatile athlete will continue to be a Swiss Army Knife and defensive leader for the Rangers as he develops and takes another leap during his sophomore campaign. He has received several offers already, from schools such as Arkansas, TCU, and Texas Tech.

While the explosive offenses of the Metroplex often steal the national spotlight, their players' future success should be credited in part to the elite talent they faced beforehand. These high-level matchups often happen all the way up from freshman to senior seasons. After checking out the offensive side, let's introduce five class of 2028 defensive phenoms set to battle them for the next few years.