2027 Defensive Prospects with Buzz Heading into Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What prospects have the most helium heading into the offseason?&nbsp; These defensive prospects are some of the top players that are primed to make major moves in the next 2027 Rankings Update and are receiving a lot of buzz on the recruiting trail!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL Ohimai Ozolua (Romeoville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ozolua will make a massive debut when the next rankings are updated.&nbsp; At 6'6” and 230 pounds he had a breakout season in his first year playing the sport.&nbsp; Edge rusher with long arms getting to the QB.&nbsp; Can also slide inside and rush as a three technique.&nbsp; Combination of power and strength.&nbsp; Bats down passes on a consistent basis.&nbsp; Strong against the run getting off blocks and making tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL Ronald Moore (Kenwood)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore is a 6'2” 285 pound defensive tackle that has created momentum after his junior campaign.&nbsp; Quick interior pass rusher that gets off the ball extremely well.&nbsp; Up and over move getting to the quarterback.&nbsp; Understands angles and reading the offensive lineman to take advantage of them.&nbsp; Physical and explosive vs the run.&nbsp; Reads where the play is going and brings down back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='1791849' first='David' last='Hill'] (Homewood Flossmoor)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #43</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill is a 6'3” 295 pound defensive lineman who had a big season.&nbsp; The defensive tackle is powerful enough to take on blocks and get off them to make a tackle.&nbsp; Wins on bull rushes up the middle getting to the QB.&nbsp; High level motor player.&nbsp; Very strong with his hands pushing opponents and using them to get off the lineman as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='1335315' first='David' last='Folorunsho'] (St. Patrick)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #44</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of helium with this 6'4” 285 pound defensive lineman.&nbsp; Big and explosive defensive end.&nbsp; Has bend around the edge getting to the QB.&nbsp; Runs extremely well for his size making tackles out of his area.&nbsp; Uses his hands well as a pass rusher.&nbsp; Stout against the run at both defensive end and tackle.&nbsp; His position versatility being equally as effective sliding inside makes him intriguing as a juiced up three technique athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB Darrell McCullough (Lockport)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCullough goes 6'1" 200 pounds with excellent instincts as n outside linebacker. Can get after the quarterback with a combination of pass rush moves. When he doesn't get all the way to the QB he will still use his speed around the edge to get pressure or bat the pass down. Really like his first step and how he transfers speed to power. Closes with force on the passer or running back for TFL. Against the run he does a nice job taking on blocks getting off them to make the tackle in the box. The athleticism really plays in space. One of the best linebackers in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1351662' first='Justin' last='Johnson'] (Evanston)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #112</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plus athlete that impacts on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp; Corner that has good technique and makes plays on the ball.&nbsp; Excellent footwork in short areas.&nbsp; Good change of direction and fluid hips.&nbsp; Makes plays without getting interference calls.&nbsp; Like the size at 6'1” 180 pounds.&nbsp; Has a track background. Was previously looked at as a wide receiver and he played some wildcat QB as a junior showing off his juice getting on the perimeter with his speed.&nbsp; Projects best as a DB now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Darrell Mattison (Morgan Park)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mattison is a 6'2" free safety that has a lot of range as a centerfielder making plays on the ball downfield. Ball hawk that has excellent instincts including jumping in front of passes to make interceptions. Makes game changing plays on the back end. Closes in on the ball so fast and has good hands. Tackles well in space breaking down the opponent and squaring up making the tackle. Hits through his opponent. Changes directions well going backwards to forward smoothly. Explosive kick return threat as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1865423' first='Connor' last='Hites'] (St. Ignatius)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hites is a safety that is a high level centerfielder that has solid range and can lay the hammer.&nbsp; Closing speed both as a tackler and in coverage.&nbsp; Change of direction really stands out on tape.&nbsp; Tackles low wrapping up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1743262' first='Kobe' last='Lewis'] (Ridgewood)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #228</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis projects as a slot corner or outside linebacker that changes direction well.&nbsp; Breaks down opponents and tackles low and drives through them.&nbsp; Purses the ball with speed.&nbsp; Comes down the line of scrimmage making TFL.&nbsp; Knows his assignment and sticks to it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH CJ Willis (Belleville East)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: NR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw this 5'10” 160 pound athlete multiple times during his junior year and he is going to make a big debut in the rankings.&nbsp; Willis was impactful on both sides of the ball this year with his speed, athleticism, and quickness.&nbsp; That was shown as a wide receiver turning short catches into long gains on a consistent basis.&nbsp; As a defensive back he made impactful plays as a centerfielder and having a nose for the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->