Defensive Playmakers New To The 2027 Indiana Class Rankings

We're diving a bit deeper into the 2027 class, and today, we're highlighting a group of defensive recruits who had fantastic junior seasons and have climbed up the rankings quite a bit.    Moffitt is a big body who has success on the interior of the line. He's able to get off blocks and play the run. He's disciplined in his gaps and has the reach to close lanes with his arms. He's able to bullrush off the line and has a fairly good first step for a guy his size. He has improved year after year and progressed from a role player to a key piece up front. He finished his junior year with 53 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack, all from the interior.     Washington is a hybrid-type player with the build of a linebacker and the range of a defensive back. He's able to cover sideline to sideline and then can come up to play the run. He's good in man coverage and can play physical down the field. I like his closing speed and think he gets better as each game goes on, as he gets a feel for the offense. He finished year 3 with 44 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, and 4 passes deflected.     Leonard had a breakout season for McCutcheon this year and looked much better as the season went on. He's a confident player who can wrap up in open spaces. He's reliable as the final line of defense and takes good angles. He trusts what he sees and doesn't hesitate. He'll close on the ball in a hurry and make a play on the ball. He finished the year with 68 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 passes deflected, and was in on 3 different fumbles.     Mitchell is a good cover corner who has success on the outside and isn't afraid to be alone on the island. He's able to flip his hips and run with ease. He tracks the ball well over his shoulder and has fairly good ball skills for a DB. He's got long arms and reach, which helps him bat balls down. He ended the season with 31 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 interceptions, and 6 passes deflected, with 14 over the past 2 years.     Carter burst onto the scene for Reitz this year and posted triple-digit tackles. He's a sideline-to-sideline LB with good vision and instincts. He always seems to be right by the ball and plays through the whistle. I appreciate high-motor guys who don't make simple mistakes. He's capable in coverage as well, which is ideal for an inside backer. The instincts and size are there, and now he's got the production and in-game reps. With 105 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3 recovered fumbles in year 1 starting, he's set himself up for a big senior year.

We're diving a bit deeper into the 2027 class, and today, we're highlighting a group of defensive recruits who had fantastic junior seasons and have climbed up the rankings quite a bit.