2028 Rankings Breakdown: Defensive Newcomers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of the new defensive prospects to the updated 2028 PRZ state player rankings. </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Fullmer comes in as the highest ranked defensive newcomer after a breakout sophomore season totaling 48 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks for Pinnacle. 6'2” 215 lbs. he's an attacking defender that plays with a natural edge and brings an aggressive/high motor presence to the DE position. Weight room strength translates well to the field showing power at the POA and the ability to anchor down against bigger offensive linemen. Hand usage and placement stand out showing he can be a heavy striker, shed blocks cleanly, and consistently find ways to free himself up to make tackles. Plus short area burst allows him to quickly close space on ball carriers and flashes the body control/balance to redirect in pursuit. Demonstrates effectiveness as both a run stopper and a pass rusher. Good upside and should see a bump in recruitment as the cycle progresses.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ianfullmer99/status/1998994170783125950 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Schoaff ranked second in the 2027 class for tackles finishing with 110 total, 14 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks adding two interceptions. 5'10” 175 lbs., despite being a bit undersized for the position he consistently flashes the ability to diagnose plays and react with speed allowing him to flow freely to the ball carrier. Quick to react, he does a good job reading his keys, avoiding congestion, and weaving through traffic to make plays in the open field. Strong and reliable tackler in tight spaces and the open field, attacking ball carriers with good leverage, sound fundamentals, and solid wrap up technique. Also an impact player on offense at RB taking 60 carries for 339 yards and eight touchdowns.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cox is a versatile safety who showed he can play in both split safety and single high schemes as a sophomore. He's got good range and a high football IQ in the secondary. Shows good eye discipline to read the QB's eyes and anticipate ball location to get an early break and close throwing windows. Clean and controlled footwork with good rhythm and speed from his back pedal to transition. High level ball skills with the ability to judge and track ball flight, finished the 2025 season with six interceptions and 10 PBU. In run support, he is a reliable open field tackler who doesn't hesitate to trigger downhill and fill the lane. Overall, he's a well-rounded DB capable of anchoring the secondary.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Grant had a productive sophomore season and was a key piece to the strong Ben Franklin defense finishing with 110 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He's an instinctive inside linebacker who trusts his eyes and processes information quickly. He shows patience at the snap and with his read steps while diagnosing the play but once he identifies he triggers downhill quickly. Closes and attacks gaps with intent and confidence to be a strong run filler. Brings a physical presence as a tackler by being an aggressive striker that finishes through contact with good forward momentum and leg drive. His combination of instincts, controlled patience, and explosive downhill trigger makes him one to watch as he develops. Voted First Team 3A All-Region.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Carney is a physical and attacking defender at the second level with solid production as sophomore finishing the 2025 season with 107 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Demonstrates that he can be a three down LB that can fill the run, drop into coverage, or rush the passer. Natural strength allows him to control engagement, lock out with strong hands, and disengage from blockers cleanly as he locates the football. Flashes a high football IQ consistently recognizing the flow of the play, anticipating run lanes, and taking efficient pursuit angles. Does a good job filling the alley tightly and maintaining positional leverage to avoid overrunning plays or creating cutback lanes. He's a powerful pass rusher using heavy hands to defeat blocks and collapse the pocket. His skillset and production makes him a dependable three down defender capable of impacting both the run game and as a situational pressure threat.</p>