2028 Watchlist to Ranked: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Projection meets production in watchlist to ranked. This feature highlights the prospects who have turned early identification into undeniable on-field results, earning their move from the watchlist into the updated Prep Redzone rankings.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Breakout sophomore season for the linebacker out of one of the state's top programs, totaling 88 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four total turnovers. He's a fast-reacting defender who trusts his eyes and triggers downhill without hesitation. Shows the ability to scrape over the top and work laterally from outside in, consistently arriving at the football with proper leverage. His awareness and eye discipline stand out, allowing him to quickly diagnose keys in the run game while also showing high level coverage ability to close throwing windows. With true three-down ability and production to match, he's emerging as one of the more complete young linebackers in the class.</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/RanerMitch/status/1996969528203645362 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">An excellent cover corner with a projectable 6'0” 165 lb. frame that should continue to add mass and strength, he already shows the traits of a high-level defensive back. He's effective in both press and off coverage, demonstrating the ability to stay in phase at all three depths while maintaining discipline and positional leverage. Stays tight in coverage with plus route recognition, often mirroring and essentially running the route with the receiver. High level ball judgement skills and timing to compete for the ball in the air and break up passes at the catch point, evident by his 11 PBU's as a sophomore. With a clear D1 skill set and a D1 bloodline, he's a name to watch as offers are expected to roll in as he gains exposure and showcases his ability.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Versatile hybrid DE/OLB with the physical tools and size to impact the game from multiple alignments at 6'2” 190 lbs. He's plus athlete with natural bend, body control, and speed allowing him to dip and run the arc while keeping his balance through contact. Plays fast and physical, he accelerates hard off the ball and possesses the burst/lateral agility that makes him tough to block in space. Flashes his closing speed in pursuit when tracking down ball carriers from the backside or rushing the QB. Brings violent contact as a tackler always looking to wrap up and drive through contact. Disruptive defender that demonstrates D1 ability with his motor, versatility, and effectiveness across multiple fronts. 46 total tackles (32 solo), 7 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss as a sophomore.</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/KyeWells12/status/1993869995273802189 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Torres is an impact defender and attacking LB that plays much bigger than his frame. 109 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 8 sacks as a sophomore demonstrating his production and effectiveness. High football IQ, he brings great instincts and anticipation to read and react quickly to developing plays. Shows good change of direction with the ability to plant and drive to the ball and close space in a hurry. Spatial awareness is a strength, knowing where his threats are, taking efficient angles, and limiting wasted movement in pursuit. Whether triggering downhill or working in space, he's a reliable and sure tackler in the open field who finishes the play and rarely lets ball carriers escape.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Garday is a pure defensive playmaker at LB with a natural feel for game flow and a great nose for the football. He trusts his eyes and is quick/decisive with his reads allowing him to beat blockers to the spot and get in position before the play develops. Does a great job navigating traffic, slipping past climbing linemen and working through congestion to the ball carrier without losing momentum/speed. Decisive trigger downhill, once he commits he flies to the ball and accelerates through contact to finish ball carriers to the ground. Strong fundamental tackler that attacks contact with good leverage and pad level. Good foundational skillset and instincts to build on as he develops, projected to be a major impact player at the center of the Liberty defense.</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/BreckenGarday42/status/2014116260876025931 </div></figure>