Nebraska 2028 Rankings: Five Defensive Newcomers to Know

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Class of 2028 rankings update is up and running with over 100 ranked players and 200+ total listed prospects. I already covered a few standout newcomers on the offensive side; now it's time to look at some defensive game wreckers whose stock is rapidly rising!   Here are five 2028 defensive prospects who look primed to block up this fall:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/xxavienn27" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@xxavienn27)</a>   Columbus' [player_tooltip player_id='1656601' first='Xavien' last='Lopez Long'] has been on our radar since a standout performance at our PRZ showcase in his freshman season and has continued to develop nicely now going into his junior year. In seven games played, Xavien recorded 25 tackles, three interceptions, and two TFLs while starting at CB. When watching Xavien's tape, I was impressed with how sound and instinctive he is in coverage. He is very smooth through his backpedal with loose hips and sharp agility that help him quickly change direction while sticking with receivers. Nice fluidity in coverage. When in zone, he does a great job identifying route concepts and diagnosing plays to get to a spot where he can make plays. Once he gets to the ball, Xavien displays solid ball skills, including playing through a receiver's hands to force breakups or showing off his own receiving ability to force interceptions. He's also a willing run defender who can fight off blocks on the perimeter and can make tackles in space to prevent big runs. Solid lockdown corner who could fit well in the slot at the collegiate level. Lots to like about Xavien's upside!      <a href="https://x.com/BroganMoyer66" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BroganMoyer66)</a>   The Griffins' cupboard is far from empty after graduating a great '26 class, as they saw several young guns contribute big time to their state runner-up squad. One of those standouts is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2129142' first='Brogan' last='Moyer'], who was a quiet but key part of their defensive line, recording 68 tackles, 2 TFLs, and a forced fumble. The aspect of Brogan's game that stood out to me the most was his high effort and tireless motor. He fires off the ball very well and is quick to shoot his hands to create space. Once he's disengaged from blockers, Brogan does an excellent job tracking the ball and possesses the lateral quickness to hawk down RBs. Solid use of leverage and strong leg drive to move linemen off the ball. With the type of linemen coming out of the Griffin program recently, Brogan could see himself gaining recruiting attention sooner rather than later.      <a href="https://x.com/oakley_osborn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@oakley_osborn)</a>   Platteview's [player_tooltip player_id='2129264' first='Oakley' last='Osborn'] is a rising prospect on the cusp of a true breakout season after flying under-the-radar as a sophomore. Oakley ended his sophomore campaign with solid production as he recorded 39 tackles, seven TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. Osborn mainly lined up as a defensive end, but could also slide into an OLB/EDGE role, where he can pressure the QB and even flex his athleticism by dropping into coverage. He has a fast first step that allows him to gain ground quickly against his opponent, and he can use his lengthy frame to win around the edge or set up linemen to win with a shifty inside move. Oakley does a good job finishing to the ball once he disengages from blockers. Osborn is also listed as a tight end, so we could see more of him on the offensive side next season after graduating a good chunk of production. Good size at 6'3" and 220 with room to continue filling out his frame. High ceiling prospect!      The Millard South LB room has been very consistent in terms of finding college-level prospects, and that looks to continue with up-and-comer [player_tooltip player_id='2132121' first='Drew' last='Kozeal']. Kozeal had a limited role in a loaded Patriots' group, but still managed to record 14 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, an interception (pick-six), and a forced fumble (recovered for TD). Drew is an instinctive linebacker who can effectively read his keys and won't hesitate to pull the trigger when shooting his gaps. He closes on the ball very well and is physical at the point of contact with solid technique to ensure the tackle. Kozeal's rangy play also allows him to be used in more ways than just a downhill linebacker, showing he can more than hold his own when asked to drop into coverage and can blow receivers up at the catch point to force incompletions. Good tackler with a fiery motor and tireless pursuit. Kozeal should have an opportunity to earn a starting spot next season or at least hold a bigger role in another deep group.      <a href="https://x.com/KJFox2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KJFox2028)</a>   Millard West's KJ Fox played a limited role as a sophomore but looks primed to be a bigger part of both the offense and defense going into his junior campaign. Last season, KJ recorded six receptions, 59 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown, and seven tackles. Fox had some great plays on his tape that highlighted his ability to play the ball at the catch point and break up passes. He is a solid athlete who moves well in coverage, with good footwork and pad level in his backpedal, and fluid hips and sharp change of direction. On offense, I was impressed with KJ's twitchiness with the ball in his hands, especially when he has some space in front of him, showing he can take advantage of blocks to spring free for a big gain.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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