Updated 2028 MD/DC/DE Rankings: Top 5 Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With recent 2028 rankings coming out, I take a look at the new top 5. Breaking down each prospect, going into why they earned the ranking they did. While also taking a look at their current recruitment and what makes them such highly coveted players by colleges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1644118"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f38b870d68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryce moves into the #1 spot after being the #2 overall prospect in the pre-season rankings. He had a dominant year at OT for Spalding as they were once again MIAA Champs this season. He continues to improve in what is only his 2nd year of playing football so the sky is the limit for his game. With great size, strength and footwork Bryce is the complete package. A natural knee bender, he plays with nice balance and keeps a good solid base. Able to move well laterally in pass pro, he is a big dude who is not one defenders can get around. In the run game he is dominant. Gets into the defenders chest, over powers them and drives them out of the play. He doesn't just makes holes for his RB but creates multi-lane highway size roads for them to easily run through. I've seen a lot of Bryce over the last year and half and watched him develop from just an OL prospect with potential to an elite recruit which is why he's earned this #1 ranking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colleges have definitely taken notice of Byrce's game this past season as well. Holding fifteen P4 offers from the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, UMD, etc. I expect Bryce to continue to be a recruit colleges get out to see this spring and solidify himself as one of the top OL prospects for his class nation wide. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore year highlights <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaldingFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaldingFB</a> @kschmittASHS <a href="https://t.co/gtuyiyfiLl">https://t.co/gtuyiyfiLl</a> <a href="https://t.co/3OBoGgi2oC">pic.twitter.com/3OBoGgi2oC</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1644118' first='Bryce' last='Smalls'] (@BryceSmalls2028) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceSmalls2028/status/1997042521944301674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1239199"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2138202,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f38b870e02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tysir has been a dude since he stepped on the field for the first time as a freshman and he continues to rise up the rankings claiming the #2 overall spot in these more recent updates. A dynamic game wrecking edge rusher, Tysir has an great frame at 6'3"+ and 220lbs. He will easily add on more good muscle to his build in the upcoming years. Overall Tysir looks the part and plays the part as he totaled 88.5 tkls, 14.5 sacks, 13 TFLs and 2 FFs in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rocket off the edge on the snap, Tysir is passed OTs before they can get their hands up. He has a nice arsenal of pass rush moves. Active hands to slap &amp; rip through blocks to go along with excellent dip &amp; bend ability. He is able to bend under the blockers arms/shoulder and flatten down the line like elite NFL pass rushers. A nice overall athlete as well, Tysir wins with speed, has burst and runs on his toes with a high active motor. He is always in the backfield not just disrupting but making big impact plays. His game will only continue to improve as he further develops as a rusher and add strength to his frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plenty of colleges see the potential in what Tysir can be at the next level as well. He currently holds 20 total P4 offers and is easily becoming one of the biggest recruits in the country. Look for Tysir to continue his dominance next season and make a push for the #1 spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1239199' first='Tysir' last='Young'] - <a href="https://twitter.com/MiddletownFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiddletownFB</a> <br>Class of 2028 <br> 4 ⭐️ LB • EDGE • TE<br>6'4 220lbs <br>#5 LB in the 🇺🇸<br>19 P4 Offers <br>2X State Champion <br>3.3GPA <br>All State Edge &amp; TE <br><br>Season Stats:<br>85.5 Tackles <br>14.5 Sacks <br>13 TFL's <br>2 FF<br>16 Catches <br>264yds <br>4 TD's <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDohn247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianDohn247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SWiltfong_</a> <a href="https://t.co/387bOpwhro">pic.twitter.com/387bOpwhro</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1239199' first='Tysir' last='Young'] 9 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@TysirYoung9) <a href="https://twitter.com/TysirYoung9/status/1997858508876943810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506862"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f38b870e61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tyzon is a player I saw as a freshman and certainly caught my eye. Since then he has started to fill out his long frame nicely and balled out this past season. With 135 total tkls, 5o TFLs, 16 sacks, and 8 FFs he was lights out for Lackey as he helped propel them to a strong playoff run leading to the State Finals. That lead to him making a strong jump up four spots to the #3 overall spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I like about Tyzon's game the most is how fast and violent he plays. An explosive first step of the snap, he gets into the backfield before the play even develops. He's a disruptor and a menace on the field with plays on his highlight tape that remind me of Jadeveon Clonwey vs Michigan. Able to currently play anywhere along the DL, he makes plays from the edge and interior. He is a threat to make the play anywhere he lines up and was virtually unstoppable this fall. Tyzon also plays with a great motor, athletic enough to chase down plays from behind and can eat up grass with his stride/length. Tyzon also plays with nice leverage, able to stack &amp; shed and hold the edge. He is fluid with good hips and impressive re-direct ability. Tyzon has all the size and athleticism to be the total package going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is also a big time recruit already with over 20+ P4 offers from the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Miami, LSU, etc. Tyzon made great strides this year and is easily in contention for the #1 spot going forward. I feel if he can continue to be as explosive as he is now at 260-270lbs with more strength he could challenge for one of the top players in the country. That is what these colleges are banking on as he continues to develop his game and garner more interest in the upcoming years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed To Be Named SMAC All Conference First Team On Both Sides Of The Ball 🙏🏾<a href="https://twitter.com/FTRreport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FTRreport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SMAC_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMAC_Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarylandCoaches?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarylandCoaches</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Cr5xr2ZDw">https://t.co/8Cr5xr2ZDw</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1506862' first='Tyzon' last='Swann'] (@Tyzonswann10) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyzonswann10/status/1999577832020648211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2131276"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f38b870ecc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robert burst on to the scene this year for Old Mill as another big time threat from the edge spot in the MD/DC/DE area. Making his first entry into the ranking and earning the #4 overall spot. With 14 sacks and 23 TFLs on the year he very much caught my eye when I saw him at practice earlier this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great looking prospect on the hoof, Robert has the size, frame and length colleges look for. He will easily be a 240lb+ player by his senior year. What standouts from Robert's play is his versatility in his game from the DE spot. He shows real fluid hips and impressive lateral mobility. Able to re-direct, turn and run, set the edge as well as can get skinny shooting inside or win from the outside with speed. Robert is a player who is still new to the game of football so while he showed some rawness at times he has sky's the limit potential going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shockingly holding zero offers that I know of currently, expect that to change soon. I think that may be due to him being such a new prospect on the radar and coaches not getting eyes on him yet. Come this spring/summer don't be surprised if they start rolling in for Robert. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Class of 2028<br>📏 6'3” | 210 lbs<br>🎓 3.8 GPA<br>🔥 14 Sacks<br>🏆 First Team All-County<br>🏆 First Team All-State<br><br>Relentless pass rusher. High motor. Coachable.<br>Ready to compete at the next level.<a href="https://t.co/8j0pKJIS1L">https://t.co/8j0pKJIS1L</a></p>&mdash; Rob manning (@Robbertmanning) <a href="https://twitter.com/Robbertmanning/status/2024897416793588029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1623343"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f38b870f39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DeNairo makes a strong showing in these recent rankings. Coming in at #5 overall and the #1 DB after being on the Watch List in the preseason rankings. Being a key player on a strong Great Mills team this past season, Girton made plays all over the field in coverage. Totaling 8 PBUs and 4 INTs, his ability to be an impact player on D from multiple spots on the field proved very valuable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out most about DeNairo is his prototype size for the position and his overall athleticism. At 6'3" with excellent length and a well filled out frame - he fits the mold that colleges look for in a DB for today's game. He has great positional versatility as well. Able to play in the box, single high, split safety, and rangy enough to get sideline to sideline. Girton also displays great speed to go along with his build. He has a verified 11.2 100M from spring of his freshman year and self reported 4.55 40. That is a total package player that will certainly garner attention from college coaches. He's not just a combine athlete though, he shows it on the field as well. Smooth, fluid and sudden as a DB. He shows great feet and hips, closes quickly on the ball and will hit you. A player with ton of potential that I look forward to seeing more of in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His recruitment has also started to take off as it should be. Girton holds nine total P4 offers right now and I would expect that number to be closer to 20 after this summer. Another prospect who is possibly a bit under the radar on the National level currently, expect his stock to continue to rise as more college coaches get eyes on him during the spring/summer window. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">35 - tackles <br>8 - PBU's <br>4 - ints (1 called back)<br>2 - def tds <br>1 - fumble recovery <br>C/O 28<br>GPA : 3.4<a href="https://twitter.com/SMAC_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMAC_Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SwarmMills?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SwarmMills</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FTRreport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FTRreport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fbCoachLux?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fbCoachLux</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_Coach_Rell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_Coach_Rell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachjthomas11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachjthomas11</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Aazaar23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aazaar23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hungry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hungry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FTR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FTR</a><a href="https://t.co/9xWirgcL4o">https://t.co/9xWirgcL4o</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1623343' first='DeNairo' last='Girton Jr'] (@DJ_upnxt) <a href="https://twitter.com/DJ_upnxt/status/1989868364345327850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->