2028 Rankings: Defensive Hidden Gems

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In depth analysis of some of the under the radar defensive prospects in the 2028 PRZ state player rankings.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Reis is a high IQ LB that has a great nose for the football. Plays bigger than his 5'10” 180 lb. frame to disrupt opponents as a run stopper and dropping into coverage. Quick processing ability, he makes decisive reads and reacts with speed. Recognizes blocking schemes and offensive flow to anticipate ball location and fill lanes, makes a ton of plays at or behind the LOS. Strong fundamentals, he's calculated with his movement to limit wasted steps and take efficient angles to the ball carrier. Does a good job maintaining leverage in pursuit to not overrun the ball while eliminating the cutback. Strong at the POA he's aggressive through contact and finishes ball carriers to the ground with force. Finished the 2025 season with 103 total tackles (44 solo), 12 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.</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/WestonReis2028/status/1999659350672249305 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Sheriff is an impact player on both sides of the ball for Canyon Hills at WR and FS. 6'2” 195 lbs. he possesses a projectable frame with the versatile skillset and positional flexibility that will boost his recruitment. Flashes great secondary range being able to cover the whole field sideline to sideline. High level ball skills showing natural tracking and judgement skills with the ability to time out his jump and compete at the high point, ranked second among 2028 players in interceptions with 8 on the season. Plays well with his eyes to read the QB and be aware of route concepts as the play develops allowing him to anticipate throws before the ball is released. Strong tackler that delivers heavy contact and is tough to break even in the open field. A lot to like and will see increased recruiting attention 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/taylonsheriff/status/2016296279551471741 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gifted athlete and pure football player that can impact the game from multiple skilled positions on both sides of the ball. Smooth and savvy in the secondary with good twitch and flexibility in his hips. Shows good timing in his transition and accelerates out with good leg drive/burst. Like his ability to recover and close separation with the ball in the air. Strong at the catch point, he plays through the hands to disrupt receivers and break up passes. 5'10” 175 lbs. he can match up and stay in phase working out of the slot or on the perimeter. Multi tool skillset flashed throughout his sophomore season with 54 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense, in addition to his 835 scrimmage yards and 9 touchdowns on offense. Racked up several post season accolades including Utility Player of the Year for the Moore League and was a top performer at the recent PRZ SoCal Showcase. He's an under the radar prospect that could pop at any time.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Sula has been an impressive defensive playmaker for Carson the last two seasons. In 2025, he racked up 95 total tackles (50 solo) with 25 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. 6'2” 190 lbs. he's got room to add mass to his frame while still maintaining his strengths as a speed based rusher. Quick off the ball, he gains immediate penetration beating OT's around the edge before they can get to the spot. Shows good natural bend running the arc while staying low/tight. Flexible in the ankles/hips to dip and turn the corner without losing speed. Closing speed stands out in pursuit as a pass rusher and when chasing the ball carrier downfield or backside. Does a great job converting pressures into sacks and tackles for loss. In addition to his speed, he's able to use his strength to maintain separation from blockers and set a firm edge. Recruitable at multiple positions depending on development and scheme.</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/kingstonsula_4/status/1998957607877591303 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wilmot checks all the boxes as a D1 safety prospect at 6'1” 185 lbs. He's a good athlete with a high football IQ and great instincts/anticipation in coverage. In addition to his natural athletic ability, he shows great technique, footwork, and fundamentals both in coverage and when coming downhill in run support. Like his awareness and route recognition that allows him to attach to receivers and close separation/throwing lanes. Operates well in both two high and single high schemes with good eye discipline and assignment execution. Finished the 2025 season with 70 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 13 PBU's, and 4 forced fumbles. Despite holding several D1 offers he's still underrecruited given his ability and upside.</p>