Notable Rising Defensive Prospects with Major Upside

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138816' first='Zeke' last='Burgess'] | ATH | 2027 | Navarre | @ZekeBurgess1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burgess continues trending as one of the faster-rising defensive backs in the state. Coming off a season with 69 tackles and a team-high four interceptions, he shows the ability to both tackle and defend the ball at a high level. His track background translates well on the field, giving him explosive speed and range in coverage. The combination of athleticism and production has already started drawing strong interest from Power 4 programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680783' first='Levi' last='Champion'] | LB | 2027 | King's Academy | @LeviChampion_2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Champion has quietly been one of the most productive linebackers in the state over the past couple of seasons. The 6-0, 205-pound defender led all tacklers this past season and continues to show strong instincts and physicality at the position. His steady production is finally starting to earn the recognition it deserves, and his 4.29 GPA only adds to the appeal for college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140085' first='Carl' last='Jones Jr.'] | DB | 2027 | Tampa Catholic | @carljonesjr_4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is beginning to gain traction following a strong junior season. He brings good size for the corner position and uses his length well in press coverage and contested situations. As his technique continues improving, he has the tools to develop into a reliable outside defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeau Pierre | DL | 2027 | TFA | @PierreJeau</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierre is a developing defensive lineman who already shows impressive strength at a young age. During the spring game he flashed the ability to hold his ground in the trenches while showing the physical tools to grow into a disruptive interior presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Burgess | DB | 2027 | Largo | @jay_burgess11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burgess turned in one of the more productive seasons among defensive backs in the class. He plays with a physical edge, consistently attacks the football, and isn't afraid to come downhill to make tackles. His aggressive style helps set the tone in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demond Kion Scott | DB | 2027 | Rockledge | @DemondScott9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott is a fast-rising corner who brings rare length and athletic ability to the position. He covers ground well, shows good instincts in coverage, and competes with physicality when the ball is in the air. His junior-season production reflects his ability to consistently impact games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Raeshaun Pugh | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @daarealduce</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pugh continues to show why college programs are starting to take notice. A versatile athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways, he sealed a recent matchup with a pick-six to close things out against Fort Myers. His physical style and playmaking ability give him plenty of upside in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ky'Mani Reed | ATH | 2027 | Venice | @KKymani__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed stands out defensively with his energy and competitiveness. He was active throughout the weekend that I watched him compete this offseason, challenging receivers and making plays on the football. Recent move over to Venice, his physical approach and intensity give him the tools to continue developing as a playmaker on the defensive side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->