Ball Knowledge: Five Underrated 2028 Defenders

There are many players who have what it takes to dominate a game, but doing that on the defensive side of the ball isn't as easy as many think. These five players are the definition of underrated and ball knowledge. Take a look.    [player_tooltip player_id='1942113' first='Abreham' last='Evans'] is on this list as someone who has a lot of upside. Evans is by far one of the better players in the state, and has all the potential in the world when it comes to tackling running backs in the backfield. He takes great angles and is very underrated, as his counterpart, [player_tooltip player_id='1091378' first='Elijah' last='Long'], has been receiving a ton of attention. Evans' time will come, as he was the team leader in sacks last season, and will only be better when it comes to this next season, as he will be more polished and will be more college-ready than ever. I believe Evans is a dominant defender, and it will show under the Friday Night Lights in 2026.     If you like ball-hawking defensive backs, then this talented prospect is the one for you. He was one of the state's best ball-hawking defensive backs, and he led the class of 2028 inside the state of Georgia when it came to interceptions. A season ago, he finished with seven interceptions, and he is expected to have another great season in 2026. He is one player who is worth keeping an eye on, as he is one who could grow and become a star at the next level if he is given the chance. I am very excited to watch Terry in this next season.     If you don't know about [player_tooltip player_id='2082833' first='Segun' last='Alexander'], then you are about to find out real quick. He is someone who has been viewed as one of the better players inside the state of Georgia, and is a player with one of the highest upside I have seen on the defensive line. Alexander is dominant and has one of the deepest bags in the state of Georgia when it comes to rushing the passer, as he finished with double-digit sacks last season. He is a versatile defender who could play both on the interior and outside on the defensive line. I believe Alexander has everything he needs to be a great defender and will be someone worth taking a look at this season, as he is someone who will catch the attention of others quickly.     [player_tooltip player_id='1959575' first='Jake' last='Smith'] is a Roswell linebacker with all the potential in the world to be a great linebacker. He is very lengthy and has great traits when it comes to rushing a quarterback. When he is at his best, he is the field general on the defensive side of the ball at such a young age. He has it all, and will only get better as time goes on. Smith has a ton of potential to have a bigger season this year, and that is something that will scare any quarterback in his way. Make sure you keep an eye on Smith to say you were on him as early as Prep Redzone was!     Flowery Branch is in great hands when [player_tooltip player_id='1869220' first='Ryland' last='Garrison'] is on the field. He is someone who could find himself in the captain spot on this team come next season, as he finished with one of the highest tackle totals in the state for both a 2028 prospect and a high school player in general. He is by far one of the more aggressive defenders, but is patient when he needs to be. He doesn't second-guess himself, which is what has led to him being involved in almost every big play this season. Garrison is a dominant high school football player, and he will only get better as time goes.

There are many players who have what it takes to dominate a game, but doing that on the defensive side of the ball isn't as easy as many think. These five players are the definition of underrated and ball knowledge. Take a look.