8 rising senior defenders who recently earned their first offers

Many players want or even expect college offers to start rolling in early in high school. But every recruiting process unfolds at its own pace, and most prospects don't see theirs start gaining notable traction until after their junior season.   A few more rising seniors have earned their first offers during the past few weeks — great developments for their own opportunities ahead, and a nice reminder of patience to younger athletes to trust the process and not get discouraged.   Here's a look at eight 2027 standouts on the defensive side of the ball who reported their first offers in April.   Craig Connor II — 6-0, 180 DB — John Curtis   The Patriots' loaded secondary was already firmly in the argument among those with the potential to be the state's best this year, and Connor became the latest to see his recruiting process take off this month as Nicholls State, McNeese State and Central Arkansas all extended offers. Connor is a free safety who plays the back end of the defense well and, like the rest of his position group in River Ridge, is more than happy to crash downhill and play physically.   Sabyron Ferrell — 6-3, 175 DB — Riverdale   The younger brother of Sy'our, a longtime Prep Redzone Louisiana ranked prospect in the 2026 class, received his first offer Wednesday from in-state McNeese State. Sabyron in a long, rangy cornerback for his Rebels and potentially versatile defensive back prospect who intercepted three passes and broke up 12 more as a junior, including some highlight-reel plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='406748' first='Franky' last='Frank Jr.'] — 5-11, 185 DB — Cecilia   Another longtime Prep Redzone Louisiana favorite, Frank is a smart, disciplined defensive back with good ball skills and an increasing effectiveness as a tackler throughout his prep career as he developed physically to go along with his willingness in that area. Several college coaches had been eager to see how well he ran this offseason, and North Alabama and Nicholls State both recently extended his first offers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1973709' first='Jaydon' last='Garnett'] — 6-1, 225 EDGE/LB — Central   Garnett flashed this fall as a quick and tenacious pass-rusher with the ability to knock back or quickly shed and zip by blockers to chase down plays in opponents' backfields, and he's one of the team's great rising senior core that has expectations high once again for the 2024 state champions. Nicholls State recently extended his first offers, and Northwestern State hosted him a few days later for the program's junior day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1825838' first='Landon' last='Joseph'] — 6-2, 230 EDGE — Iowa   Colleges around the region — and, in some cases, country — have continued to recognize some of the talent coming through Iowa on the heels of the program's first state championship. Joseph was among the highly productive leaders and playmakers with an all-state campaign of 112 tackles, including 35 for loss and 14.5 sacks, and Central Arkansas extended his first college offer last week.   DeJuan Rivera — 6-2, 170 DB — Archbishop Shaw   Rivera is the next defensive back to know in a nice recent run for the Eagles in the position group. He is instinctive and quick, changing directions and closing gaps in a hurry to break up passes or wrap up ball-carriers, and has enjoyed a nice growth spurt during the past year that should help make him a particularly notable stock-riser to watch this offseason. Navy recently extended his first offer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1241513' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] — 6-1, 175 DB — Southern Lab   The next apparent college-bound standout from a secondary with a long track record of producing defensive backs, Williams has quick feet, effectively mirrors receivers and makes well-timed plays on the ball for interceptions and late breakups. Nicholls State and McNeese State both offered this week to kick off his recruiting process.   Josh Wilson — 6-3, 215 EDGE — Lafayette Christian   The big edge rusher was among a deep crew of eye-catchers in the Knights' front seven in different games Prep Redzone Louisiana caught the team live this fall, and he has continued to work this offseason on both his craft and his speed as a a middle-distance runner and member of multiple relay teams for the school's track program. Lamar extended an offer Thursday, and other programs have shown interest.

Many players want or even expect college offers to start rolling in early in high school. But every recruiting process unfolds at its own pace, and most prospects don't see theirs start gaining notable traction until after their junior season.