Sleeper 2027 defenders on the rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sleeper 2027 defenders deserve more attention...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2097692"],"_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-6a26c8fe98220"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A speedy, sure-tackling linebacker south of Atlanta who continues to fly under the radar, McWilson is coming off an extremely productive junior season for Jonesboro where he tackled everything in sight, making 117 tackles, 11 TFLs and two fumble recoveries. He understand the position, plays hard, and is one of the region's top returning linebackers for the 2027 season. He shows easy D1 potential on film who plays bigger than his 6-foot-0 190-pound frame. Look for McWilson to have another giant season in 2026 as a senior for the Cardinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2005861"],"_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-6a26c8fe982d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quick, active linebacker from the Savannah area who plays soung, gap-assignment football, Deal is an underrated defender at 5-foot-9 200-pounds who should see a boost in the next Prep Redzone rankings this summer. He's smart, eludes blocks, and knows how to make a secure, fundamentally-sound tackle. The playmaking inside linebacker made an eye-opening 99 tackles last season with five sacks, three forced fumbles, one INT and six TFLs. He makes a major impact in multiple ways and will be tough to stop next fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224473"],"_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-6a26c8fe9833e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sleeper defender on the rise with a lean frame and versatile skillset, Nelson has the ability to rush the passer off the edge due to his burst and lengthy 6-foot-4 205-pound frame while having enough athleticism to cover down the field and play in space. He can make an impact in multiple ways and should have a really strong senior season due to his frame, above-average athleticism, and overall potential. He can create havoc in the backfield and could easily garner some D1 interest, along with a new Prep Redzone ranking later this summer. He's an under-the-radar defender to know south of Atlanta next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224475"],"_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-6a26c8fe98390"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quick linebacker who plays way bigger than his size, Bailey is a preoductive West Georgia linebacker who helped lead the Red Devils defense last season on their way to another state championship. The instinctive linebacker plays hard, wraps up properly, and was one of the more productive linebackers across the state for his class last fall as he made 126 tackles with one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He's a sleeper linebacker on the rise who could light up the stat sheet this fall as a senior. The productive senior will be an easy addition to the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1906903"],"_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-6a26c8fe983d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A do-it-all player for Northgate who can make an impact in all three phases of the game, Jarvis was a dependable running back on offense who tackled everything in sight on defense. The speedy, quick-reacting linebacker has a true nose for the football who has no problem delivering a big hit on the ball-carrier. One of the most productive 2027 linebackers in the region last year, the 6-foot-0 190-pounder made 114 tackles in 2025 with five TFLs and two pass deflections to go along with one forced fumble. He'a a reliable defender against the run and should be even better as a senior in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->