Highest-debuting defensive prospects in LA’s latest 2027 rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana released its latest 2027 class rankings update Monday, including a several notable new faces after breakout junior years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The debuts on the defensive side included a recent Power-Four commit, as well as some other talented prospects who possess the potential to follow suit to that high-profile level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the six highest-debuting defensive standouts in the latest update with one even cracking the top 40, two more in the top 60, three more in the top 75.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2056653' first='Jewellz' last='Tapp'] — 6-1, 170 DB — John Curtis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recent TCU commit is the highest-ranked defensive debut in the latest rankings update. Tapp was a versatile playmaker in a loaded John Curtis secondary this fall as both reliable lockdown corner or ballhawking free safety with the confidence and discipline to rise to the occasion in big matchups and at clutch times. He is a long, solidly built and speedy athlete with quick feet and fluid hips to effectively blanket receivers and make smart and well-timed plays on the ball, including five interceptions and nine other deflections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616374' first='Kyle' last='Horde'] — 6-2, 220 LB/RB — Westminster Christian-Opelousas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Louisiana's biggest revelations of this fall, Horde was a two-way star for the Crusaders during their historic season for the program and earned all-state honors at linebacker where he is projected at the next level. Horde is a powerful tenacious and hard-nosed player all-around with an explosive burst to the ball or as a ball-carrier. He finished his junior campaign with 116 tackles, including 55 solo stops and 14 for loss, and an interception and eight breakups, while also serving as his team's bellcow running back with 1,168 yards and 16 touchdowns on 106 carries. Tulane, Oklahoma State, Houston, Memphis, UNLV and Texas State have been among the few of the programs to offer during his subsequent recruiting ramp-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2228454' first='Jacques' last='Robichaux III'] —&nbsp;6-4, 230 EDGE — St. Augustine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The long, athletic pass-rusher was a key disruptor off the edge for a stout defense that complemented the Purple Knights' explosive offense to help lead the program's best season and first title-game run since 1979. Robichaux, nicknamed "Tre," possesses a good combination of quickness and balance to shake or spin by blockers and strength and motor to drive others backward using his long arms to keep offensive lineman off his body and then rip or pull by to free up to make plays, including 9.5 sacks and a pick-six he deflected, corralled and returned. His recruitment has taken off the early months of this year, including Louisiana (Lafayette), Colorado, Syracuse, Oregon State, Texas State and Southern Miss among a few notables. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2227481' first='DeJuan' last='Rivera'] —&nbsp;6-1, 175 DB — Archbishop Shaw</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles continue to enjoy a nice run of defensive back prospects with the long, rangy safety the latest to emerge thanks to a growth spurt and a breakout junior season. Rivera, who recently committed to Navy, looked comfortable and effective on the back end of the defense, shutting down passing lanes and making plays on the ball in the air; getting downhill, breaking down quickly and arriving as a sure, hard-hitting tackler; or sliding down and covering receivers in the slot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2227498' first='Craig' last='Connor III'] —&nbsp;6-0, 180 DB —&nbsp;John Curtis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No team in the state has more defensive backs ranked as highly in the rising senior class or overall than the Patriots, with Connor joining Tapp among the top debuts in latest update. For a hard-hitting group all-around, Connor is as much of an enforcer as anyone. He is smooth and balanced in his backpedal and does a nice job reading and playing deep passes for interceptions, but particularly stands out when unloading for jarring breakups and tackles. In-state FCS programs Nicholls State and McNeese State opened his recruitment with offers in April, and he has continued to gain steam with Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech and South Alabama among some of the most notable FBS suitors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2228455' first='Anthony' last='White Jr.'] — 6-3, 230 EDGE — Edna Karr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars will field a largely new-look unit this fall after graduated its legendary 2026 class, and White will be among the most interesting prospects to watch now finally getting to break into a bigger role after a journey of a career thus far that has included position and school changes and some patience. He is a long, quick and fluid athlete once an intriguing young wide receiver prospect who showed some flashes in his opportunities this fall behind the veterans or on special teams. White was clearly due to be added to the list, but this fall will determine how highly he should ultimately rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->