Defensive front seven stockrisers in PRZLA’s latest 2027 rankings

Avoyelles DE Kobe Smith

Jerit Roser June 23, 2026 @ 11:42 PM

Prep Redzone Louisiana released its latest 2027 class rankings update last week and continues taking a deeper dive into some of the newest developments.   A few familiar faces on the defensive side of the ball saw their rankings rise within — or, in one instance, into — the top 100 after strong performances junior year.   Here's a look at some of the more sizable leapers among defensive linemen, edge rushers and linebackers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1801050' first='Jaden' last='Bayonne'] — 6-6, 275 DL — Alexandria   The biggest stock-riser and now highest-ranked prospect during the past year of a loaded Trojans senior class that may be the best in program history, Bayonne has always had the size that coaches all over the country covet and has continued to develop as a versatile and disruptive playmaker anywhere along the defensive front. He popped as much during last month's spring game as in any in-person evaluation opportunity the past couple years with his abilities to both stuff the run and burst his way into the backfield to blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage.   [player_tooltip player_id='934558' first='Ansinneo' last='Charles Jr.'] — 6-5, 205 EDGE/TE — Lafayette Renaissance Charter   Charles hit the radar early with a Grambling State offer as a tight end before even getting to his freshman year of high school. And, after being delayed some — but not denied — by injury, he has becoming one of the bigger stock-risers of the offseason as he showcases his all-around versatility and ability to work well in space in addition to his flashes as a long, tenacious rusher off the edge. Mississippi State became his most recent offer to join Louisiana (Lafayette) and others factoring heavily in his recruitment.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248269' first='Ian' last='Gray'] — 6-0, 185 LB — Edna Karr   The Cougars have huge shoes to fill with their legendary 2026 class, but Gray is one of the rising seniors who has already shown some flashes of his ability to step into a bigger role and keep their success rolling. He snatched a couple interceptions in this past December's title game, showing off his athleticism and ball skills to make even acrobatic, diving catches when a ball comes up for grabs. Gray looked decisive and quick flying around the box during spring work and may be the next Edna Karr linebacker to explode as a tackle machine and Division-I prospect in the middle of the defense as a senior.   [player_tooltip player_id='437905' first='DeCaleb' last='Green'] — 6-6, 185 EDGE — Donaldsonville   "Snoop" was high on the early Prep Redzone Louisiana watch lists for the class and particularly exploded on the recruiting trail this offseason on the heels of a 21.5-sack junior campaign. Green remains long and lean with a highlight reel on which he consistently slips by blockers with his quickness off the ball and in changing directions, and if he can continue to get stronger without sacrificing his fluidity, he can be a steal for Cincinnati to have pried out of The Boot with a commitment last week.   [player_tooltip player_id='1357863' first='Kobe' last='Smith'] — 6-2, 260 EDGE/DL — Avoyelles   A longtime Prep Redzone Louisiana favorite, the Louisiana (Lafayette) commit continues to look more and more the part as he continued developing physically — showing up to PRZLA's Stock Up Showcase this year with a leaner look, but with good muscle tacked on. The hyper-motivated leader of his Mustangs team — in football, basketball and track and field for that matter — has been an all-state candidate each of the past two years and envisions another big leap this fall with his attacking of his offseason work.

Prep Redzone Louisiana released its latest 2027 class rankings update last week and continues taking a deeper dive into some of the newest developments.