2027 Defenders Who Deserve More Attention

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2027 defenders should be getting more attention on the recruiting trail...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1952838"],"_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-6a3aa49029c1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile defensive back who can play cornerback on the outside and the middle of the field at safety, Tillmon is a ball-hawk in the Harrison secondary who picked off an eye-opening five passes last fall for the Hoyas. At 5-foot-11 175-pounds, Tillmon brings a frame that will allow him to put on more muscle and be able to continue thriving against the run as a sure-tackling defender from the defensive backfield. He was one of Cobb County's most productive defensive backs last season bound for an even bigger senior season in 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924621"],"_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-6a3aa49029ca6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sleeper linebacker to know at Mill Creek who showed D1-caliber talent last season, Backus is still flying under the radar after a very productive junior season where he made 60 tackles, five TFLs and five sacks while also making plays in coverage. He's an incredibly smart defender with a high football IQ who has earned some Ivy League interest and even a recent offer from Navy. He plays hard, he's fundamentally sound, and should see more offers come his way along with a boost in the upcoming 2027 Prep Redzone rankings this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2180965"],"_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-6a3aa49029d01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated defensive linemen south of Atlanta, Watts-Daniels brings above-average athleticism, natural strength, and the ability to create consistent chaos in the backfield. He brings D1-caliber size at 6-foot-3 245-pounds and put enough on tape last year that proves he can play at the next level. This playmaking, versatile defender should absolutely see more college attention come his way. Don't be surprised if he has a giant senior season for the Warhawks in 2026. Like the others, Watts-Daniels should see a new ranking come his way later this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2233470"],"_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-6a3aa49029d57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A vicious, hard-hitting defender in the Atlanta area still flying under the radar, Sutherland is a tough linebacker who plays hard and can make plays in the middle of the field as well as in the backfield. His closing speed and ability to deliver a major hit on the ball-carrier made it clear last fall that he's capable of playing at the next level. He holds some smaller offers, but Sutherland could add some potential D1 offers down the road with another impressive season this fall as a junior. He'll be an easy addition to the next rankings update next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1599865"],"_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-6a3aa49029dab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another tough and instinctive defender flying under the radar, Lewis is a Dallas, Georgia native who lit up the stat sheet last fall for East Paulding, securing 109 total tackles, seven TFLs and six sacks, averaging about 10 tackles per game. He's plays with a physical presence at 6-foot-1 220-pounds who has a nose for the football, consistently putting himself in a position to attack the ball-carrier and be around the play. His recruitment has the potential to pick up soon and he's likely bound for another extremely productive season this fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->