2027 Rankings: All-Off Season Stock Risers Defensive Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em><br><br>Which prospects blew up over the spring and summer in the class of 2027?&nbsp; Here we examine our All-Off Season Stock Risers Defensive Team in the rising senior class!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>EDGE Rusher</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2053365' first='Owen' last='Roberts'] (York)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robets flew up the board coming off a strong spring and summer where he ended up committing to Purdue.&nbsp; 40+ spot riser that is a big time edge rusher with his combination of power and speed.&nbsp; The bend is there along with closing speed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104986' first='Darin' last='Graham'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We liked what we saw from Graham last season as a situational pass rusher and that helium continued into the offseason where the Wisconsin commit garnered quite a few power 4 offers as a speed and toolsy pass rusher that can really get up field!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2120971' first='Cornell' last='Bass'] (Lockport)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Illinois commit went from unranked to inside the top 70.&nbsp; Explosive edge rusher with multiple pass rush moves and uses his hands well.&nbsp; Like the motor he brings to the table.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566782' first='Kelonnie' last='Owens'] (Bloom)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owens shined when we saw him at UA Next with his length, quickness, and blazing speed!&nbsp; Was a standout in all the drill work with his athletic ability and then got wins in one on ones with his freakish first step!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Tackle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2176962' first='Caleb' last='Morrow'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ton of raw strength here in this East St. Louis versatile D lineman that can be a three or five technique at the next level.&nbsp; His quickness, athleticism, and use of hands really caught our attention this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2244782' first='Machail' last='Henderson'] (Cahokia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another metro east standout here in Henerson who at 6'1” 245 pounds is a bit undersized, but he was dominant in several camp settings where we saw him win with his hands, strength, and technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2045496' first='Will' last='Mettee'] (Loyola)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massive move up over 60 spots for the Boston College commit.&nbsp; He was a major standout at the UA Next Camp where he won MVP.&nbsp; One of several outings that sparked his rise up the board</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570769' first='Matthew' last='Schlenhardt'] (Maine South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Major blow up for the Syracuse commit going up 100+ spots in the rankings!&nbsp; His versatility really is what stands out as he can be an edge rusher, pursue the ball on straight line takes, and is extremely instinctual getting to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='607399' first='Matthew' last='Brady'] (Bloomington Central Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brady was the third massive leaper among the linebackers as he jumped up 60+ spots in the rankings.&nbsp; The Michigan State commit has shined over the last several months because of his ability to cover in space along with his overall athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2245896' first='Henry' last='Saklas'] (Nazareth Academy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of future Spartans Saklas went from unranked to inside the top 50 overall!&nbsp; What really stands out about the safety is his ball skills and how well he reacts to plays in the air.&nbsp; Reads the QB and drives on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671946' first='Jonathan' last='Harris'] (Brother Rice)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Iowa Hawkeyes commit elevated his stock with a 100+ spot jump in the ranking.&nbsp; The defensive back is a high level competitor that is a fluid athlete who makes plays on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2227122' first='Cruz' last='Evans'] (Glenwood)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evans burst on the scene this spring as a versatile defensive back that can play corner, nickel, or safety.&nbsp; Does a nice job in coverage and run support.&nbsp; Central Illinois DB to track!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->