2028 Stock Risers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the 2028 defensive prospects that have seen their recruiting stock on the rise this summer. </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Northern Arizona became the first program to offer Ashour, and it won't be the last given his physical upside on the edge. He checks the boxes at 6'4” 235 lbs. with plus wingspan measuring 77 inches giving him the frame colleges look for at the position. Strong for his size with the athleticism that stands out on tape to execute different block beating moves. He's disciplined setting the edge maintaining outside leverage flashing the strength and awareness to hold his ground and force the action back inside. Like his short area quickness, he redirects well and shows good lateral agility to maintain positioning whether working down the line or pursuing in the open field. Still just scratching the surface of his potential, his length and athletic tools give him a high ceiling and his recruitment should continue trending up as he continues to develop.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AdenAshour/status/1977944852328505453 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Harris-Taylor is a name to watch heading into the 2026 season and earned an offer from NAU immediately following his performance at their camp. 6'3” 180 lbs. he's got a great foundational frame. He's patient with his footwork but triggers quickly once he diagnoses the play to plant and drive downhill without hesitation. Shows good acceleration coming out of his break to close separation in a hurry. He relates well to receivers and stays connected with the ball in the air, giving him to the positioning to play through the catch point rather than just react to it. Strong ball skills and a versatile skillset make him a legitimate threat on both sides of the ball. Expect his recruitment to build as he gains varsity experience and increased exposure.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">New Mexico became the first program to offer Hicks and it's easy to see why once you see him play. Lockdown potential at CB with outstanding natural coverage instincts, route recognition, and reactionary quickness. There's an edge to his game, he's competitive and physical to challenge receivers every time a ball is thrown his way. Great quickness and short area burst allow him to close separation and stay in phase at all three levels, whether he's pressing at the line or working out of off coverage. Love his acceleration coming out of the break, he doesn't waste any movement getting back on top of the route. Expect more offers to follow as puts his skillset and coverage ability on display.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson has been on the Prep Redzone radar since his freshman year and saw his first D1 offer come through from NAU after a strong camp showing. He's continued to add mass now at 6'2” 275 lbs. while maintaining the initial quickness and athleticism that made him a name to watch early on. Flashes a great ability to disengage from blockers using his natural power and leverage to shed and make tackles. Quick hands and feet give him an edge getting off the ball and working through contact. He's a legitimate disruptor against both the run and pass being tough to move off his spot and capable of collapsing the pocket from the interior. Currently the PRZ #1 overall and #6 DL prospect in the 2028 state rankings and his stock projects to keep climbing going forward.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AidanThompson52/status/2014764845363855446 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Walker earned an offer from NAU after a strong showing at their camp and established himself as a developmental prospect with a rising trajectory. At 6'6” 220 lbs. he's still filling out a lean frame with plenty of room to add mass as he matures. His 79.5 inch wingspan gives him ideal length that creates matchup problems for blockers trying to contain him off the edge. Combining that length with his natural movement skills makes him stand out. He shows good speed/quickness at his size that translates into an explosive get off out of his stance. Can work through blocks with a good motor but also has good hand usage and strength at the POA. Possesses all the tools to see increased recruitment as he able to showcase his ability on tape.  </p>