Class Of 2027 Under-the-Radar Trench-Warrior Prospects

Everyone loves a front seven knock 'em out, drag 'em out dog fight, and in the state of Missouri, players pride themselves on being one of the toughest states around in between the tackles.   The five prospects in this article love to play physical on the defensive side of the ball, and all five deserve more recognition.    [player_tooltip player_id='2241711' first='Titus' last='Dowell'] has shown way too much potential to get the "Underrated" label.   Dowell turned some heads this past season. Coming from small Liberty Christian, a homeschool program, Titus has really shown he can hang with the competition. Dowell already sports a great 6'3 "220 pound", 220-pound frame, and he moves well for his size. Dowell also comes equipped with very long arms that he uses to create separation from offensive linemen. Titus lives out on the edge and does a very good job for the Lighthouse Christian Chargers of turning runs back inside for linebackers to grab tackles.   I have a feeling this is going to be a highly productive senior year for Titus.     Every year, [player_tooltip player_id='1640591' first='Victor' last='Reyes'] improves his overall game.   I've already been a fan of [player_tooltip player_id='1640591' first='Victor' last='Reyes']' game, but every year he continues to work hard and improve his game. This past year, there wasn't any hesitation in how he diagnosed plays. He's a high-IQ linebacker who seems to never be in the wrong place on the field. Reyes plays the run equally as well as he plays the pass, he gets to his appropriate spot and is never out of position. He's also a fundamentally sound tackler, and disengages from blockers very well   This Senior season is going to be huge for Reyes.     Heitman logged 61 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 2 INT in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='2241713' first='Tate' last='Heitman'] I must admit, wasn't on my radar much, but the more you watch Odessa High School play, it's hard to miss the missile at linebacker that keeps appearing on the screen. Heitman loves to be the enforcer on the defensive side of the football, whether it's the ball carrier or anyone who tries to put a hat on him; Heitman looks to impose his will on that person. Tate can also play multiple positions, he's usually at OLB in a 4-3 hybrid, but he can also give you some valuable snaps at Safety.   Heitman is an underrated prospect, with something to prove in 2026.     Hampton logged 100 tackles, 20 TFL, 4 FF, and 4 sacks in 2025.   Hampton is one of the most athletic linebackers in the 2027 class in Missouri. He plays with the confidence that you look for in a linebacker prospect. Hampton moves sideline to sideline effortlessly; it's a pleasure to turn on the tape and watch him go to work. Judging from his 20 TFLs Hampton lives in the opposition's backfield, and he gets back there by using some of the best speed i've seen this year so far.   I have a feeling Hampton will continue to keep turning heads this upcoming season.     Nelson Logged 105 tackles, 1 FF, 4 PBU, and 5 sacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2144588' first='Perry' last='Nelson'] has some of the best tape out there in the year 2025. You can tell he really makes his presence felt every Friday night when his Park Hill South squad suits up. Nelson is a thumper in every sense of the word, Perry loves the contact, as every linebacker should, of course. He also shows the ability to be fantastic in pass coverage, especially in zone reads, when he has the responsibility of blocking those passing lanes, and using his eyes to read and react.   I'm going to keep a very close eye on this young man going into his Senior season.

Everyone loves a front seven knock 'em out, drag 'em out dog fight, and in the state of Missouri, players pride themselves on being one of the toughest states around in between the tackles.