2028 Watchlist to Ranked: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Take a look at the 2028 defensive prospects that moved from the watchlist to the rankings in the most recent update.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Robinson moves from the watchlist into #89 overall and skyrocketed up recruiting boards this spring racking up eight D1 offers with six being P4 programs. 6'1” 175 lbs. he's a versatile DB that has skillset and natural coverage ability to play any position in the secondary. Clean with his footwork and technique combined with great anticipation skills allows him to get an early break on the ball and close space. He uses good eye discipline to read the QB and diagnose route concepts as the play develops. Great combination of length, speed, and physicality to stay in phase to all areas of the field and be an effective playmaker against both the pass and run. High level prospect that will continue to climb the rankings 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/Jordan_R562/status/1991346368124973270 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Juarez climbs the board to #146 overall and is fourteenth ranked LB in the 2028 class. 6'2” 210 lbs. he flies around the field with good speed showing the range and lateral movement to make plays sideline to sideline. Violent at the POA, finishing ball carriers to the ground with strength and force as a tackler. Demonstrates a high football IQ, he's highly instinctual with the ability to diagnose plays quickly and take efficient angles to the ball. Great nose for the football, consistently around the play regardless of where it's designed to go. Good motor, relentless in pursuit of the ball. A physical and instinctive LB with the range and IQ to fit multiple schemes. Finished the 2026 season with 80 total tackles (38 solo), 12 TFL, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Picked up his first two D1 offers this summer from NAU and UNLV but expect more programs to come through entering his junior year.</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/charlesjuarez09/status/1994128040935477329 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Leomiti pulled in his first offer from Idaho in May but is still an under recruited hybrid DL prospect at 6'2” 245 lbs. Frame is packed with strength and power at the contact point playing with good leverage to hold his ground and set the edge against the run or beat his block as a rusher. Solid hand usage using active, well placed hands to control blockers and disengage to free himself up for a tackle. A sure tackler that accelerates through contact and finishes with force. Extremely high ceiling with the ability to be recruited at multiple positions depending on development and scheme.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AriezLeomiti_/status/2053328430444474758 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Haydock moves into the rankings as a disruptive presence against both the run and pass showing an explosive first step that puts him in great position to make plays at or behind the LOS. He's quick to diagnose the play and locate the football tracking the ball and closing in a hurry. His get off creates a real mismatch for opposing tackles that can't beat him to the spot to gain positional leverage. Like his ability to get skinny and limit blockers from getting into his body. He's able to work laterally and maintain his speed to redirect to the ball carrier. Pulled in his first offer from Cal Poly and should see a bump in recruitment as a junior. In 2025, he finished with 50 total tackles (40 solo), 12 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.</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/CooperHaydock/status/1988433924939469225 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Leleimene is an outstanding defensive playmaker that racked up the postseason accolades as a sophomore being selected First Team All-CIF, First Team All-Area, First Team All League, and winning a state championship. 6'0” 205 lbs. he flashes three down ability with the skillset to fill as a run stopper, drop into zone coverage, or rush the passer as a blitzer. Plays well with his eyes to make quick decisive reads and react. Efficient with his movement in pursuit, he tracks the ball carrier well while maintaining proper leverage. Smart in how he defeats blocks, when the play is away from him he beats with speed, play to him he attacks it and sheds. Holds offers four D1 offers and finished the 2025 season with 126 total tackles (64 solo) with 21.5 TFL, and 3 sacks.</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/ElijahLeleimene/status/2060592916196938010 </div></figure>