New Additions 2028: Defensive Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2026 season gets underway, the Class of 2028 continues to take shape across North Carolina. The defensive side of the ball is especially deep, with new names emerging at every level of the defense. After getting more live evaluations, film study, and preseason looks, several prospects have earned their way onto the radar. From disruptive defensive linemen and athletic linebackers to versatile defensive backs, these are some of the <strong>new additions to our 2028 defensive player list</strong>—young prospects whose combination of production, physical tools, and upside makes them names to follow closely this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2221549"],"_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-6a7e83cb75ca9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defilippo is quickly establishing himself as one of the leaders of the Camden County varsity defense. He is a <strong>tackling machine</strong> who plays with strength, physicality, and a nose for the football. Defilippo does a good job working through traffic and finishing plays once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. For a young linebacker, his leadership and presence on the varsity level stand out. He is a physical run defender with the toughness to play between the tackles and should continue to see his stock rise as his production grows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2221554"],"_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-6a7e83cb75d45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Askew brings some serious size and physicality to the middle of the Bertie defense. At close to <strong>6'0", 220 pounds</strong>, he is built to play between the tackles and is at his best attacking downhill. Askew can be a problem on <strong>A-gap blitzes</strong>, using his strength and power to create immediate pressure in the backfield. What really stands out is his ability to take on offensive linemen, hold his ground, shed blocks, and still get to the football. He has the frame and physical style you want from an interior linebacker and is a 2028 prospect worth keeping an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119478"],"_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-6a7e83cb75dcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edmond is a high-upside edge prospect with <strong>a ton of potential</strong> heading into a season where his role should expand. His varsity opportunities have been limited so far, but the physical tools are there for the 2028 defender to become a breakout player in Terry Sanford's system. He has the athletic ability and developing frame to create problems coming off the edge, and increased varsity reps should give him an opportunity to put everything together. Edmond is a prospect whose <strong>production could take a major jump this season</strong>, making him an intriguing name to follow in the 2028 class.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2239047"],"_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-6a7e83cb75e44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baskerville is a disruptive, <strong>penetrating defensive lineman</strong> who can create problems in the backfield. His combination of strength, quickness, and physicality makes him extremely difficult to handle with a single blocker. Offenses have to account for him up front because he can defeat one-on-one blocks and collapse running lanes before they develop. Baskerville has the ability to command <strong>double teams</strong>, which can create opportunities for everyone around him. He is a disruptive interior presence with the tools to become a major factor for Ben L. Smith's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2247068"],"_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-6a7e83cb75ebf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen is an intriguing defensive back prospect with a combination of <strong>size, athletic ability, and playmaking instincts</strong>. He has the frame you want in a young secondary prospect and enough athleticism to match up with different types of receivers. What stands out most is his ability to make plays on the football—he does not just cover space, he puts himself in position to impact the play. With his physical tools and upside, Allen has the potential to develop into a versatile piece in Cleveland's secondary and a <strong>2028 prospect whose stock could continue to climb</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2244753"],"_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-6a7e83cb75f30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collins is a <strong>sideline-to-sideline linebacker</strong> whose athleticism immediately stands out. He can really run, giving him the range to chase down ball carriers from the backside and make plays outside the tackle box. His speed also translates well in <strong>pass coverage</strong>, where he looks comfortable dropping into space and matching up with offensive skill players. Collins brings the versatility needed from the modern linebacker position, with the ability to impact both the run and passing game. His combination of range, coverage ability, and athleticism makes him an intriguing <strong>2028 linebacker prospect to follow</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616111"],"_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-6a7e83cb75f9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthews has the tools to develop into a <strong>lockdown defender</strong> in the Providence secondary. The 2028 prospect can really run, giving him the speed to stay connected with receivers vertically and recover when challenged downfield. His athleticism allows him to match up in man coverage and gives the defense flexibility with how he can be used on the back end. Matthews has the speed, coverage ability, and confidence you look for at defensive back, making him another <strong>2028 prospect with plenty of upside</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264830"],"_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-6a7e83cb76012"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blakeney is a dynamic two-way athlete who makes plays on both sides of the football, but his upside at <strong>defensive back really stands out</strong>. He possesses elite size for the position and pairs that frame with impressive speed and athletic ability. Blakeney has the range to cover ground quickly and the physical tools to match up with bigger receivers while still having the speed to run with vertical threats. His offensive experience also helps his instincts when the ball is in the air. With his combination of <strong>size, speed, and natural playmaking ability</strong>, Blakeney has the tools to develop into a high-level defensive prospect in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2326547"],"_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-6a7e83cb76080"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ratchford is an intriguing 2028 defensive prospect with <strong>college-level size and positional versatility</strong>. At around <strong>6'4" with long arms</strong>, he has a frame that immediately catches your attention at linebacker. He has the length and range to make plays from the second level, but his physical tools also give him the ability to slide down and play off the edge. That versatility makes him especially interesting as he continues to develop. Whether he stays at linebacker or eventually grows into a full-time edge defender, Ratchford has the <strong>size, length, and upside to become a serious college prospect</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->