Heir Academy football standouts: Defense

Heir Academy has produced some of the top prospects in the region over the past decade-plus, and that doesn't appear likely to slow down any time soon.   Heir boasts some of the top players in the state, as well as a few sleepers who are quickly generating attention this offseason.   Here's a look at some of the top defensive players in the program:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/heir-academy-football-standouts-offense/">CHECK OUT THE OFFENSE</a>   DB [player_tooltip player_id='1397308' first='Dash' last='Jones'], Undetermined (2030) — Dash has been around high-level football since birth.   And it shows.    Jones has elite athleticism and is already technically sound, which has allowed him to cover some of the top high school wide receivers in the region.   He's great in man coverage with fluid hips and diagnoses plays quickly.    For an eighth grader to do all that is special.   College programs have already taken notice, as he holds multiple offers, highlighted by Miami, Penn State and Vanderbilt.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1368334' first='Elijah' last='Carney'], Lincoln (2027) — The modern defensive back.   Carney is a fluid, athletic 6-foot-2 DB who is physical at the catch point and in press coverage.   Carney has a solid understanding of body positioning in zone coverage and appears to be on track to be a plus defenders regardless of scheme.   Unsurprisingly, college programs are enamored.   He holds offers from Boise State, Oregon, Tennessee and others.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1188077' first='Tayven' last='Collins'], Cascade Christian (2027) — A tough, athletic defender who feeds on the physicality of football and is locked in every whistle.    Collins displays solid ball skills, but also delivers punishing hits.   A defensive leader who can set a physical tone any time he steps out on the field.   Collins holds offers from BYU, New Mexico, UCLA and others.    LB [player_tooltip player_id='985511' first='Kaicen' last='Carter'], Federal Way (2026) — The 6-foot-2, 210-pound physical tone-setter has shown off some of his versatility this offseason in coverage.   Carter is a freak athlete with a solid frame and good athleticism - the modern linebacker build.   He has already accumulated multiple Power 4 conference offers, highlighted by California, Minnesota, Washington and others.    LB [player_tooltip player_id='1397377' first='Andrew' last='Peapea'], Federal Way (2029) — The 6-foot-1, 215-pound true mike linebacker is still growing, but already loves contact. It jumps out immediately given the way he plays.    But the next layer that stands out in his performance is that he's not a slow-footed thumper.   Peapea can move and is light on his feet pursuing ball-carriers or dropping back into coverage.    His basketball acumen seems to inform some of his athleticism and footwork early in his career.    ATH/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1795369' first='Zarrick' last='Roberts'], Yelm (2028) — Reminds me of young Isaiah Patterson, who is now at West Virginia.   Roberts is already a solid two-way player who doesn't necessarily have a “true” position just yet.   His best position may end up being linebacker, like Patterson, and he has the size and athleticism to fit modern linebacker needs at the position.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1737979' first='Justice' last='Nguyen'], West Seattle (2027) — The 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete is starting to rise up the rankings and draw praise.   He could be an up-and-coming playmaker for a loaded Heir football program.    Nguyen shows great technique and a patience in coverage that speaks to his advanced approach.   He still needs to get stronger, but if he can add some muscle there's a chance he really pops as a prospect.   ATH/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1397322' first='Marquis' last='Tovia'], Chief Sealth (2029) — While young, Tovia already looks like he could truly be special.   The 6-foot-3 playmaker can do it all — high-point the football, make players after the catch, cover in space or disrupt the catch point.   Tovia is a player to watch.   He could emerge as a national recruit.   DB Preston Lagat, Graham-Kapowsin (2027) — [player_tooltip player_id='1792192' first='Raymond' last='Preston Lagat'] has gone from relative unknown to rising playmaker rather quickly.   The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back has good size and the versatility to line up either outside or inside.   If he continues upon his current trajectory he may develop into one of the state's best DBs in the 2027 class.    ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1397388' first='Ahmire' last='Rooters-Hart'], Mount Tahoma (2029) — A 6-foot-1, 175-pound player who lined up at cornerback for the first time this fall.   He performed admirably and generated enough positive tape to make him worthy of future consideration.   While he still needs to add weight, his future may line as an outside linebacker who can cover in space.    DB Michael Waller, Federal Way (2027) — New to football, Waller has been a solid player for Heir so far this offseason and shows promise.    Waller has good twitch and instincts to go with a 6-foot, 160-pound frame.   He needs to get stronger and gain further experience, but he's on his way.

Heir Academy has produced some of the top prospects in the region over the past decade-plus, and that doesn't appear likely to slow down any time soon.