Grading the 2029 Defensive Position Groups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2029 class is in the spotlight, and amidst pieces breaking down <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-back-seven-defenders/">stock-risers</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-wrs/">newly-ranked players</a>, we also want to approach the class from a big-picture view. After going <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a> of the update, I'm grading each position group for top talent, depth, and potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It can be helpful to look at the class as a whole—where its strengths, weaknesses, and depth lie—to get an idea of where schools might have the best chance to focus their recruiting efforts. Here, we'll start with the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grading the 2028 Defensive Position Groups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Interior Defensive Line: B-</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Numbers:&nbsp;</strong>11 ranked, three Top 25, six Top 50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highest Ranked:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2003853' first='Kaiden' last='Okam']</strong> (No. 6 overall), Mallard Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Strongest Level:&nbsp;</strong>FCS/D2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's early, and it's difficult to make an impact on the interior of the defensive line as a freshman. Younger guys typically don't have the size or strength to play consistently, so the numbers at that position are usually lower in earlier classes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Okam is our top-ranked defensive lineman and fastest riser in the update, regardless of position. We wouldn't be surprised to see other guys join him at the top in a later update, particularly Rolesville's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892101' first='Genesis' last='Allen']</strong> and South View's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2003831' first='Geovanie' last='Iglesias']</strong>, both of whom hit the radar early, but should continue to improve with age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be a sneakily deep defensive line class. Further down the rankings, there's always going to be a bit of projection required. However, there's a good combination of guys with early production who lack size, and some promising athletes who haven't yet broken out on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corvian's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2204952' first='Luke' last='Hampton']</strong> fits into the latter category, as he earned an offer from South Carolina while sitting behind multiple Power Four recruits. We're being cautious with his ranking, but fully expect him to rise once he sees more of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2110472' first='Jerry' last='Tate']</strong> (Charlotte Country Day) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2004008' first='Hosea' last='Robinson']</strong> (Thomasville) fit somewhat into the former. Both guys are still developing physically, and we think they'll ultimately finish their high school careers bigger and stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edge Rusher: C-</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Numbers:&nbsp;</strong>Nine ranked, two Top 25, two Top 50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highest Ranked:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1866343' first='Whitton' last='Butler']</strong> (No. 9 overall), High Point Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Strongest Level:&nbsp;</strong>FCS/D2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The numbers in this edge class don't really tell the whole story. The <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/grading-the-2027-defensive-position-groups-2/">2027</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/grading-the-2028-defensive-position-groups-2/">2028</a> edge rusher classes are fantastic, making potential future stars wait patiently for their moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several guys in this group I like better than their current ranking, if that makes sense. In a few cases, that's just where the guys fell. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2110732' first='Kameron' last='Campbell']</strong> from Hoke County has elite potential, and he was a big mover in this update. He has an argument to be ranked higher, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several guys in the middle of the rankings who could move up if they grow physically. <strong>Maddoz Laws</strong> (Wake Christian) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124203' first='Kieran' last='Pooley']</strong> (Seaforth) are both on the leaner side, but had great freshman seasons. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2199074' first='Cameron' last='Freeman']</strong> (Rolesville) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2123344' first='Ethan' last='Johnson']</strong> (Myers Park) played behind elite senior edge rushers last season, and an extra year out of the spotlight actually benefited them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper, it's not the best edge class we've seen, but it's early, and I think it will get better over the years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Linebackers: B+</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Numbers:&nbsp;</strong>15 ranked, one Top 25, six Top 50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highest Ranked:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1426916' first='Cobel' last='Nkembeng']</strong> (No. 12 overall), Cuthbertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Strongest Level:&nbsp;</strong>High-FCS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike the 2027 and 2028 classes, each of which has multiple in the top 10, this class lacks truly elite linebackers.&nbsp;However, the top-end depth is impressive, with six linebackers in the top 50 and nine in the top 65.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group will shift over time, as some guys will rise to the top as we get a more complete profile. There aren't many high-tackle linebackers in the rankings, yet, with only <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857997' first='Trevorius' last='Cooper']</strong> (Hunt) hitting 50 solo stops. There are a few other productive guys early, mostly at smaller schools, which complicates evaluations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nash Central's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2067755' first='Braylon' last='Whitley']</strong> and Mt. Zion's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857986' first='Lawrence' last='Muldrow']</strong> (who often plays off the edge) had strong freshman seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the "potential without elite varsity production" side, Hough's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2123435' first='Kayden' last='Dobbin']</strong> has shown us enough to rank inside the top 30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a handful of guys who could rise next year, if their small varsity sample sizes expand. East Forsyth's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2126975' first='Josiah' last='Werts']</strong> began to take off down the stretch, and we liked him a lot at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-expousre-camp-lb-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. Conversely, Garinger's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1883970' first='Raquan' last='Kirkland']</strong> played well early, but missed some time later in the season. Those are two of several I could see taking a step forward as sophomores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Backs: A</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Numbers:&nbsp;</strong>23 ranked, four Top 25, 11 Top 50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highest Ranked:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114103' first='Jymel' last='Green']</strong> (No. 5 overall), Chambers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Strongest Level:&nbsp;</strong>FBS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A general word of caution regarding these numbers. It's not all that uncommon to see a larger number of ranked defensive backs early in the process. That's because, generally speaking, the further a player plays from the ball, the easier it is to make an early impact. After all, an undersized defensive back might be just 20-30 pounds lighter than his counterparts, while an undersized defensive tackle could give up 100 pounds to his competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That said, this is a great class with depth and top-end talent at both the corner and safety positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind Green, new Robinson defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1858006' first='Dom' last='Baker']</strong> is versatile and already has several FBS offers. He'll likely play nickel this year, which excites me, since it's a position few guys find natural.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there's a group of high-upside defenders with the potential to move up even further, starting with Kings Mountain safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1884218' first='Kavion' last='Byers']</strong>, West Charlotte defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2210048' first='JT' last='Heath']</strong>, and West Mecklenburg's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896552' first='Dylan' last='Lineberger']</strong>, who played all over the field as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Further down the list lie a few players with the potential to move up, with Andrews safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896729' first='Jayden' last='Pipkins']</strong> and Asheville's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113386' first='Christian' last='Nesby']</strong> each having the athleticism to rise later. Don't count out Scotland's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132622' first='Jordan' last='McLean']</strong> or Eastern Guilford's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2155088' first='Samuel' last='Haith']</strong>, as their respective coaching staffs are high on each of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2029 rankings. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Team preview season is beginning soon! Coaches, fill out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">team preview info sheet</a> so we can properly cover your athletes.</em><br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->