Rivals: YAA Defensive Prospects @ LA Showcase
- Will Garlick, Rivals/On3
- Dec 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Here are my Top defensive prospects from the YouAreAthlete (YAA) Los Angeles Showcase.
Defensive Linemen
Cooper Cook (6-3, 260) was the top 2-way linemen working on offense and defense, but it was at defensive end that he earned overall Defensive Lineman MVP. Cook excelled whether using a speed rush, technique moves, or by power. At Tustin High School, Cook was 1st team All-Delta League. Cook told me he has D1 interest from San Diego State, Wyoming, UC Davis, Weber State, Miami (OH), and Boise State.
My colleague friend and I disagreed on where the best position fit is for 2028 Cooper Haydock(6-2, 240) might be. I see him as an Edge rusher, and that is the position he excelled at to earn a DL Top 5 MVP at the YouAreAthlete Los Angeles camp. Haydock believes he will grow to 6-4, and his grandfather is 6-8. He plays for Clovis North High School, where he recorded 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 22 quarterback hurries. Haydock is also on the track team and throws the shot put and discus.
Junior Khalil McBurnie earned a camp MVP primarily based on his moves and technique. He was a problem for the offensive linemen with his initial moves, and it was evident that his wrestling skills helped him on the football field. McBurnie (6-2, 243) played defensive line at Van den High School, but he will need to move outside to be effective at the next level.
Zachary Kunz (6-3, 232) won most of his one-on-one matchups to earn one of the five camp defensive line MVP’s. The senior from La Costa Canyon High School has offers from Western New Mexico University, Azusa Pacific University, and George Fox University, as well as several other D2 schools.
Linebackers
Senior Xavier Branch (6-0, 200) was not only the top linebacker but also one of the Top 3 overall players I watched at the YouAreAthlete Los Angeles High School camp. He made coverages against both running backs and receivers, and I did not see him allow any completions. Branch was one of the hardest-working campers. He attends Inderkum High School and will continue to pursue a college offer.
Junior Lincoln Sinozic was one of the top linebacker prospects. He was one of the best performers in the drills, and he made several plays against the running backs during the head-to-head competition.
Defensive Backs
Freshman Treveon Nunley (5-10, 160) was one of three freshmen who earned Defensive Back MVPs. Nunley plays at Western High School in Anaheim. He plays taller than his listed 5-10 height and plays physical for someone weighing 160 pounds. Nunley told me he has an offer from UNLV. Last year, as a freshman, he played primarily on the junior varsity team and recorded seven interceptions, including one on varsity. He also added 810 yards receiving.
Sophomore Ethan Duffy (5-9, 150) was selected 2nd team Sunbelt All-league after recording three interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and 35 tackles at Rancho Christian High School. He provided blanket coverage during the one-on-ones. He did not let his more petite frame interfere with his physical play on deep balls.
Freshman Khalil Dominique (5-10, 160) started for the junior varsity for nationally ranked St. John Bosco. He did his best work during the 7-on-7 drills and appears to have a good knowledge of the defense.
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