DL Grade: B
OL/DL Grade: B+Linebacker: Another SingleTying for our shortest section, the linebackers. As of right now, only one backer has committed to TU, August ‘Gus’ Faulkner.Hailing from Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama, Gus is a disciplined backer with great breaking speed with big-hit potential. Gus is fantastic at plugging holes in run support and just as good in coverage. He spies the QB well, not biting on any fakes that would otherwise lose him the play.He stands at 6’2, 212 pounds with a great understanding of the game. With his brain, football IQ, and size, Gus will be an effective backer in the future, but with him being the only linebacker in the class so far, it’ll tank the grade just a tad.LB Grade: C+Defensive Backs: Work to DoThe last group is our DBs. Consisting of both corners and safeties, we’ll look at a noteworthy player from each position and evaluate what they’ll bring to the table.What started the entire speed trend was TJ Stinson from Spalding Highschool in Griffin, Georgia. He was the first announced prospect to boast a sub-4.5 40, clocking a 4.48 himself. Stinson also turned down other American conference schools like Florida Atlantic and East Carolina. Just as impressive as his speed is his coverage and ball skills. Stinson racked up three interceptions and 10-PBUs during his junior season, showcasing his quick hips and great speed. Stinson tracks fantastic, and that combined with his ball-hawking abilities make him a great cover corner. Not to mention what he brings to special teams. His shiftiness and good speed allows him to be a danger with the ball in his hands. Stinson is a big play just waiting to happen.Safety, Raeshaun Pugh is from Lake Wales High School in Lake Wales, Florida. Pugh is a sure-tackling safety that recorded 119 total tackles with 93 solo tackles last year.Pugh is incredible at coming downhill to support run defense / rush the QB, making him an optimal strong safety. He recorded eight tackles for loss and returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns last year. His decent size at 6’0, 180 and great speed at a 4.48 40 give him big play potential with the ball in his hands. However, his strong point is his run support and closing speed that enhance his tackling ability. Pugh will be a versatile DB and we’re excited to see what he brings to TU.Our last recruits include James Tyson and Devin Lavalais, who you can check out here and here, respectively.CB Grade: C S Grade: B- DB Grade: C+Overall Recruiting Grade: BWith everything reviewed and graded, how does Tulane stack up to other American Conference schools in this class?24/7SportsTulane ranks second in the American, trailing only behind USF by four points. Clearly Sumrall left his mark in recruiting, as it remains to be one of TU’s strong points that they hold over the American (they finished first for the 2026 recruiting class).So, while TU recruiting stays vigilant, the ever looming giant of USF still lingers in the background of the 2026-2027 season for the Green Wave. With many liking the USF head coach hire and recruiting being as strong as its ever been, it’s not crazy for one to say that Tulane might be chasing USF this year in the conference rankings.With all that said though, no questions can be answered until week one on September 5th, but make sure to stay tuned for more recruiting updates! We're pretty sure this won’t be the last we see of the 2027 class. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
