2026 Georgia Defensive Linemen To Know Before High School
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Throughout this country there are certain states or hotbeds for football. Everybody knows the traditional “football states” like Texas, California, Florida and Georgia produce a number of talented prep football players year in and year out. Looking at the class…
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Continue ReadingThroughout this country there are certain states or hotbeds for football. Everybody knows the traditional “football states” like Texas, California, Florida and Georgia produce a number of talented prep football players year in and year out. Looking at the class of 2026, current 8th grade student-athletes, when it comes to the most dominant state—Georgia has a commanding lead on the talent. Here are a few defensive line prospects to know right now.
Tyler Atkinson Tyler Atkinson 6'3" | 185 lbs | LB Grayson | 2026 State GA | Defensive Line | Duluth
One of the first five selections to the 2021 Georgia Elite Classic this upcoming winter, Atkinson is an absolute savage as an edge rusher. In fact, he could be the most devastating pass rusher in the 8th grade that we’ve evaluated since Nolan Smith in 2014-2015. That carries a lot of weight, as Smith went on to be the No.1 prospect in the country in 2019 and is now at Georgia. In Atkinson, you have a physical specimen with unmatched strength and speed at this age. The Duluth Wildcat is so athletic, that when he’s not making plays on defense he’s actually a running back on the offensive side of the ball.
Semaj Fluellyn Semaj Fluellyn 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Griffin | 2026 State GA | Defensive Line | Griffin
Another up-and-coming star appears to be interior defensive lineman, Semaj Fluellyn Semaj Fluellyn 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Griffin | 2026 State GA . The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder is a disruptive force in the middle for Carver Road Middle School and is really starting to make a name for himself. Like Atkinson, he was one of the original five selections for the 2021 Georgia Elite Classic. Also a standout baseball player, Fluellyn has been getting it done throughout his middle school career with the accolades to back it up. Highlighted by being named the Born To Compete Lineman of the Year in 2020-2021 and a standout performance this summer at the MVP Camp in Georgia this summer.
Sager Quinn Sager Quinn 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL GA | Defensive Line | Dalton
We could have very easily listed Quinn as an athlete here because of his versatility to play a number of different positions. On the defensive line, the future Dalton Catamount athlete is strong enough to play tackle and endure the pounding of the trenches, yet he is also quick enough to set the edge and get after the quarterback. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s one of the most athletic guards we’ve evaluated thus far and has absolutely no problem pulling, lead blocking and getting up to the next level to pick off linebackers. Where it certainly gets interesting is the prospect of using Quinn as a tight end as well. At this stage of the game there aren’t many middle school linebackers or corners that can match up with him physically. The complete package of size, speed and athleticism—the future is bright for the 6-foot-1, 235 pounder.
James Morrow Jr James Morrow Jr 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Buford Highschool | 2026 GA | Defensive Line | Buford
Simply put, James Morrow Jr James Morrow Jr 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Buford Highschool | 2026 GA has the potential to be the top player in the class of 2026 when it’s all said and done. There aren’t enough adjectives and praise to give Morrow for his ability at this point. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds already he is a playmaker at both defensive end and tight end on the offensive side of the ball. When you put on the tape of Morrow, he pops out right away with how long his legs are and how physically developed he already is. Making comparisons to current or past NFL stars is always risky, but when looking at Morrow it’s hard not to draw comparisons to nine time-Pro Bowler, Julius Peppers. He has already started putting the country on notice by being a member of the Georgia Future Stars game, GFL FBU National championship team, and most recently, one of the five early selections to the 2021 Georgia Elite Classic.
Daverin Geralds | Defensive Line | Duluth
Any team that has to take on the Duluth Wildcats this year already has to worry about the aforementioned Tyler Atkins, however, scan down the defensive line just a little bit more and they’ll see Geralds. Going by Deuce, he has the versatility to play inside at tackle or bumped out on the edge to rush the quarterback. The embarrassment of riches Duluth has with Geralds and Atkinson reminds me a lot of how the New York Giants of the mid-late 2000’s could create mismatches with the likes of Michael Stahan, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linemen has extremely violent hands and a motor that doesn’t slow down. Expect to hear a lot more about him.
Solomon Fabian | Defensive Line | Ross Elite
Cut from a very similar mold as Atkinson, Fabian is another young edge rusher that can take over a game whenever he wants to. The Union City native is very explosive off the snap and simply has the raw ability that will have coaches at the next level(s) drooling. On film he looks as if he could easily transition into an outside linebacker if the defensive scheme called for it—making him an ideal 4-3, stand up end. At 6-foot and a few burgers under 220 pounds, Fabian will continue to make his presence felt on the field for the Ross Elite.