Class 3A: 2026 “Defensive Studs” To Look Out For Next Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We like to help you guys stay on point with who is going to be the next big thing. We enjoy introducing you to guys you have never heard of. There are a few guys that we can introduce you all to this year. Let's check it out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Dakari Smith - DE - 6'1" 171 - Beach HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith can be used as a rangy run defender inside, instinctive when it comes to locating the ball with the quickness to get to it before blockers can react at the second level. He has the strong core and powerful hands to shed blockers, and Smith shows excellent instincts with the ability to quickly locate the ball. He's quick to react and locate the ball, and he shows enough speed to succeed in backside pursuit. He plays with excellent balance and a strong, flexible core, rarely ending up on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1573164' first='Dacian' last='Davis'] - DT - 5'9" - Monroe Area HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis has impressive lateral speed able to shadow backs in the run game. Awesome change of direction skills - a super quick twitch athlete who consistently dominates slower-footed lineman. Can make the impressive chest-to-chest bear hug tackle in the hole due to his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1776960' first='Jared' last='Mitchell'] - FS - 6'3" 160 - Lakeview-Fort Oglethrope </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's tall-framed with long arms to match. With his powerful hands, straight-line speed, and fluidity in his hips, turning and chasing downfield shouldn't be a problem. Mitchell tracks the ball well and does a nice job of getting his head around in plenty of time to avoid flags. Has quick feet and excellent change-of-direction ability, capable of mirroring quickness underneath.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Peyton Groce - OLB - 5'8" 160 - Gordon Lee HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groce can be used as a rangy run defender inside, instinctive when it comes to locating the ball with the quickness to get to it before blockers can react at the second level. Ferocious against the run and very good in coverage, is extremely versatile. Despite his build, Groce holds up well in traffic and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Letavious Stepp - LB - Carver HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stepp can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle's reach. He has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. Stepp will always try to plow into the largest piles and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ballcarrier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->