Class 4A: 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>[player_tooltip player_id='283864' first='Joshua' last='Goshea'] - DT - 6'2" 245 - Hardaway HS / @JoshGoshea</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JoshGoshea/status/1609301953699516416?s=20u0026amp;t=pKuM1n2Gbs52DPgi5RM-WQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JoshGoshea/status/1609301953699516416?s=20&amp;t=pKuM1n2Gbs52DPgi5RM-WQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goshea has the lateral agility and balance to cover two gaps, and Goshea shows some good closing burst when moving down the line in pursuit. He explodes off the line with a quick first step, with agile feet to counter inside and closing burst to finish plays. Good strength and balance to sit down, lock out and create a pile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Benjamin Plemons - MLB - Chestatee HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plemons have very good short-area quickness that makes him a tough player to block in the box. There are plenty of scenarios where his ability to evade blockers is impressive and allows him to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. My initial thought was that offensive linemen are so prepared to take a shot from him that him dodging the block catches them off guard, but there is no mistaking that his initial explosion is an asset and he's only a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Colby Smith - Southeast Bulloch HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low to make a play. He takes proper angles and shows impressive closing speed. He's also outstanding in space and he's only a freshman. Smith has so much potential, can't wait to see what he has in store. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='401543' first='Markel' last='Aguirre'] - DB - Whitewater HS / @MarkelAguirre0</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MarkelAguirre0/status/1603174829624283139?s=20u0026amp;t=pKuM1n2Gbs52DPgi5RM-WQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MarkelAguirre0/status/1603174829624283139?s=20&amp;t=pKuM1n2Gbs52DPgi5RM-WQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aguirre has good agility and balance when shadowing his target. Competitive player. Physical downfield and matches up well with bigger receivers. Tough and fiery with very good competitiveness. High-effort player. Aguirre is very aggressive attacking receiver blocks and tackles like a safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Markell Ferguson-Coffee - DB - Hampton HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferguson-Coffee is a quick twitch player with the speed and quickness to recover from any miss-step in coverage. He has a quality back peddle is fluid in his transitions. Ferguson-Coffee is also an excellent man defender - who mirrors receivers with confidence and recognizes routes quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->