Class 5A: 2026 “Defensive Stud’s” 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='501039' first='Luke' last='Culbertson'] - 6'2" 205 - Loganville HS /  <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeCulbertson3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@LukeCulbertson3</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Culbertson has good combination with very good instincts and reaction skills. Almost always finds the ball in traffic. Has the fluid hips and long arms to turn and run with tight ends, as well as excellent range when dropping into zone coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='283899' first='Reid' last='Voyles'] - 5'11" 195 - Greater Atlanta Christian HS / @reid_voyles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Voyles can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, he also shows good awareness when dropping into coverage. For a freshman, Voyles has good quickness and an excellent understanding of angles, often beating blockers to the spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Xavier Joseph - DE - Eastside HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph had good usage of hands; he's strong in the upper body and consistently swats away blockers. As a freshman, he has the ideal length as an edge rusher, with room to add more weight onto his frame. Aggressive with good awareness to track the ball and attack. Tenacious, tough, competItIve and versatile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Michael Domanik - MLB - 6'1" 180 - Kell HS / @MichaelDomanik1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Domanik is an impressive freshman. He closes quickly on relatively immobile quarterbacks. A consistently heavy hitter who flashes explosiveness and the ability to separate the ball. Keeps feet moving after initial contact. Jumps inside as a counter to typical rush, but needs to show a larger variety of moves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='283918' first='Tyriq' last='Green'] - LB - 6'0" 170 - Kell HS / @tyboogie_da1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green is a phenomenal athlete, he was also on my list for "2026 Offensive Weapons". He has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. He can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, he also shows good awareness when dropping into coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->