Class 7A: 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='212311' first='Tyler' last='Atkinson'] - DE - 6'3" 195 - Grayson HS / <a href="https://twitter.com/tyler16atkinson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@tyler16atkinson</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Tyler16Atkinson/status/1598003955149471745?s=20u0026amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ","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/Tyler16Atkinson/status/1598003955149471745?s=20&amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atkinson has fluid footwork to redirect, reverse momentum and close with a burst. Regularly first off the ball with good snap anticipation. Possesses accurate snap anticipation and timing to beat blockers off the edge. He wins with all-out hustle, second and third effort and will contribute at the college level. Has the pursuit skills to stay in the action. Anticipates the snap. Country strong and very physical; seeks contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Deuce Geralds - DE - 6'2" 233 - Collins Hill HS / @DeuceGeralds</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DeuceGeralds/status/1574553257434718209?s=20u0026amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ","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/DeuceGeralds/status/1574553257434718209?s=20&amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Geralds has enough athleticism to drop in coverage and penetrate the pocket. Has a great set of pass rush moves in particular a spin move which when combined with his speed is almost impossible to defend for slower blockers. He's not just an edge threat - has pressured the quarterback multiple times from the inside. He has the ability to be versitile, can play both outside linebacker and defensive end. He also keeps his eyes in the backfield when rushing the passer and uses hands and strength to stay in the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='418080' first='Zelus' last='Hicks'] - DB - Parkview HS / @Zelus_Hicks</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MattStewartTV/status/1568434070547308546?s=20u0026amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ","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/MattStewartTV/status/1568434070547308546?s=20&amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks is a quick and very confident cover corner plays bigger than his listed size when lined up in press coverage, delivering quick, surprisingly powerful punches and using his natural quickness and change-of-direction ability to mirror on underneath routes. Instincts are outstanding, and he does an excellent job in route recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='910370' first='Carter' last='Luckie'] - DE - 6'5" 235 - Norcross HS / @carter_luckie</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/carter_luckie/status/1586233186866139136?s=20u0026amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ","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/carter_luckie/status/1586233186866139136?s=20&amp;t=vvjGAmmFmRg9-zEVyItWqQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a powerful lower body and the ability to hold up at the point of attack as a run defender, he is remarkably instinctive. Luckie is a high-effort pass rusher with an impressive combination of length and speed. He's best right now against the run, playing with a low pad level despite his relatively tall frame, and he has the violent hands to win at the point of attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1597822' first='Jameson' last='McCollough'] - DB - Hillgrove HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCollough has a bright future. His freshman year, he played 5 games. With his opportunity, he displayed flashes of good ball skills. He has the fluidity and change-of-direction ability to mirror quicker receivers underneath. Shows good instincts when facing the action in zone coverage, and McCollough has solid ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->