2026: Elite Defensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive linemen do a great job shutting down rushing lanes and can get after quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='717882' first='Ami' last='Moala'] || DL || 6'3 || 290 || Brighton High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mola started in the Bengal's first game of the season and shined on the interior all season long. He explodes off the snap and uses his long arms to keep offensive lineman off him as he contains his gap. Mola is a phenomenal athlete who can quickly break into the backfield for tackles for loss or force running backs to try and bounce runs to the outside. In addition, he possesses elite strength that allows him to stand up double teams. Mola engulfs running backs and does not miss tackles. The 6'3 freshman is also a terrific pass rusher, making him one of the state's up-and-coming superstars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='717884' first='Ocean' last='Taufa'] || DL || 6'2 || 235 || Desert Hills High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taufa is a physical pass rusher who is relentless when getting after quarterbacks. His quickness off the snap is elite, and he uses his hands incredibly well to beat offensive lineman's intel punch. Tafua never takes a play off, and even when a play is run to the opposite side, he still goes hard after the ball. He displays good bend but can also go through offensive linemen with a nasty bull rush. Taufa does a good job getting his hands up to force errant throws and bat down balls. He also does a good job setting the edge when offenses try to run to the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='717888' first='Donavan' last='Leausa'] || DL || 6'4 || 360 || Westlake High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leausea is an overwhelming presence at defensive tackle. His size helps him drive offensive linemen backward, and when doubled, he rarely gets pushed back. Leausea also moves well for his size, where he does a good job chasing down running backs. His long arms help him grab running backs and pull them in to make tackles. Leausa's size also helps him collapse the pocket, where he easily drives back interior offensive linemen. In addition, he plays both ways also, excelling on the offensive line, making him a dominant two-way force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284199' first='Pepeloa' last='Kefu'] || DL || 6'2 || 270 || Herriman High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kefu is a space-eater who can clog up the middle of the field. When the Mustangs needed a stop on third or fourth and short, they turned to Kefu to prevent any quarterback sneaks or runs up the middle. Kefu fires off the snap low and does a good job gaining and maintaining leverage. He fights hard against double teams and does a good job freeing up linebackers to make plays. Kefua uses his hands well and has the tools to develop into a strong pass rusher from the interior. Herriman's defenses will be hard to rush on for the next three years with Kefu lining up inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->