2026: Tough Defensive Lineman
JT Wistrcill
In this article:
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<p>These defensive linemen routinely overpower the opposition and can collapse pockets all game long.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284204' first='Viliami' last='Moala'] || DL || 6'3 || 300 || Davis High School || 2026 </strong></p>
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<p>Moala was sensational last season and continued to tear it up at the 5 vs. 5 camp earlier this month. He's an explosive athlete who might be the class's best hand fighter along the defensive front. Moala can rip through offensive linemen or go around them with elite bend. His quickness off the snap is elite, and it helps him win one-on-one all game long. Moal just transferred to Davis, where he will no doubt continue to make big plays up front.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402745' first='Howie' last='Kinikini'] || DL || 6'2 || 255 || Spanish Fork High School || 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Kinikini was a wrecking ball on the interior of the Dons defensive front in 2022. His ability to stand up offensive lineman and holds his own against double teams is special. Kinikini does a great job plugging up gaps, and he can shed blockers and make massive tackles for loss. When he can't get home on his rushes, he does a good job throwing his hands up to bat down passes. In addition, Kiniki plays with a great motor that helps him chase down running backs from behind.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284201' first='Robby' last='Whelan'] || DL || 6'2 || 230 || Wasatch High School || 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Whelan is dominant on both sides of the ball, but we wanted to focus on his defensive potential for this article. He displays outstanding strength on the interior, where he does a great job taking on double teams. Whelen uses his hands as well as any player in the class of 2026. He does a great job firing off the snap low, where he is able to gain and maintain leverage. He will be a force on both sides of the ball for the next few seasons.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='718009' first='DeeJay' last='Lazenby'] || DL || 5'11 || 200 || Wasatch High School || 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Lazenby impresses with his quickness off the snap and outstanding strength. He's an elite run defender with a nose for the football. Lazenby can drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap or stand them up to stuff the run game. He hustles to the ball on every play and disrupts offensive linemen with his physicality. Lazenby will be one of the state's top interior defensive linemen very soon.</p>
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These defensive linemen routinely overpower the opposition and can collapse pockets all game long.
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