2026 Defensive Linemen Breakdowns

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive linemen in this review stepped up to the varsity level and accepted the challenge. They displayed their talents throughout the season and are off to great starts in their high school careers. The review covers five of the top defensive linemen in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='662372' first='Zavion' last='Griffin-Haynes'] - 6'6" 210 (No. 1 DL, No. 13 Overall), Hillside HS</strong>. Zavion displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them to make stops. He displayed good technique and violent hands to control blockers, often going unblocked on his way into the backfield. Zavion will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'] - 6'3" 265 (No. 2 DL, No. 36 Overall), CE Jordan HS</strong>. Noah displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique and violent hands to overpower blockers. He moved well in tight spaces to shut down inside running plays. Noah's combination of quickness and upper body strength, makes it difficult to block him one-on-one. He finished the season with 63 total tackles, 12 which were for losses. He had 35 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12 hurries during the season. Noah will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612252' first='Christopher' last='Bispham'] - 6'2" 235 (No. 3 DL, No. 37 Overall), Havelock HS</strong>. Christopher displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while closing in on the ball carrier. He finished the season with 41 total tackles, 13 which were for losses. Christopher had 30 solo tackles and 12 hurries during the season. He will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284091' first='Jacoree' last='Smith'] - 6'2" 240 (No. 4 DL, No. 40 Overall), Ben L. Smith HS</strong>. Jacoree displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique on tackles made in the open field. Jacoree will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473951' first='Antoine' last='Johnson'] - 6'2" 270 (No. 5 DL, No. 54 Overall), West Mecklenburg HS</strong>. Antoine displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique on solo tackles made in the open field. He finished the season with 60 total tackles, 11 which were for losses. Antoine had 41 solo tackles and 5 sacks during the season. He will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->