2026: Determined Defensive Linemen
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These defensive linemen pop off the tape for their explosiveness and the tenacity they play with each snap. Robby Whelan Robby Whelan 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Wasatch | 2026 State UT || DL || 6’3 || 270 ||…
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Continue ReadingThese defensive linemen pop off the tape for their explosiveness and the tenacity they play with each snap.
Robby Whelan
Robby
Whelan
6'3" | 270 lbs | DL
Wasatch | 2026
State
UT
|| DL || 6’3 || 270 || Wasatch High School || 2026
Whelan could be an elite defensive lineman at the next level. He does a good job keeping his hands inside to gain and maintain leverage against offensive linemen. Whelan’s quick first step allows him to beat offensive linemen to spots and helps him make plays in opposing backfields. He can take on double teams to free up his teammates or make plays to shed blockers and bring down the ball carrier himself. Whelan is also an exceptional offensive lineman making him a true two-way force in the trenches.
Mosese (Howie) Ahau Kinikini
Mosese
(Howie) Ahau Kinikini
6'2" | 255 lbs | DL
Spanish Fork | 2026
State
UT
|| DL || 6’2 || 255 || Spanish Fork High School || 2026
Kinikini is an explosive athlete who quickly fires off the snap to blow up plays. He does an excellent job disengaging from offensive linemen when quarterbacks try and step up in the pocket. Kinikini possesses an elite lower body that helps him give little to no ground when battling with offensive linemen. His bull rush is amongst the best of any pass rusher in the class of 2026, and he constantly commands a double team. Kinikini does a good job throwing his hands up to disrupt the quarterback’s vision, and he can bat balls down at the line of scrimmage.
Viliami Moala
Viliami
Moala
6'3" | 300 lbs | DL
Bingham | 2026
State
UT
|| DL || 6’3 || 300 || Davis High School || 2026
Moala is an athletic gap shooter on the interior. As one of the class’s best pass rushers, he can beat offensive tackles, guards, and centers. He uses his hands incredibly well. Moala does an excellent job defeating offensive linemen’s initial punch by batting their hands down and then ripping through them. He can also win with a potent swim move or just with his impressive bend. Moala can drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback’s lap and does an excellent job push-pulling them when he can feel them oversetting.
DeeJay Lazenby
DeeJay
Lazenby
5'11" | 220 lbs | DL
Wasatch | 2026
State
UT
|| DL || 5’11 || 200 || Wasatch High School || 2026
Lazenby is an athletic edge rusher who never quits on a play. He will fight through multiple offensive linemen, tight ends trying to chip him, and running backs until he’s dropped the quarterback for a loss. Lazenby is quick off the snap and displays a solid bend around the edge. In addition, he’s a stout run defender who does a good job setting the edge. Lazenby moves well laterally and can toss offensive tackles aside when it’s time to make a play on opposing ball carriers. He also does a good job taking on pullers when uncovered.