2026 New Additions: Talented Players in the Trenches

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is loaded with tight ends and offensive linemen with the potential to be elite college football players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904952' first='Ryker' last='Ballard'] || DL || 6'2 || 205 || Tooele High School || 2026</strong><br>Ballard brings it every time he touches the turf. He can play all over the defensive line and gives 100% each rep. Ballard does an excellent job setting the edge and moves well laterally when engaged with offensive linemen. He uses his hands well and plays with a good pad level. Ballard has been working hard all offseason to improve, and it will pay big dividends this fall. The soon-to-be sophomore is an elite athlete who is an exceptional tackler in space. Ballard will be making plenty of plays behind the line of scrimmage in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904956' first='Mataalii' last='Benjamin'] || OL || 6'6 || 265 || Skyridge High School || 2026</strong><br>Benjamin is one of the many Falcons underclassmen who get overlooked because of how talented the Falcons upperclassmen are. He possesses elite traits that could make him a potent pass and run blocker at the varsity level. Benjamin's long arms allow him to keep pass rushers out of the pocket play after play. He plays with a good anchor and stands up bull rushes with ease. Benjamin can turn defensive ends inside on outside runs and can always be counted on to generate movement up front in short-yardage situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904955' first='Toa' last='Roberts'] || DL || 6'2 || 205 || Herriman High School || 2026</strong><br>Roberts is a force to be reckoned with on the edge. His elite get-off helps him routinely beat offensive linemen out of their stances. Roberts possesses exceptional bend and is a skilled hand fighter. He excels at stopping the run and does a good job holding up offensive linemen to contain gaps. Roberts has an impressive wingspan and puts it to good use off the edge. He can bat passes down at the line of scrimmage and long-arm offensive tackles into quarterbacks. Roberts did not rush the pass like a Freshman last fall and will be even better this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904965' first='Jackson' last='Lusby'] || OL || 5'10 || 245 || Wasatch High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong><br>Lusby possesses an elite leg drive. He can consistently move defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage to help the Wasps keep the chains moving. Lusby doesn't stop before he hears the whistle and loves to finish blocks by pancaking defenders. In pass protection, he does a good job communicating with his teammates and excels at picking up blitzes. Lusby meets pass rushers with a physical punch and slides his feet well. He can provide time for quarterbacks to get to their third or fourth read in their progressions or open up rushing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->