Rankings Update: 2026 Newcomers (DL)
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Which new additions were made to our 2026 defensive line rankings? Find out here, in the first part of this positional breakdown! Tevita Kale AZ #70 DL #9 HEIGHT 6'3" WEIGHT 270 POS DL CLASS 2026 View Player Tevita Kale…
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Continue ReadingWhich new additions were made to our 2026 defensive line rankings? Find out here, in the first part of this positional breakdown!
Kale is a true plug in the middle of this Basha defense with good length for the interior defensive line, and is a two-gap mauler with heavy hands, quick feet for his size and can explode out of his stance at the POA, resetting the LOS and can violently get off blocks. He checks into our rankings as a top five defensive lineman at the position in the 2026 class, and is a no brainer next level kid and should draw college interest through his final three seasons of his prep career. Look for Kale to have a monster 2023 season for the Bears.
Watkins checks into our rankings at the top five at his position along the defensive line, and has not disappointed to start off his Sophomore campaign. He is a quick twitched interior guy that has an elite first step, good bend and explosion from the inside and quickly gets into the backfield while winning with leverage and power at the POA. Watkins can shut down an entire half of the offensive line, playing with a heavy strike, quick redirection and flashes closing speed into the backfield as well. Watkins is a no brainer next level kid at a high level, and will only see his stock rise as he progresses through this season.
Marquez is a no brainer next level kid at the interior defensive line position, and already has a strong build, powerful lower half and solid twitch off the ball while able to quickly get into the backfield. He is stout against double teams, can take on pullers/drive blocks and shows nice lockout and a violent use of hands on contact. Checking in just outside the top five at the position within our 2026 rankings, he is a kid that could potentially see some movement as we move through future updates.
Highlights
St. John is a still developing second year player, but has some potential due to his length and frame with the ability to pack on more weight. He is a high motor kid that can chase down plays backside, shoots his hands quickly and can quickly get into the backfield while not giving up ground in the run game and understands gap integrity. In the pass game, he has a few different speed and power rush moves in his pocket and will only continue to develop as a more technically sound pass rusher as he progresses through his prep career. With a big frame and good length, he offers some position versatility at the next level and is a intriguing prospect to keep a close eye on.