2026 Rankings Update- Newly Added Dominant Defenders!
With our new 2026 Rankings Update rolling out, we’re taking a look at some of the most dominant defensive prospects that are making their debut! Vodney Cleveland AL #4 DL #2 HEIGHT 6'3" WEIGHT 295 POS DL CLASS 2026 View…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith our new 2026 Rankings Update rolling out, we’re taking a look at some of the most dominant defensive prospects that are making their debut!
Vodney Cleveland Vodney Cleveland 6’3″ | 295 lbs | DL Prattville | 2026 State AL is a standout defensive linemen in the 2026 class out of Prattville that already is one of the best players in the state and looks to be one of the top prospects in the nation as well. Cleveland has an explosive burst off the line of scrimmage that quickly lets him fly into the opposing backfield, and that combined with his raw strength and power make him a huge force to be reckoned with. Cleveland is extremely well rounded at a young age as well, his versatility is easy to see with how well he is able to both rush the passer and stop the run, making him one of the premier talents in his class. In the last year, Cleveland has already picked up a ton of attention from top tier programs, currently he lists offers from Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and more! With how well he’s played, Cleveland landed himself at the #6 overall spot in our 2026 Rankings- keep an eye on him as he heads into his junior season, he’s going to be a bigtime player to watch!
Jamarion Matthews Jamarion Matthews 6’4″ | 220 lbs | DL Sparkman | 2026 State AL is a big time defensive end for Sparkman that has proven to be a game-wrecker on their defensive line this year. Standing at 6’4 and weighing 220 pounds, Matthews possesses a fantastic combination of size, speed, and relentless pursuit that allows him to make play after play, no matter where he initially lines up. Matthews has a huge presence on the field that makes him and his teammates near impossible to block, he makes a lot of plays on his own but also opens up a ton of opportunities for others on the defensive line to make plays as well. Throughout the season, Matthews consistently showcased his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, ‘s obvious when you look at the stat sheet- on the year he recorded 61 total tackles (19 for loss) 13.5 sacks, 10 hurries, and one fumble recovery. Keep an eye on this guy going forward, he’s a fantastic player that hasn’t been noticed as much yet and is going to have a big junior season next fall!
Braylon Outlaw Braylon Outlaw 6’0″ | 205 lbs | LB Pike Road | 2026 State AL is a super versatile linebacker out of Pike Road that has emerged as one of the top defenders in our 2026 Rankings. Outlaw has a serious knack for making impactful plays against both the run and pass- he has some terrific awareness and instincts that consistently put him in great positions to get after the ball carrier, and that combined with his raw athleticism makes him a serious threat to be accounted for. It’s easy to tell when you look at the stat sheet, this season, Outlaw was a game wrecker, totaling up 89 total tackles (13 for loss), 7 sacks, 6 hurries, two interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. It’s clear when you watch him play that Outlaw has some seriously impressive tackling skills, relentless pursuit, and the capability to make crucial plays from sideline to sideline. Overall, Outlaw has a really well-rounded skill set that makes him a prospect with a lot of potential- keep an eye on him, he’s sure to impress us some more in his junior year!
Highlights
Landon Everett Landon Everett 5’11” | 200 lbs | LB Gulf Shores | 2026 State AL is a hard-hitting middle linebacker for Gulf Shores that has made a substantial impact on their defense over the last few seasons, but especially this year. Despite being a sophomore, Everett has proven himself to be a tackling machine- he plays with a high level of physicality and intensity that sets him apart and it showed all year long. On the season Everett was able to total up 110 total tackles (24 for loss), 5 sacks, 19 hurries, 3 interceptions and two fumble recoveries- making an significant impact on their defense that helped them win their state title this year. Everett has an elite ability to make plays both in the open field and behind the line of scrimmage, helping bolster Gulf Shores’ defense a ton. All year long, Everett disrupted opposing offenses and provided some consistently great linebacker play all over the field.
Hezekyah Avery Hezekyah Avery 5’11” | 190 lbs | LB Valley | 2026 State AL is another dominant linebacker in this class, this time, for Valley High School. Avery has emerged as a true impact player for their defense and has one of the most commanding presences on the field. Avery is a force to be reckoned with, capable of making game-changing plays that significantly impact opposing offenses. It’s easy to tell when you take a look at his numbers this year, Avery had a ridiculously productive season for his team this past season, recording 121 total tackles (16 for loss), 6 sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries. Avery’s abilities, especially against the run adds a crucial element to Valley’s defense. Avery has a great ability to read and attack plays, shed blockers, and make impactful tackles, all of which make him one of the best linebackers in the state. Keep an eye on him going forward, with his talent and potential he’s going to continue being a great player!