2026 Top Ranked Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several defensive prospects who have been on recruiters' radar since they were freshmen. I am impressed with the way several prospects improved this fall. Below, I highlight five prospects who are set to be top recruits in Nevada next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["876951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='876951' first='Anton' last='Gorup'] is one of several rising Bishop Gorman prospects. The 2026 Gaels are set to take Nevada by storm next fall and be some of recruiters' most coveted prospects. Be on the lookout for Anton to be a fast-rising linebacker in 2024. Anton shows a good combination of length and strength easily disposing of blockers in the run game. Good closing speed and tackling ability gets displayed disrupting runs in the backfield. Anton's instincts and athleticism shown intercepting passes as an outside linebacker highlights his potential to be a versatile edge defender in college.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["876717"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"I am shocked [player_tooltip player_id='876717' first='Raymond' last='Maveni'] has not received more attention from schools surrounding Nevada. Raymond has come on strong in his DL development during his sophomore year. Be on the lookout for Raymond to become a top 2026 DL recruit as we settle into the new year. A good combination of length, power, and instincts shows quickly finding the ball before dropping ball carriers in the backfield. Good closing speed and a fluid change of direction gets displayed pursuing runners as a backside run defender. Raymond's size, athleticism, and an explosive first step gives him the chance to develop into a versatile pass rusher before his final season of high school football.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["876939"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='876939' first='Jamarcus' last='Johnson'] is quietly becoming a top two-way prospect in Nevada's 2026 class. Good balance, a large radius, and elusiveness in space gives Jamarcus a shot to be recruited as a slot receiver. Still, I would be surprised if Jamarcus did not play defense in college. Coaches like Jamarcus' next level combination of power and speed shown exploding through receivers at the catchpoint. Good ball skills and length get displayed in the redzone as Jamarcus swats away 50/50 balls in press coverage. Jamarcus' strength, athleticism, and quick feet allows him to develop into a versatile defensive back prospect.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["402180"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Majik McMillon had a solid sophomore season that solidified him as a top safety in Nevada's 2026 class. Expect his recruitment to blow up as an upperclassman in 2024. Good size, strength, and closing speed gets displayed as Majik flies downhill to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. Coaches like Majik's combination of instincts and acceleration shown attacking receivers as an underneath zone defender. Majik's length, power, and physicality gives him the chance to develop into a versatile safety before his high school career is over.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["876716"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='876716' first='Kenneth' last='Goodwin III'] is set to be a heavily recruited linebacker out of Las Vegas. Kenneth received offers from Ole Miss and Arkansas this month so be on the lookout for more to come rolling in next year. Kenneth's rare combination of power and acceleration continues to impress in his sophomore film. Good closing speed and a fluid change of direction gets displayed tackling ball carriers in space. Kenneth shows good instincts and quickness redirecting to pick the ball off as an underneath zone defender. Good flexibility, strength, and explosiveness gives Kenneth the chance to develop as a pass rusher before his high school career ends.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658b4f7c98ce9"} /-->