7A – 2026 Defensive Studs To Keep Your Eye On
As of 2026, there are several high school football defensive players who have shown exceptional talent and potential. These players have garnered attention from college scouts and are expected to make a significant impact at the collegiate level and beyond.…
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Continue ReadingAs of 2026, there are several high school football defensive players who have shown exceptional talent and potential. These players have garnered attention from college scouts and are expected to make a significant impact at the collegiate level and beyond. Here are some defensive studs to keep an eye on.
Ej Kerley Jr
Ej Kerley Jr
Overall, Kerley Jr awareness and motor are solid. Gets good extension to play off of blocks, with good activity to shed. Because of his leverage, actually holds the point of attack pretty well, especially for his size. He flows well laterally in pursuit; can get out to the sidelines and make tackles near the perimeter. Good athlete who can make tackles in backside pursuit.
Romeo Washington
Romeo Washington
Washington is pretty active with his hands as a pass-rusher; flashes the ability to cover ground with his first step and use a rip to get around the corner. He bends a smooth arc back to the quarterback. More power to his bull rush than anticipated; does a good job of converting speed to power to collapse the pocket. Able to shade over the slot and drop into zone coverage, or carry opponents into the flats. Generally does a good job of getting enough depth to keep things in front of him, with clean transitions to deliver hits or make quick tackles on shallow crosses and other routes of that nature.
Overall, Moore flexibility looks good. He does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Good extension and strong hands to shed blocks and get to the football; doesn’t shy away from getting involved between the tackles, and rarely gets stuck on blocks. Flashes the ability to slip by opponents with quickness and get to the ball.
Highlights
Peyton Jones
Peyton Jones
Jones have clean footwork to match releases at the line. Long strides to get depth when shuffling. Uses his length to pin opponents to the sideline when working against outside releases on the short side. Gets physical against inside releases on routes further downfield, effectively jamming opponents. Feels routes developing and stays connected through the stem. Patient with solid route anticipation/awareness; keeps the play in front of him and has smooth transitions to driving on a spot. Does a good job of getting his head around to locate, and uses his impressive length to break up targets.
Ben Watson
Ben Watson
Watson is a polished corner who plays with a low center of gravity, quick feet, good balance, and pretty good footwork in his backpedal. Matches releases well at the line from press. Patient player who keeps the play in front of him; rarely caught gambling. Processes route combinations well. Willing to use his hands and get physical near the line of scrimmage and the boundary. Does a nice job of sticking with opponents on crosses. Flips his hips well when turning and running. Impressive ball skills to make plays when in-phase.