7A – 2026 Defensive Studs To Keep Your Eye On Pt. 2
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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.
Lyles works hard to pursue to the sidelines and down the field; doesn’t give up before the snap. Length gives him a wide tackling radius and is one of the most reliable tacklers in the class. Uses his hands well in coverage, and made strides in the area this past season, with a good work rate to get depth and keep things in front of him.
Highlights
Matthews shows discipline and patience in his reads/run fits. Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square and locking out blockers in the run game. Bends at the knees and shows solid contact balance. Locates the ball well and can shed when appropriate. He’s able to play the read-option. Has a wide tackling radius.
Christian Smith
Christian Smith
Smith uses a good straight-arm under the chin to create separation off the edge as a pass-rusher. Calibrates rushes to avoid getting too much depth or making him a liability in the run game. Able to force quarterbacks to climb and then shed blockers to come back inside. Flashes the ability to generate pressure with inside moves. Generally plays from a tight alignment but can run past some tackles from a wider technique.
Parker Floyd
Parker Floyd
Floyd plays the game with toughness and solid instincts. Good pre-snap communicator. He diagnoses quickly and doesn’t take many false steps in pursuit. Has pretty good suddenness to slip through congestion and get to the ball carrier. Thudding hitter, especially for his size. Has the stopping power to stonewall runners at the line.
Walker Turner
Walker Turner
Turner reads plays quickly and is willing to step into the hole and take on blocks to stuff the run; rarely overcommits and ends up running himself out of the play. Does a good job of keeping his shoulders square to the line. When playing downhill, has enough lower-body strength and explosiveness to avoid getting overwhelmed by opposing blockers in the hole. Gets good extension to lock out opposing blockers, with the knee-bend to compete in the leverage battle.