Sideline to Sideline: 2026’s Top Tacklers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Focusing in on the most versatile players on the defensive side of the ball, 2023 delivered sophomores that flew from sideline to sideline every week of the season. As these 2026 tacklers received a lot of experience in year 2, they've got two more years to perfect their craft before they move on to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["960402"],"_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='960402' first='Julian' last='Cruz'] is a linebacker you will find in the backfield quite often. A stud defender, Julian has the build to shape into one of the top tacklers in the state. Equipped with quick reflexes, Julian pounces out of his position with speed to close in on the runner. A focal point on St. Peter's defense, Julian will play a pivotal role in 2024 as his team looks to turn things around.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a0be"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17809861/6518b0b264dfa401d4014fca' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656d2413bc470"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212386"],"_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":"One of the top linebacker targets in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='212386' first='Donovan' last='Linthicum'] flew all over the field for Oakcrest this past fall. Donovan is the type of player that can blow up the play before it can even get started. Coming up with 23 tackles behind the line, Donovan is able to shoot the gap and bring pressure into the backfield as soon as the ball is snapped. With quick play recognition and ability to read the play early on, Donovan fills the hole and swallows up the runner. Donovan's dominance showed this season with his 121 tackles and 4 sacks. Keep a close eye on this top prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a169"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19566831/650bc8cd5eec54092052d989' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656d2413bc520"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1027686"],"_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":"Compiling an astonishing 116 tackles in 2023, [player_tooltip player_id='1027686' first='Jaylen' last='Robinson'] was one of Washington Township's premier defensive players. Jaylen is a raw athleticism type of defender. Making 13 tackles in the backfield and 2.5 sacks, Jaylen delivered punishing hits to QBs and RBs all game long. Making ball carriers think twice about running his direction, Jaylen was absolutely destructive to the run as he quickly darted after the back once the ball was handed off.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a1de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17896180/652ad2590661450718e59cc9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6573b8a818f84"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1029761"],"_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":"The first safety on the list that found his way to the ball consistently throughout the season, Willingboro's [player_tooltip player_id='1029761' first='Zahir' last='Bryant'] is a true tackling machine. A threat to the pass and run game, Zahir can come off of the edge on a blitz and force the QB out of the pocket or drop back and limit his throwing options. With 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the season, Zahir showed his value as a star studded safety for his squad.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a24e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17905642/657f66e8386ddb0ce8d65fb9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a26c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933805"],"_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":"The second safety on this list but arguably the most talented in the state, Kenyon u0022KJu0022 McClain may be the next great DB to come out of Seton Hall Prep. KJ is truly playing at another level that most can't come close to. A flawless tackler, KJ was impressive in his ability to get low and bring the runner down to the ground swiftly. A safety that can fly upfield and cover sideline to sideline, KJ will be gaining national attention soon as he has already garnished offers from the top programs in the region.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a2cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18304244/656528bc38639c0c4451da9f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656741a275c00"} /-->