2026 Rankings Risers: Defense

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the defensive prospects rising up the PRZ 2026 state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992770"],"_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":"At 6'2” 205 lbs. Dunn is an active and explosive defender with plus athleticism from his OLB position. Can be effective lining up anywhere but excels as a pass rusher where he can use his lateral agility and quickness to beat blockers off the edge. Led 6A in sacks as a sophomore with 15. He flashes a great combination of speed and power at the POA. Shows he can use his hands to shed/disengage to free himself up to make a tackle. Has the athletic ability and speed to play flat down the LOS to contain runs and chase the ball carrier. High effort player that flies to attack the ball and is tough to break once he gets his hands on you. Recruitment is beginning to take off with five P4 offers in the last month. Expect more on the way and for him to keep climbing the rankings as he's able to showcase his skillset.rnrn5 Offers: Arizona State, Boston College, Washington State, Illinois, Iowa Staternrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cfef2c8d7e9"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hudsondunn1/status/1733569352501219758","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hudsondunn1/status/1733569352501219758 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992813"],"_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":"A lot to like about Paz's skillset. At 6'3” 255 lbs. he's got the size, length, athleticism, and growth potential colleges look for in DL prospects. He's got great positional versatility to play multiple spots on the line and is extremely smart and savvy with his movement and ability to read blocks to anticipate where the play is going. Shows good command and technique of a variety of moves to beat blockers but can also use his strength and speed to disengage. Violent with his hands, does a good job using them to maintain separation and then shed. Love his aggressive and relentless playing style in combination with his effort to finish every play. Recently picked up his initial offer from San Diego State but first of many given his potential and upside.rnrn1 Offer: San Diego State","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cfef2c8d856"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Paz_StJohn/status/1746298708353036520","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Paz_StJohn/status/1746298708353036520 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401164"],"_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 6'2” 250 lb. interior defensive lineman out of Campo Verde made a big jump in the rankings after a strong sophomore season that saw him voted First Team All-Region. A plus athlete for his size that shows good natural movement skills and short area quickness to redirect and pursue. He's equally effective as a pass rusher and a run stopper. He's quick and explosive off the ball to gain penetration and positional leverage as the play is developing. Like his lateral agility to work around blockers and then close space. Athleticism gives him good balance and body control to stay on his feet and work through small gaps to rush the passer. Constantly attacking and playing with great effort. One to watch as he develops with D1 size and ability.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cfef2c8d8b5"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/THEJakeJones11/status/1727548910087090351","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/THEJakeJones11/status/1727548910087090351 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834533"],"_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":"Already possesses ideal size, weight, and frame for a defensive tackle. At 6'0” 275 lbs. he's got a compact build with great natural strength to overpower opponents at the POA. Flashes plus initial quickness off the ball firing out with good leverage and pad level at the contact point. Has the ability to be a 2 gap defender that can anchor down and neutralize a blocker. Also shows he can stack at the point and effectively fight through double teams. He's quick to disengage from blockers and locate the ball carrier. He chases hard and shows good range to make plays between the tackles and even some to the perimeter with good angled pursuit. Heavy body tackler that drives through contact and finishes to the ground. D1 ability that will pick up more attention from colleges as the recruiting cycle progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cfef2c8d919"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/EJWASHINGTON95/status/1723864183333441918","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EJWASHINGTON95/status/1723864183333441918 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832563"],"_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":"Kirby is versatile DB prospect that can play both Safety and Corner. At 6'0” 155 lbs. he shows good natural coverage instincts and anticipation. High IQ player that makes quick decisive reads and triggers to put himself in position to make a play. He's got good range and speed to cover all three depths and close space with the ball in the air. Really like his ability to stay in phase on vertical routes while timing out his jump and playing the ball in the air at the high point. Not afraid of contact, does a good job breaking down in space and wrapping up to the ground. Voted second team all-region as a sophomore and should see his stock on the rise as he develops and grows.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cfef2c8d996"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JesseKirby_/status/1725191328655688164","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JesseKirby_/status/1725191328655688164 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->