IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Defensive Linemen
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As we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Moving on to Defensive Linemen, below are…
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Continue ReadingAs we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Moving on to Defensive Linemen, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.
Weaver is an impressive defensive end who burst onto the scene last season for Sandburg. The 6’3, 230 lbs playmaker displayed polished pass rushing skills and footwork throughout his sophomore campaign. He plays with high energy and a high motor, never giving up on a play until the whistle blows. In the run game, Weaver showcases great physicality and understanding of his assignment, as he can control his gap through strength while also possessing the athleticism to play his gap through run movements up front. As he continues to develop at his craft, Weaver is poised for a monster junior campaign.
Rulo is an incredibly athletic interior defensive lineman who impressed for Belleville East last season. He measures in at 6’2, 285 lbs and moves like a defensive end. Whether lining up in a 0 tech or shade, Rulo displays a quick first step, low pad level, and tremendous strength. When playing nose, he can easily move to split blockers in the A-gaps or two gap to the right or left. When playing a shade, Rulo possesses the athleticism to handle double teams and shed blockers with his pure strength. He plays physical against the run and is athletic enough to rush the passer from the interior defensive line position. As he heads into his junior season, Rulo’s stock is soaring.
Alexander is a long and athletic defensive end out of Lincoln-Way East. As a sophomore starter for one of the state’s best programs, Alexander showed flashes that he can one day be a Division I playmaker. He has the measurables, standing at 6’4 and weighing 225 lbs, and displays tremendous athleticism and polished technique. Alexander is quick off the ball, possessing a variety of pass rushing moves that can defeat opposing offensive tackles in a hurry to get to the quarterback. In the run game, Alexander plays with low pad level and plus physicality that controls the edge. As he fills out his frame and perfects his game, Alexander is a rising star in the Land of Lincoln.
The 6’4, 265 lbs defensive line product out of Brother Rice is a prospect to keep an eye on over the next two years. Liggins was one of the Crusaders’ best defensive players last season and showcased tremendous versatility playing all over the defensive line. No matter where Liggins lined up, he dominated. As a sophomore, Liggins displayed the strength and size to control the line of scrimmage from a 4i tech to a 0 tech, easily defeating 1-on-1 blocks against polished offensive linemen week in and week out. He also possesses the athleticism to play the run on the edge and rush the passer from any position. With his frame, athleticism, and technique, Liggins has the potential to be the #1 defensive linemen in the Class of 2026 in Illinois by his senior campaign.
Highlights
Jones is a polished defensive lineman out of Mount Carmel who possesses the frame and technique that makes him one of the top Class of 2026 prospects in Illinois. Standing at 6’5 and weighing 245, Jones has a long frame and plus athleticism that makes him a dominant defensive end. He rushes the passer with an extremely high motor and has the footwork and hands to defeat 1-on-1 blocks. In the run game, Jones uses his leverage and long arms the stun blockers with a violent first punch. From there, he quickly sheds the blocks and finishes on tackles. This two-way defensive linemen in Jones is a rising star in the Land of Lincoln.