2026 Defensive Players on the Rise in 24-6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The class of 2026 is loaded with talented players who will be leading the way in the district sooner than later. Here we take a look at a few who have shown their skills and impact the game on the defensive side of the ball. These are players to get familiar with as they will be top names at their positions in the near future. revision</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keshawn Jones | DT | Clear Creek | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones demonstrates exceptional leverage and power, combined with relentless effort on his rushes. He consistently drives opposing linemen backward with his strength and maintains his pursuit of the ball until the whistle is blown. Jones effectively controls his gaps with sheer power and refuses to give ground, displaying aggression at the point of attack and applying consistent pressure. Jones will only continue to make strides in becoming a top name at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17955343/655c06c532dc430abcf109ea' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662292e6b1c52"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467577' first='Preston' last='Pitts'] | OLB | Clear Falls | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pitts exhibits a combination of speed and physicality, using his acceleration from the outside linebacker position to disrupt plays in the backfield. He demonstrates relentless effort, constantly pursuing the ball carrier with intensity and refusing to be stopped by the opposition. With his long and rangy build, Pitts is skilled at dropping back into coverage and thriving in open space. His versatility allows him to impact the game in various ways, making him an exciting prospect to watch in the upcoming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18262274/65592b582347fc0bd47c4d4f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662292e6b1c82"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaycyn Mason | DT | Dickinson | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason is a dynamic and agile player who utilizes his quickness to excel on the field. His speed and elusiveness allow him to maneuver past opposing linemen, disrupting plays in the backfield and creating chaos for the offense. With a combination of aggression and awareness, Mason demonstrates the ability to read blocks effectively and shed them with urgency. As he continues to develop, Mason is poised to become a top performer at his position in the area and will be a player to watch closely in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18129996/655021630660b50598abbfa8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662292e6b1ca4"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1653647' first='Caden' last='Ward'] | DB | Clear Springs | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward possesses excellent instincts and vision where he quickly reads and diagnoses plays. His agility allows him to break on routes with speed, resulting in pass breakups and turnovers. Ward demonstrates impressive physicality as well, delivering powerful hits that can separate receivers from the ball. With his combination of skills, Ward presents a challenge for opposing offenses and is poised to continue developing into a standout player in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17886419/653a63540c5e140a4cf9ee82' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662292e6b1cc3"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Za'Qwaun Nunn | DT | Clear Springs | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nunn emerges as a dominant force at the tackle position, disrupting run lanes and collapsing pockets with his power. His explosiveness off the snap allows him to reset the line of scrimmage by driving interior linemen back, creating havoc in the backfield. Nunn showcases impressive agility and pursuit, making crucial plays at key moments in games. With his combination of skills and potential, Nunn is poised to be a standout player as he enters only his junior season, making him one to watch closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18652810/65ae8a3f3448e40b4458220c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662292e6b1ce2"} /-->