2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defense Part 2

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the new defensive prospects to the PRZ 2026 state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177561"],"_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":"Utley is a versatile defender that can line up and be effective from any position in the front seven. At 6'1” 240 lbs. he's got a strong and well-built frame that is packed with power. He's a physical and attacking defender that plays with athleticism and a high motor to redirect and chase in pursuit. Played the majority of snaps as a sophomore on the interior DL where he used his initial quickness and fast first step to disrupt plays at or behind the LOS. Can beat blockers in a variety of ways. Shows he can gain quick penetration with speed, power, or good technical moves/hands. Weight room strength translates well to the field in his ability to drive opponents off the ball and bench press blockers away from his body to gain separation. Voted First Team All-Southern and has good upside/potential as he progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d1b788332b"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Maris31827934/status/1729932650981552484","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/Maris31827934/status/1729932650981552484 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177564"],"_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":"Good size, length, and growth potential for McCarthy at 6'4” 200 lbs. He shows a high football IQ with good anticipation skills to diagnose and then put himself in position to make a play. Love his ability to locate the ball and trigger to close space. He's smart with his attack angles and has the straight-line speed to chase back side and downfield. Uses his hands/length well extending to fight off blockers and then shed. Would like to see him play with better leverage at the POA more consistently, tends to get high sacrificing his strength and allowing blockers to stay in contact. When he does drop his pad level, he's able to bring heavy contact. Demonstrated he can effectively drop back in zone coverage and play the ball. Finished the 2023 season with 58 total tackles, five TFL, three sacks, and nine QB hurries. Strong foundational skillset and size to build on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d1b78833a3"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/J_McCarthyAZ/status/1725042124385914957","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/J_McCarthyAZ/status/1725042124385914957 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177568"],"_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":"Strong cover corner that has the speed and change of direction to run with receivers and stay in phase at all three levels. Can play both press and off coverage using his natural coverage instincts and anticipation to stay locked on the wide receiver's hip throughout the play. He's smooth out of his transition and accelerating into his break to close separation with the ball in the air. Not the biggest DB at 5'6” 140 lbs. but possesses high level ball skills and timing at the catch point to break up passes. Love his ability to squeeze receivers to the sideline while maintaining positioning on deep balls. Not afraid of contact and does a good job breaking down and wrapping up in space. Well-coached with his footwork and technique. One to watch as he develops over the next few years.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d1b7883401"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KingstonSpivey/status/1723067792897823224","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/KingstonSpivey/status/1723067792897823224 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992816"],"_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":"Solid interior defensive lineman with a good combination of strength and speed. At 6'1” 230 lbs. he currently has the frame built for a LB but turn on the tape and watch how impactful he is on the DL. He's got a quick first off the LOS to establish positional leverage and gain penetration on the snap. He plays with leverage and is strong at the POA. Great ability to disengage from blockers and locate the ball. He's relentless in pursuit and chases hard showing he can work laterally down the line to close space. He's a forceful defender and aggressive body tackler that drives through contact to finish ball carriers to the ground. Could turn into a quality recruit if he can continue to add mass to his frame.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d1b7883458"} /-->