Combine Preview: 2026 Ranked Defensive Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While more prospects will continue signing up over the next week, over 100 prospects are already slated to make their way to Mylan Park in Morgantown, WV on May 4th to compete at the PRZ WV Combine Series! We're here to give you a preview of who will be in attendance and the talent that will be on hand. Here are the 2026 ranked defensive prospects that will be in attendance that you need to watch for!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>There are still spots left for our Combine coming to Morgantown, WV on May 4th! Code WVHSCombine24 will get you a discount if you'd like to attend! The deadline to register is May 2nd. For more information please click this <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1108/register/combine-series-west-virginia">link</a></strong>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894671"],"_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":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThe highest-ranked defensive prospect set to attend the combine is Independence DL [player_tooltip player_id='894671' first='Aaron' last='Blankenship']. Blankenship currently ranks as our #1 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and rounds out our Top 15 overall u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eat this timeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e. He's also a talented offensive lineman and a two-way player for the Patriots, so it will be interesting to see how he performs on both sides of the line in person. We'll be keeping a close eye on Blankenship at the u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecombineu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e given his high ranking u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eandu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e are expecting him to be a top performer and showcase the ability and ceiling we believe u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eheu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e has. Our two questions for him to answer at the event are how he looks from a size standpoint and whether he can go out and dominate in 1-on-1s on both sides of the line. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eAnytime you have an athlete ranked u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003einsideu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e the Top 15 and #1 at his u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003epositionu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eyou're going tou003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e want those high praises confirmed live and in person, and our expectation from Blankenship is that he will.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["863316"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eAnother Top 25 2026 defensive prospect u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewho will beu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e competing at the combine is Washington DB [player_tooltip player_id='863316' first='Camren' last='Togans']. We've been high on Togans for a while now u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003edatingu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e back to before his sophomore season began u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eandu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ehasu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e been consistent as the #2 defensive back in the class in our rankings. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eHe's another highly-ranked prospect that we'll be expecting big things from and further prove u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ethe high regard we haveu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e for him.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e The two aspects of his game that we'll be looking closely at as the questions we want him to answer at the combine are how well u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewill heu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e test to show his raw athletic ability at this stage in his development and whether u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecan heu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e perform at a high level in man coverage in 1-on-1s. Being a safety prospect, Togans may not see a ton of man coverage assignments but will have u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea greatu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e opportunity to prove he's capable of doing so. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eWe liked his run-defense film a lot u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhen evaluating himu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e, but in a camp u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003esettingu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e that's typically not an area you can showcase well.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e Pass coverage and playing the ball in the air were two areas we want to see more of from him, and Togans will be able to put those on display at the combine.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1227640"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eGeorge Washington 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1227640' first='Clyde' last='May'] recently debuted as the #5 ranked linebacker in the class in the spring rankings update, but we'll want to see him go out and prove that high praise at the combine. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eMay had an u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003einterestingu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e role for the Patriots last season while seeing u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ereps at bothu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e defensive line and linebacker.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e We believe he translates best as a linebacker prospect u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eat this pointu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebutu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewillu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e get a better idea of that in person. The two main questions we have for him to answer at the combine are u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecanu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e he test like a future college linebacker, and does he have the athleticism for pass coverage? With u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea lot ofu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e reps at defensive end last season, it made it difficult to judge whether he has that ability just based on film, but May can prove he has those capabilities in person in 1-on-1s and the combine testing drills.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1127296"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The highest-ranked 2026 LB prospect currently set to attend the combine is Capital's [player_tooltip player_id='1127296' first='Shamar' last='Smith']. The 2026 linebacker class is still sorting itself out for who will emerge at the top of the rankings as prospects jockey for position. Smith has shown early signs of being one of the better linebackers in the class, and we'll get to see him in person for the first time at the combine. Our questions for him will be to see how well will he test and what kind of athleticism he has at this time as well as how well can he perform in pass coverage in 1-on-1s? Linebacker is another tough position to excel at in camp settings without there being contact and a running game to defend. If Smith can show he has the athleticism and ability to defend the pass, he can further prove he's one of the top linebackers in this class.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1139001"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eWayne 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1139001' first='Kaiden' last='Hayton'] is u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea veryu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e intriguing prospect who could develop into a few different positions at the next level. Most of his film from last season was as a returner and DB, but at 6'3 200, he can grow into several other spots over the next two years. We aren't sure which position u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ehe'llu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e get the most work at during the combine, but u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ehaveu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e him slated as a WR/DB for now. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThat'su003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e the u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003emainu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e question we have for Hayton is which spot he eventually ends up at in the u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003efuture,u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e and if he has the body type u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eto be ableu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e to grow into a u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebiggeru003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e ATH prospect like a LB or TE down the road.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e We're also anxious to see how well he tests and what his raw athleticism numbers look like u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhichu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e could further help determine which position he settles in at. Production was limited last season, but we believe Hayton has a high floor as a prospect with an undetermined but potentially high ceiling u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eas of nowu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1139400"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"North Marion 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139400' first='Josh' last='Holden'] recently debuted as a Top 10 linebacker in the class based largely on potential and future development. His best football is ahead of him, and we'll be looking for him to show he's capable of maintaining that high ranking at the combine as he continues to progress his game over the next two years. Quicker reaction time and attack/pursuit speed are the areas we saw on film that we want him to take the next steps in, and Holden will have some opportunities in pass coverage during 1-on-1s to show his progress in those areas. The lack of a true running game in a camp setting makes it difficult for linebackers, but proving he's a capable coverage linebacker too will speak highly of his ability if he can do so. That's our main question for Holden heading into the combine along with just getting a better idea of his athletic ability from his testing numbers.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["894976"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThe combine will be u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea greatu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e opportunity for 2026 Spring Mills LB [player_tooltip player_id='894976' first='Devin' last='King'] u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhou003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e was banged up for most of the 2023 season but showed flashes when healthy u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ethat earnedu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e him a Top 15 LB ranking in this class.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThe limited sample size up to this point makes him intriguing yet unknown u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eto this pointu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e, but a strong u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecombineu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e performance in front of us in person could quickly change that.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e King u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ejustu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e needs more opportunities to showcase what he can do u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhichu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e makes events like this u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea greatu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e deal for prospects like him. The main question we have for him at the combine will be just showing what he's capable of and whether u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecan heu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e prove he's worthy of that Top 15 LB ranking. Sometimes u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eyouu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e have to take chances on prospects, especially when they're younger, who may not have a lot of film but showed potential for what they do have available. King can do just that, u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eandu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e we expect he'll further show the potential he flashed during his shortened sophomore season.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662aa7bb5413f"} /-->