Combine Preview: ’26 Under the Radar Defensive Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>130 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 under-the-radar 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&nbsp;<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":["882762"],"_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=u0022trueu0022u003eIt's been a while since we've last had the chance to see Robert C. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eByrdu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='882762' first='Trevor' last='Dean'] in action, but that will change this Saturday at the combine. We haven't u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003egotten to seeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e any updated film from his sophomore season yet, but Dean was highly impressive when we saw him in person at a camp the summer before his sophomore year. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eHe earned MVP honors there and was dominant in 1-on-1s, so u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eit will be great to seeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e how he's progressed since then.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e Size will be the big question for him moving forward at 5'10 235, but Dean didn't let that stop him when we last saw him, and we expect more of the same a year later. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eOur biggest question for him to answer at the combine will be u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ejust how much u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ehas heu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e progressed since we last saw him and whether u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ehas heu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e taken the next step in his developmentu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["894625"],"_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 prospect that we haven't seen film of from his sophomore year but have seen him live in person before that impressed us is North Marion's [player_tooltip player_id='894625' first='Toby' last='Michael']. Michael will be u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003emaking the big jumpu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e from one of the smallest public schools in the state at Hundred to 2023 Class AA State Runner Up North Marion this upcoming season. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eHe was Hundred's workhorse last season on both sides of the ball as a run-first u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003equarterbacku003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhere he eclipsedu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e 1,400 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns along with 157 total tackles and 14 TFLs on defense.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eWe have Michael ranked as an ATH u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eright nowu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebutu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003elikelyu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e translates most to linebacker at the next level.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e The two main questions we have for him heading into the combine are u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecanu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e he prove he can make the jump up in competition from a small school, and can u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eheu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e show he fits best as a linebacker prospect?u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1139003"],"_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=u0022trueu0022u003eRiverside's [player_tooltip player_id='1139003' first='Riley' last='Gilmore'] will be u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea veryu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e interestingu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e prospect to watch at the u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecombineu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e given his versatility as an athlete. He played everywhere for the Warriors last season and hasn't cemented himself into one position yet. We have Gilmore ranked as an ATH right now, and will include him in the defensive combine preview, but u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eheu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003every wellu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e could work out as a QB at the event. He also saw reps at safety and as an OLB/Edge type player as a sophomore, and we like him at those spots the most right now with a limited QB sample size. That'll be the question we have for him at the combine is which position he works out at, and can he show which one he fits best at this stage of his development. Gilmore could open eyes as a quarterback if he elects to compete at that position at the combine and could switch to that spot in our rankings in the future. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1139406"],"_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":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ePrinceton's [player_tooltip player_id='1139406' first='Brady' last='Cline'] is another prospect who u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecould be consideredu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e for the offensive or defensive side of the ball but will begin as a LB on our Watch List. Most of his available film from last season was at linebacker, so that's the spot we like him the most at right now. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eCline could compete with the RB or WR group u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eas wellu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e at the combine but had some quality LB reps in his highlights.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThat'su003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e the question we have for him to answer at the event is whether he'll work out primarily as a LB or choose to get some offensive reps u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003etoou003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e. At 5'8 165, Cline still has some growing to do as a linebacker but appears to have the quickness and athleticism u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ethat youu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e want for that position. We'll get a better idea of his ability and outlook as a prospect at the combine, but he flashed quality athletic traits with the film he does have available. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1227636"],"_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=u0022trueu0022u003eA new name on our radar heading into the combine will be Jefferson's [player_tooltip player_id='1227636' first='Leeland' last='Benner'] u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhou003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e we like as a linebacker prospect u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eright nowu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e. We've only gotten to see u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea very smallu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e sample size of his abilities u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eso faru003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e from a few short highlights u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebutu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewillu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e get a great look at him in person at the combine to see what he's capable of. The few available clips u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003emake you intriguedu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e as Benner has quality size as a sophomore at 5'11 200 and appears to have some quickness and speed to pair with it. It u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eappearsu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e he has some versatility as a middle and outside linebacker who can rush the passer but is also athletic enough to drop into coverage. We'll be looking for him to answer our questions about where he's at in his development right now and whether the athletic ability he flashed on the limited tape he has available shows up at the combine.  u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1227635"],"_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":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eThe North Marion Huskies will have a large contingent of prospects competing at the combine u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eandu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e that will includeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1227635' first='Jacob' last='Freels'].u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e We don't have any film of Freels available to us right now, but that's not always a bad thing, and he could show up at the combine and surprise us. He lists himself as a C/LB, but with 6'0 215 size, we like him as a linebacker prospect heading into the event. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eWe'll get u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea realu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e idea and sample size of his ability at the combine u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhichu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e will be the question we'll want him to answer for u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ejustu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e what he's capable of and his talent level at this point u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eofu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e his high school career.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e North Marion loses a lot of talent from their state runner-up team and will be looking for players like Freels to step up, and we'll see if he's going to be one of those underclassmen to do so. We'll have more on Freels after the camp, but keep an eye on him as an under-the-radar prospect u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eright nowu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1139399"],"_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=u0022trueu0022u003eNicholas County will have a representative at the combine, and it's a good one in u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e2026u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139399' first='Devin' last='Nash']. Nash just missed the cut in the state rankings for our 2026 Top 125 in the spring rankings update, but a good performance at the combine could see himself ranked in the summer update. He was a WVSWA Class AA Honorable Mention All-State performer as a sophomore for the Grizzlies in 2023 and u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eranksu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e inside the Top 20 as a LB in our positional rankings. Nashu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e has quality size for a young linebacker at 5'11 200 and is your classic downhill run-stopping middle linebacker. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eHe won't get to show off those qualities as much in a camp setting without contact, but our question for him u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewill u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e can he also perform in pass coverage?u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e1-on-1s and the u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecombineu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e testing drills will be eye-opening for us u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ein that regardu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e to get a better idea of his raw athleticism and ability.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e The physicality and play recognition are already there, so it will be great to see if he can show the versatility to be a complete linebacker prospect. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1260001"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eAnother new name on our radar heading into the combine u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eis Lewis County's Daniel Gillespieu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e He's another prospect with no available film or info right now who's ready to show what he can do. Gillespie u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eis listedu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e at u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ea few differentu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e positions, but we anticipate he'll compete u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003emostlyu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e at linebacker at the combine. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eHe's listedu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e at u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e5'9u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e 195 u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ewhichu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e also bodes well for the linebacker position, but we'll know more after the event. Our question for him to answer there will be the same for every prospect who doesn't have any film available right u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003enow,u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e what is Gillespie capable of? We'll know more about him once the combine concludes and will have more information when we wrap up the event in our post-combine articles.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1260021"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eAnother oneu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e of the many North Marion Huskies set to compete at the combine is [player_tooltip player_id='1260021' first='Hunter' last='Rogers']. Rogers is another new name on our radar who doesn't have any film available right now but will show what he can do this Saturday. It's always exciting to see prospects for the first time that you haven't had the chance to see before and could end up surprising you. Rogers is listed as a 6'0 225 OL/DL but will begin on our Watch List as a defensive u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003elinemanu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e given his size. He'll likely get reps on both sides of the line at the event and could quickly flip to OL on our site u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003edependingu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e on how he performs. As is the case with every prospect without any film, our question for Rogers will be where is he at in his development right now, and which side of the line will he perform better at? We'll have more on him after the event and a better evaluation and idea of his ability. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["894987"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003eDevin Silvas will u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ebe making theu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e move from St. Albans to Herbert Hoover for the next two years to help bolster their RB and LB group. We like Silvas the most as a linebacker prospect right now with his 6'0 180 size, but we u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003elikeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e that he has a running back background with athleticism that'll translate to linebacker. Silvas is a big, physical athlete who can run and move well for his size and age, and we'll want to see that on display at the combine. Our question for him to answer at the event is u003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003ecanu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-preserver-spaces=u0022trueu0022u003e he confirm that athleticism in the testing portion of the camp, and can he perform in pass coverage in 1-on-1s if he elects to get linebacker reps? u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662e9f9d9ab1e"} /-->