Under the Radar: Rising Junior Defenders to Watch For

Jake Lemming

July 15, 2024 @ 01:15 PM

The weekend has come to a close and Monday is finally here! Today, we're taking a look at some under-the-radar 2026 prospects on the defensive side of the football. Each one of these prospects were varsity contributors as a sophomore and flashed talent on tape. Their projected talent levels vary based on their size & athletic ability, however, each one should have the chance to play at the next level.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   DE: Isaiah Matthews, 6'3" 220, Midland Christian   A relentless five-technique that charges off the football with a great first step, he shows impressive slip at the point of attack and keeps his pads low throughout. This kid's motor never stops running, he's got fiery hands out of his stance, he can kick down inside for scheme versatility, and he is extremely disruptive within the run game.   EDGE: [player_tooltip player_id='1653082' first='Jahiem' last='Porter'], 6'1" 215, Cedar Park   A powerful pass-rusher who can fit late inside the box as an apex defender, he's got great closing speed and has the body control to come to balance & tackle in space. He's a mismatch against backs in pass protection, he quickly shocks & sheds in both the run and pass game and does a good job fighting to keep his outside arm free.   LB: Austin Metcalf, 6" 200, Frisco Memorial   Austin does a great job timing up his blitzes and will often come scot-free behind the line of scrimmage. He's quicker than he is fast, he's a high-effort prospect who consistently chases the football and can fight off much bigger blockers at the point of attack. He's got outstanding play strength and is a forceful tackler on contact.   LB: Tate Broaddus, 6'3" 215, Davenport   I think Tate has potential as both an edge and inside linebacker. He's got the lateral quickness to defeat blocks at the second level, utilizes the gator roll tackle when out-leveraged, and can press the pocket as a pass rusher off the edge. Tate takes quality angles to the tackle, can maneuver through heavily trafficked areas, and does a good job setting the edge when run comes to him.   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='1517036' first='Jeremy' last='Garner'] II, 6" 150, Iowa Colony   A playmaker at the safety positions that reads, reacts, and explodes out of his breaks. He's patient in his pedal and speeds up as targets begin to threaten, he's got terrific ball skills and can come down his stem & add physicality as a tackler in run support. He's so loose & plays freely on tape and I think more offers are going to come soon.   DB: Mason Van Sickle, 6" 190, San Angelo Central   A thumper when asked to come down from the third level, he's fearless when taking on blocks within the box and will read his keys & fire downhill. He got impressive agility, he can stymie a ball carrier in his tracks, and plays with an immense amount of confidence.

The weekend has come to a close and Monday is finally here! Today, we're taking a look at some under-the-radar 2026 prospects on the defensive side of the football. Each one of these prospects were varsity contributors as a sophomore and flashed talent on tape. Their projected talent levels vary based on their size & athletic ability, however, each one should have the chance to play at the next level.