2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analyzing the new 2026 defensive prospects to the updated PRZ state rankings.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nunnery has continued to show improvement while adding good weight to his frame now at 6'1” 235 lbs. A plus athlete that has good recovery speed and lateral quickness to chase. Movement skills and high motor are obvious in his pursuit of the ball and as a pass rusher off the edge. Lot of strength and power in his frame to fight through contact and separate himself from blockers. Major breakout candidate going into his junior season and his size/skillset could translate to either DE or LB depending on development.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CordeNunnery/status/1779940316604506131 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A hard-nosed and tough LB/RB at 6'1” 215 lbs. Brings a downhill and attacking style of play to both sides of the ball. On defense, he can line up and be effective from multiple spots as an outside edge rusher or play off the LOS as LB. Can work around blockers and avoid contact on his way to the ball carrier. A physical tackler that is always driving his feet and finishing through contact. Exceled on the defensive side as a sophomore finishing the 2023 season with 72 total tackles and 20 TFL but also shined as a RB in Tonopah Valley's 2024 opener. He'll be a major impact player on both sides for the next two years.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TJFoilefutu8/status/1827886170585641055 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'2” 215 lb. LB out of Basha came back from his transfer sit and finished with 57 total tackles as a sophomore for one of the top teams in the state. He's patient and under control as he diagnoses run/pass but takes good angles of pursuit to close space on the ball. Steps up to fill gaps aggressively and proves he can free himself up to make a tackle by shedding blockers at the POA. One to watch with a strong foundational skillset and size to build on. Basha is loaded with young talent and Bruley is no exception to that.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BruleyDante/status/1733929936426316159 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Pruitt showed in flashes as a sophomore finishing with 36 total tackles and eight TFL. At 6'0” 200 lbs. he's equally effective in coverage as he is in run support. He's quick but not in a hurry to dissect the play while possessing a fast trigger to break on the ball. Plays with leverage and can bring heavy contact when engaging blockers or making a tackle. Plays well with his eyes in coverage to read the QB and anticipate a throw. Can step into passing lanes and make a play on the ball in the air. High expectations for the 2024 season playing next to one of the top LB prospects in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='739442' first='Jaylyn' last='Colter'].</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Flying under the radar but checks a lot of boxes as a D1 interior DL recruit. He's a dual-sport athlete (football, wrestling) at 6'1” 280 lbs. with outstanding natural strength. He's able to fight through double teams, stack at the point, or anchor down to fill a gap. Smart player that can feel and react to screens, pulls, and traps. Well-coached with his technique and hand usage. He's quick and violent with them to keep blockers away from his body. He's a high ceiling prospect that could climb recruiting boards quickly as he's able to showcase his ability.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Big time defensive playmaker for Sunrise Mountain that racked up almost 100 tackles and 14 TFL as a sophomore. At 6'3” 215 lbs. he's an extremely active defender with a long and athletic frame. Great instincts and reactionary quickness to make decisive reads and accelerate to the ball. Disrupts opposing offenses with his ability to gain quick penetration and make plays at or behind the LOS. Athleticism allows him to play sideline to sideline but excels as a blitzer that can put pressure on the QB early. A dual-sport athlete (football/baseball) that deserves to be on the recruiting radar going into his sophomore year.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Great frame with length and growth potential at 6'2” 175 lbs. for the corner spot. Flashes good all around game speed, accelerates out of his transition and has the straight line speed to cover deep. Can play both press and off coverage effectively. Excellent pad level throughout the play from his back pedal to his break and then at the contact point. Strong open field tackler.</p>