2026 Defensive Lineman On My Radar

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1085702"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a933303"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The first defensive lineman on my radar is [player_tooltip player_id='1085702' first='Adrian' last='Villalta'], a 5'11”, 245-pound defensive tackle. Adrian stands out for his natural leverage, which makes it difficult for offensive linemen to get under his pads. This lets him win one-on-one battles quickly and effectively neutralize blocks as a run defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His hand placement and usage are excellent, putting him in a position to create tackles for loss and disrupt plays on the interior. While he doesn't flash elite speed or first-step quickness, his leverage and technique enable him to dominate most matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Looking ahead, Adrian projects more as a center or guard at the next level, where his skill set could translate exceptionally well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/i1h9ONAxwS">https://t.co/i1h9ONAxwS</a> <a href="https://t.co/i1h9ONAxwS">https://t.co/i1h9ONAxwS</a> 2023-2024 highlights go check em out 💪🏽🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/UCFOOTBALLNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCFOOTBALLNJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisJohnsen77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisJohnsen77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IsaacAFlores?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsaacAFlores</a></p>&mdash; Adrian &quot;AD&quot; Villalta ✝️ (@adrianvillalta_) <a href="https://twitter.com/adrianvillalta_/status/1747631380509368612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1287239"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a93336b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next defensive lineman is [player_tooltip player_id='1287239' first='Will' last='Maloof'] from St. Peter's Prep, standing at an impressive 6'4”, 206 pounds. What immediately stands out about Will is his frame, which offers plenty of room for growth and development. He hasn't yet filled into his body, but strides in that area should become evident this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will is versatile, playing both a hand-in-the-dirt edge rusher and a stand-up rusher. He does a solid job reading plays, crashing down on read-option designs wildly, and using his hands effectively. However, he needs to improve his leverage to dominate the position truly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His first-step quickness is solid, and his motor consistently shows up on tape, enabling him to make plays as both a pass rusher and run defender. While he requires physical development, [player_tooltip player_id='1287239' first='Will' last='Maloof']'s best football is still ahead. He's a player to watch closely as he continues to grow into his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18061698/673b99b9ee1ab01e17e19e84' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a93350a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257662"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a933557"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next defensive lineman is [player_tooltip player_id='1257662' first='Jaiden' last='Moore'] from Triton Regional. At 6'3 " and 265 pounds, Jaiden is an explosive force on the interior. He plays with great lower-body strength, engaging well and using his hands effectively to create leverage and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaiden is dominant against both the run and pass. As a pass rusher, he flashes polished moves and uses his leverage to disrupt the pocket. His explosiveness makes him more of an attacking three-technique than a traditional run-stuffer, which sets him apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Jaiden's skill set is impressive, adding size will be crucial, primarily if he aims to compete at the Power Five level. With his size, power, and explosiveness combination, [player_tooltip player_id='1257662' first='Jaiden' last='Moore'] has the tools to succeed as a Division I defensive lineman. He remains one of the more exciting prospects in his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18216518/672a9276f44e3ae67e5628ef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a93357e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213678"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a9335c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next defensive lineman is [player_tooltip player_id='1213678' first='Daniel' last='Nifah'] from Hackensack. At 6'2”, 215 pounds, Daniel is a versatile edge rusher who can line up both outside and inside. His explosiveness off the edge immediately stands out, along with his acceleration when chasing plays down in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniel's ability to take on blocks, stack, and shed while still making plays intrigues. While he thrives as an edge rusher, his athleticism and ability to play sideline-to-sideline suggest he has the potential to transition to an off-ball linebacker role. His frame and skill set could make him a strong candidate for that position, though his current focus remains on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1213678' first='Daniel' last='Nifah']'s versatility, athleticism, and explosiveness make him a standout prospect and a player to watch as his development continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18516096/674a958be4633310d1bbb94e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a9335ee"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284073"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a93362f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next defensive lineman is RJ Carstarphen Jr. from Winslow. RJ was a crucial piece of Winslow's state championship-winning defense during their undefeated season. At 5'11”, he's an undersized defensive lineman who uses his natural leverage and athleticism to stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RJ brings explosive traits to the defensive line, excelling in penetration and creating havoc in the backfield. While undersized in weight, his quickness and first-step explosiveness fit Winslow's attacking defensive style. However, his long-term future may be at linebacker, where his athleticism could shine even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To remain as a 3-tech, RJ would need to add significant weight and improve against the run. Despite this, his ability to disrupt plays and bring high energy makes him a valuable asset for Winslow and a player to watch as his game evolves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17894071/675b97f43d0e6883099ea6ed' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677466a933652"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->