2026 Defensive Playmakers I'm Watching Closely

[player_tooltip player_id='934016' first='Quameen' last='Williams'], standing at 6'2” and 165 pounds, is a safety who impacts the game at all three levels of the defense. Immediately, his length and rangy frame catch your attention, offering ample room for added strength. What truly separates Quameen is his versatility. He excels as a ball hawk on the back end, intercepting passes and covering ground as a deep safety while also showing his ability to play in the box or on the edge. His tackling is another standout attribute—he's a reliable open-field tackler who can break down effectively in space.   In addition to his tackling and coverage abilities, Quameen's smooth athleticism shines on tape. He isn't the fastest player on the field, but his quickness, fluid movement, and ability to flip his hips make him highly effective in coverage. His instincts and awareness help him anticipate plays and position himself to make key stops.   As he continues to develop, mainly by adding more weight to his frame, Quameen has the potential to elevate his game to another level. Heading into his senior season, he's poised to solidify himself as one of the top playmakers in New Jersey's 2026 class. With his blend of size, versatility, and athleticism, college programs will undoubtedly take notice.      [player_tooltip player_id='1265766' first='Ethan' last='Peterson'], a safety from Hammonton, brings a bright, instinctive style of play to the position. He is 6 feet tall, demonstrates a solid understanding of route concepts, and excels at reading the game from the split-field safety spot. His ability to anticipate and position himself correctly allows him to make plays over the top, where his instincts genuinely shine.   Ethan is a willing tackler in run defense who consistently breaks down well in one-on-one situations, ensuring he finishes plays effectively. While he may not have elite athleticism, his football IQ and awareness compensate for it, allowing him to stay involved in key moments.   Heading into this season, improving his overall athleticism and adding more size to his frame will be crucial for Ethan to reach his full potential. If he can take those steps, he'll become an even more well-rounded and impactful player.      [player_tooltip player_id='1040329' first='Jason' last='Straub'] from Cinnaminson is a name to watch as a linebacker. At 6'1”, 215 pounds, he brings a strong, well-rounded skill set to the position, excelling particularly as a downhill player. His size allows him to meet ballcarriers in the hole with authority, consistently winning one-on-one battles.   What makes Jason stand out is his relentless motor and athleticism. He's a smooth mover for his size and plays with great instincts, always seeming to be in the right place at the right time. As a blitzer, his quick burst and first step allow him to create pressure, often disrupting plays before they develop. Additionally, he's effective in coverage, showing solid awareness in spot-dropping and making plays on the ball.   With his combination of size, athleticism, and instincts, Jason has the potential to develop into a fringe Division II or even Division I player. This season will be key for his progression, and if he continues to grow, he could emerge as one of the top under-the-radar linebackers in New Jersey.      [player_tooltip player_id='1275399' first='Kosi' last='Onunkwo'] is an intriguing linebacker prospect who will return to New Jersey for his senior season after spending time in Massachusetts. Reclassified to the 2026 class, Kosi brings a big, strong frame to the table at 6'1” and 220 pounds. His build is ideal for a downhill, physical style of play, and he thrives when moving in a straight line.   Kosi's tackling ability is a key strength—he's a sure tackler in space and can play sideline to sideline effectively. What makes him stand out is his pass-rushing ability for a linebacker. He has a few go-to moves in his arsenal, utilizing leverage and hand usage to beat blockers and create pressure. Additionally, his versatility shines, as he's shown the capability to drop into coverage, including playing the Tampa 2 role, where he can run downfield with tight ends.   While Kosi's physicality and football IQ are evident, improving his change-of-direction skills and overall explosiveness will be critical for his development. If he can enhance his agility and lateral quickness, Kosi has the potential to take his game to the next level and become a true impact player at the next level.      [player_tooltip player_id='1264830' first='Nick' last='Costa'] of St. Augustine is a defensive playmaker with his prototypical edge rusher build: 6'4”, 230 pounds. His tall, long frame is a coach's dream, and his ability to add more weight and maintain explosiveness makes him a high-ceiling prospect. Nick showed his full array of skills during the playoff game, where his relentless motor and effort were on full display, leading to multiple tackles for loss.   Against the run, Nick is stout and instinctual, demonstrating the ability to read plays effectively, especially in read-option situations. His motor sets him apart, as he consistently makes plays through sheer determination and hustle. While Nick's physical traits and instincts are impressive, his best football is undoubtedly ahead of him.   With time and development, Nick can become a significant impact player at the next level. He projects as a high-upside prospect for a Power 5 program, likely benefiting from a redshirt year to fill out his frame and refine his technique. Pairing with defensive tackle Damari Simon should only help Nick elevate his game, and he's primed for a breakout senior season in 2026. Keep an eye on him as one of the most promising edge rushers in the state.