2026 Tackle Machines To Return Next Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249050' first='Tony' last='Williams'] | LB | 2026 | Raines | @3kDucie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 100+ tackles, 20.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has been a cornerstone for Raines' defense, showcasing incredible physicality and football IQ. A consistent presence in the backfield, he disrupts offenses with ease and will return as one of the top linebackers in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142169' first='Tyrique' last='Harris'] | LB | 2026 | CCC | @TyriqueHarris39</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 79 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 8.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is a versatile edge player who can dominate against both the run and pass. His impressive combination of quickness and strength allowed him to rack up eight sacks this season, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583333' first='Dontavius' last='Purdy'] | DE/LB | 2026 | Lake Wales | @DontaviusPurdy6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 82 tackles, 25.0 TFL, 15.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-1, 225 pounds, Purdy is a nightmare for offensive lines. His ability to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback has made him one of Polk County's top defensive players. With his size and productivity, he's primed to turn heads this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209050' first='Ronin' last='Dangler'] | LB | 2026 | Manatee | @RoninDangler</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 85 tackles, 62 solo, 27.0 TFL, 4 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dangler is the quarterback of Manatee's defense, combining strength, intelligence, and physicality. His 27 tackles for loss this season demonstrate his ability to disrupt plays, making him a rising star to watch in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Troy Butler | DE | 2026 | Raines | @Troybutler32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 79 tackles, 21.0 TFL, 7.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-2, 220 pounds, Butler is a relentless pass rusher who helped Raines remain a powerhouse. His explosive first step and ability to get behind the line of scrimmage make him a key piece of the Vikings' future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583347' first='Macaiden' last='Brown'] | DB | 2026 | Cardinal Mooney | @MacaidenBrown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 78 tackles, 21.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is a unique defensive back with exceptional tackling ability, racking up 21 tackles for loss this season. Already holding D1 offers from programs like Auburn and Louisville, he's a high-IQ player with the physicality to dominate anywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143122' first='Micah' last='Fils-Aime'] | DL | 2026 | FBA | @mfilsaime4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 82 tackles, 23.0 TFL, 10.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fils-Aime is a disruptive force on the defensive line, constantly living in the backfield. With over 20 tackles for loss and double-digit sacks, he's proven to be one of the most productive defensive linemen in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maddoxx Lehman | LB | 2026 | Menendez | @lehman_maddoxx</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 126 tackles, 3.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lehman led his team in tackles this season, showing his reliability as a consistent playmaker. His motor and toughness are unmatched, making him a key leader for Menendez as he heads into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310328' first='Talan' last='Babin'] | LB | 2026 | Ponte Vedra | @Talan_Babin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 80 tackles, 13.0 TFL, 4 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Babin emerged as the leader of Ponte Vedra's defense, earning the respect of his teammates with his relentless style of play. Known for his high football IQ and physicality, Babin plays sideline-to-sideline and will only get better next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kofi “KJ” Brown | LB | 2026 | Cardinal Mooney | @kjveinti2cinco5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 81 tackles, 23.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown has a natural nose for the football, combining explosive instincts with physicality. He's a dominant force on defense and consistently makes impactful plays, proving he's a next-level talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1395868' first='Luke' last='Harmon'] | S | 2026 | Menendez | @lukeharmon_5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 79 tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harmon is a versatile player who shined on both sides of the ball for Menendez this season. Named the team's Defensive Player of the Year, his physicality and ability to read the game make him a standout safety prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773171' first='Blaze' last='Jones'] | DE | 2026 | TFA | @BlazeJones13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Living up to his name, Jones brings relentless pressure off the edge for The First Academy. His quickness and power make him a problem for offensive lines, and his high motor helped TFA secure a district championship this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taye Dawson | LB | 2026 | Blountstown | @TayeDawson28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 84 tackles, 10.5 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-2, 220 pounds, Dawson has the size, speed, and physicality to dominate at the next level. His ability to fly to the football makes him a standout linebacker with plenty of upside heading into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583358' first='Wyatt' last='Fleming'] | LB | 2026 | Mosley | @wyattflemi45547</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 76 tackles, 4.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming has emerged as one of the top tacklers in his area, making plays all over the field. A physical linebacker with great instincts, his versatility on defense and special teams makes him a player to watch in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->