Rising Defensive Linemen to Watch in the Class of 2026

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["646684"],"_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-675b6498754b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='646684' first='Brendan' last='Alexander'] already has 21 division one offers. That is an impressive amount after playing only his sophomore season. His film is excellent, as you expect. Not many 6'4 inches tall linemen move like him. Alexander is super athletic and does a great job on the offensive and defensive lines, using his athleticism to his advantage. On offense, he does a good job of double-team blocking defensive tackles to block linebackers at the next level. His athletic ability stands out on these plays with his ability to chase defenders. At the defensive line position, he is equally as good. He does a great job chasing plays all over the field. Alexander is a good two-way player who has loads of talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/6DAuVyVis9">https://t.co/6DAuVyVis9</a><br>10+ pancakes against Freeport, a dominate performance! <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLyonsCVfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachLyonsCVfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SWiltfong_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cvqbclub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cvqbclub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DAWGHZERECRUITS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAWGHZERECRUITS</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='646684' first='Brendan' last='Alexander'] (@BrendanAlex50) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanAlex50/status/1857236254162563349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399251"],"_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-675b64987551d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='399251' first='Daiveon' last='Taylor'] is an athletic edge player. He does a great job of using his hands to rip through offensive linemen. He is dripping with athleticism and speed that he is hard to block one-on-one for offensive tackles. He does an excellent job of chasing plays all over the field. He has a motor that never stops as he chases plays constantly. Taylor is also good against the run by keeping the contain and making tackles on the edge. Taylor is an excellent prospect in the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">50 tackles <br>7 sacks <br>8tfl <br>2 defl <br>1ff<a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/On3Recruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@On3Recruits</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDohn247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianDohn247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SWiltfong_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigHaubert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigHaubert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DemetricDWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DemetricDWarren</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLuginbill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomLuginbill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EFrantzMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EFrantzMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PaFootballNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaFootballNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/UbMA9zdTAI">https://t.co/UbMA9zdTAI</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='399251' first='Daiveon' last='Taylor'] 3⭐️LB (@certified_Dai13) <a href="https://twitter.com/certified_Dai13/status/1858633050026111381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855477"],"_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-675b649875566"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='855477' first='Zykir' last='Moore'] is a good athlete for Woodland Hills, and he played all over the football field this past season. On offense, he played as a running back and showed good speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss. He is also a physical running back. On defense, he played as a linebacker and chased plays all over the field. He is a good tackler, in the open field. He can also put his hand down and use the passer as an edge player. Moore is athletic enough to play about any position on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/lqd80PbDjw">https://t.co/lqd80PbDjw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Ty_Brown5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ty_Brown5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBT02?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBT02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachWalk23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachWalk23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EdOBrienCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdOBrienCFB</a></p>&mdash; Zykir(Ziggy)Moore (@MooreZykir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MooreZykir/status/1836123561972363477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["618705"],"_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-675b6498755aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='618705' first='Brock' last='Heisler'] is a force at the defensive line. He does an excellent job of getting off the ball and attacking offensive linemen. His ability to penetrate and cause problems for the interior offensive line is excellent. Then I love his instincts, where he goes down the line and chases plays all over the field. Heisler is also hard to move off the ball, as he shows good strength when offensive linemen try to block him. Heisler is a good player who has a ton of talent to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full Junior Season Film❗️❗️❗️<br>6'3 245 DL/OL <br>C/o 2026 16 yo<a href="https://twitter.com/HempfieldAreaFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HempfieldAreaFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_coachkeef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_coachkeef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlPoodie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlPoodie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <br><br>Link ⬇️⬇️⬇️<a href="https://t.co/eraSe4oU1L">https://t.co/eraSe4oU1L</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLBWQuhNM6">pic.twitter.com/LLBWQuhNM6</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='618705' first='Brock' last='Heisler'] 2026 (@Brock_Heisler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brock_Heisler/status/1851322990622859712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648150"],"_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-675b6498755ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='648150' first='Josiah' last='Collins'] is so athletic that from his defensive line position, he looks like he takes the handoff from opposing offenses. He just fires off the ball and gets into the backfield so fast. His athleticism is special for a defensive lineman. He does a great job of playing as a defensive tackle and as an edge defender. He has excellent pass-rushing moves. His ability to rush the passer and cause problems for the opposing team's quarterback is excellent. Collins has a chance to be a special player going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my regular season film <br> defensive tackle/edge <a href="https://t.co/ZaJMGbK2ur">https://t.co/ZaJMGbK2ur</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mwhiteburgh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mwhiteburgh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/zU8yyTk0jY">pic.twitter.com/zU8yyTk0jY</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='648150' first='Josiah' last='Collins'] ⭐️ (@pov_josiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/pov_josiah/status/1853482099065377071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647248"],"_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-675b649875630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'] is a force at defensive tackle. He is hard to move and block off his spot. He just maintains his leverage and strength over offensive linemen. He also has a great 1st step and fires off the ball well. He is also a good athlete who does an excellent job of chasing plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Starks is a good player at the defensive line, and he has all the tools to play at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To wrap up my junior year here's my defensive film bunch!!! <a href="https://t.co/84aNgRPUBv">https://t.co/84aNgRPUBv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_JCraig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_JCraig</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTerryPSU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTerryPSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MohrRecruiting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohrRecruiting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/1coachshep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1coachshep</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IanFriedFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IanFriedFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EdOBrienCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdOBrienCFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jjwilson_7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jjwilson_7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachtyler34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachtyler34</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rays_World9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rays_World9</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'] (@justusstarks3) <a href="https://twitter.com/justusstarks3/status/1855689478326604271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402467"],"_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-675b6498756b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='402467' first='TJ' last='Sabatucci'] has a great combination of athleticism and strength for a defensive lineman. His ability to keep contain and rush the passer is impressive. He gets off the ball extremely fast and he can put pressure on the offense because of that. He uses his hands well as he rips through offensive tackles. On one play, he was playing as an edge defender and batted the ball in the air and then had an interception. He also played tight end and showed his athletic ability at that position by blocking and catching the ball well. Sabatucci is an impressive player who can do it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my junior season highlights! <a href="https://t.co/CHpj83itTh">https://t.co/CHpj83itTh</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='402467' first='TJ' last='Sabatucci'] (@SabatucciTJ2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabatucciTJ2026/status/1852348247110512807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388173"],"_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-675b6498756f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='388173' first='Vito' last='Barravecchio'] is a good athlete who played all over the field for Shady Side Academy. On defense, he played as a linebacker mostly as he showed good athleticism chasing plays all over the field. He has the tools to play as an edge player at the next level. On offense, he plays as a tight end, and he is a weapon as a blocker and as a receiver. He even is a weapon in special teams. He took a fake punt for a 1st down when he had to gain over 10 yards, and he used his athleticism and strength to get the 1st down. He also blocked a field goal by using his length to get his arms up to block it. Barravecchio is a good player who projects as an edge or tight end at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my Junior Season Highlights ‼️ , on <a href="https://twitter.com/Hudl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hudl</a> at <a href="https://t.co/5PmnEwI1jg">https://t.co/5PmnEwI1jg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hudl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hudl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SSAFBboosters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SSAFBboosters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PghSportsNow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PghSportsNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cover3_ATH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cover3_ATH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxPreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaxPreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxPrepsPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaxPrepsPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='388173' first='Vito' last='Barravecchio'] (@VitoBarravecchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitoBarravecchi/status/1855817024343040025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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-675b649875735"} /-->