STOCK RISERS: 2026 EDGE Defenders See Big Rankings Boost

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2026 EDGE defenders saw their Prep Redzone ranking increase in the latest update...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319904"],"_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-676048b24b34a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An athletic EDGE defender with a lengthy frame and impressive burst off the snap, Givens is a two-way standout who thrives as a pass-rushing defender off the edge. He's an explosive defender who can beat opposing linemen with both speed, power, and finesse. He shows an impressive swim move, plays with good leverage, and is incredibly tough to stop by just one offensive lineman. He can end a drive in the backfield on any particular play and saw his ranking increase in the latest update, now coming in at 8 overall in the state for the 2026 class. He's an elite defender with his best football still way ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212297"],"_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-676048b24b441"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more productive defenders across the state, Geralds might be slightly undersized, but his motor, fundamentals, and aggressive style of play makes up for it. He's a strong, powerful lineman who shed blocks with ease and consistently finds his way to the backfield. He's a natural pass-rusher who has terrorized quarterbacks since his very first starts as a freshman. He plays against great competition on a weekly basis and constantly proves why he's one of the best prospects in Georgia for the 2026 class. Now, he's ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the state after a strong junior season where he made 114 tackles, 30 TFLs and 13 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1323161"],"_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-676048b24b514"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A breakout defender who had a monster junior season this fall, Brooks is a multi-sport athlete with length, athleticism, and a high-ceiling as a pass-rushing EDGE defender. He brings a promising 6-foot-4 220-pound frame and made big plays all season long for his North Oconee teams. He's lightning quick off the snap and showed this fall he can make plays in coverage as well. He's a big-time prospect who has seen his recruitment take off, and now he's ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 25 overall prospect in the state. He's a big athlete who will continue to get better and better and could see his ranking continue to increase over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258730"],"_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-67604e1aa1e5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic defender with shows fast, violent hands when shedding blocks, Quinn was a consistent game-wrecking defender all season long for the mighty GAC Spartans. He brings a lean frame that will allow him to keep adding mass and muscle over time. He shows god burst, athleticism, and a nose for the football. He attacks the quarterback and knows how to deliver a bruise when he meets the ball-carrier. Now, he's made a big jump in the 2026 rankings, coming in at No. 28 overall in the state. As a junior this past fall, Quinn made 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks while helping out on offense. Look for Quinn to keep reeling in big offers this off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187600"],"_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-67604e1aa1ed3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top overall prospects in Cobb County, Carbin is a max-effort defender who knows how to hit behind his pads and strike the ball-carrier with force. Whether he's attacking the quarterback or chasing down the running back, Carbin consistently finds his way to the ball. He's a versatile defender who can rush the quarterback off the edge while being able to play in space and make a big tackle in the open field. His stock is on the rise, and so is his Prep Redzone ranking, coming in at No. 39 overall in the state in the latest rankings update. As a junior this season, the Hillgrove standout made 49 tackles, nine TFLs and six sacks. He's a prospect to keep a close eye on who could see his recruitment pick up a ton over the next several months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->