2026 DEs: Who Will Make an Immediate Impact at the Next Level?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2026 recruiting cycle gains momentum, defensive ends across Alabama are proving they have the size, skill, and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the next level. With college programs prioritizing edge rushers who can disrupt the backfield and dominate in the trenches, these rising prospects stand out as potential difference-makers from day one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ethan Walton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Oak Mountain High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679a7d7b759cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walton's explosiveness off the edge makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. His first step is elite, allowing him to quickly disrupt plays in the backfield. At 6'4”, 240 pounds, he has the frame and power to hold up against the run while maintaining impressive agility in pass-rushing situations. His motor runs hot from start to finish, making him a relentless presence on every snap. If he continues to refine his hand usage, Walton has all the tools to become a dominant force at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"George Hunter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679a7d7b75ad5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hunter possesses a rare combination of length and athleticism that makes him a disruptive edge defender. His ability to bend around the corner and maintain speed through contact sets him apart from many in his class. He has a strong upper body and consistently sheds blockers with violent hand strikes. While he excels as a pass rusher, his ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to be equally effective against the run. With continued development in his technique, Hunter projects as an impact player early in his college career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401102"],"_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-679a7d7b75b86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris is a physically imposing defensive end with an explosive get-off that helps him dominate one-on-one matchups. His blend of speed and power allows him to collapse the pocket efficiently, making life difficult for quarterbacks. He's shown flashes of elite pursuit skills, tracking down ball carriers with impressive closing speed. While he still needs to refine his pad level and counter moves, his raw talent is undeniable. Harris has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level with proper coaching and continued physical development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401096"],"_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-679a7d7b75bf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker's versatility allows him to line up as both a traditional defensive end and a stand-up edge rusher. His quickness off the snap and ability to change direction make him a threat in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. He possesses a powerful punch that stuns offensive linemen, giving him an advantage in shedding blocks. Parker's high football IQ and instincts enable him to read plays before they fully develop. With continued strength training and technical refinement, he has the potential to be a day-one contributor in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["538469"],"_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-679a7d7b75c5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White is a high-motor defensive end who thrives on physicality and relentless pursuit of the football. His hand technique is already advanced, allowing him to disengage from blockers with ease. He shows excellent lateral movement, making him effective in chasing down plays from the backside. His ability to anchor against the run and collapse the pocket gives him the potential to be a three-down defender at the next level. With his work ethic and relentless playing style, White is a prospect who could make an immediate impact in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->