2026’s Up Next: Defensive Linemen to Watch in 2025

<p>With national signing day approaching, all eyes will focus on the class of 2026. This evaluation will examine the top talents and under-the-radar prospects who can make a significant leap in 2025.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1253882' first='DJ' last='Eckert'] attended our camp on the 19th. He showcases a solid upfield burst off the snap, with solid bend, pad level, and hand placement to create leverage. This allows him to either shed, speed to power, or immediately bull rush the OL to create pressure into the backfield. His impressive sideline-to-sideline motor showcases his effort to chase down ball carriers from behind. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EckertDj63/status/1881114629214179456 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Darion R. Henderson is a dominant presence in the trenches. He has the potential to be an effective 2-gap plug and run stopper in the interior. Henderson shows a solid burst off the snap, along with solid hand placement and active feet, allowing him to drive offensive linemen back to generate pressure or make plays in the backfield. Keep an eye on him throughout 2025.</p>   <p>Note - 3.8 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DarionHenders19 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1035451' first='Emmanuel' last='Hudson'] is still one of the most underrated defensive lineman prospects in Arkansas. He displays good full-body strength, power, and good upfield burst off the line of scrimmage. Good UOH, as he can quickly transition to his rip move and generate pressure in the backfield. Hudson showcases good pad level and lower body power, enabling him to execute an effective bull rush. He's quick along with his use of hands, allowing him to shed quickly to make a play at the LOS or backfield. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – All-State</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/emmanuel_C2026/status/1856075379598876998 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='884532' first='Roderick' last='Williams'] is expected to have another big season in 2025. He displays good upfield burst off the LOS with good pad level, hand placement, and leg drive, which allows him to create leverage and drive defenders back to create pressure. Williams can generate pressure by bull-rushing and quickly shedding blockers with his use of hands as well.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.7 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Roderick_w64/status/1859239703712600322 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1565406' first='Julian' last='Arroyos'] will be one of the top edge/defensive line prospects by the end of his senior season. He displays a solid burst off the snap and effectively uses his hands to quickly read and shed blocks. Arroyos consistently makes plays at the LOS and in the backfield. His solid pad level, lower body strength, and active feet allow him to generate pressure on every play. Additionally, he has a sideline-to-sideline motor and good foot speed, which enables him to pursue ball carriers effectively.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 5.12 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ykitsjulian/status/1858951412488782136 </div></figure>

With national signing day approaching, all eyes will focus on the class of 2026. This evaluation will examine the top talents and under-the-radar prospects who can make a significant leap in 2025.