Standout 2026 DLs: Region 5’s Top Playmakers This Season

Florida has long been a powerhouse for high school football talent, consistently producing some of the nation's top defensive line prospects. Known for their speed, agility, and pure athleticism, these players have made a name for themselves and drawn interest from college coaches and scouts.   Many of these athletes already hold offers, while others are still flying under the radar, but all have the ability to compete at the college level. This list includes highly rated standouts as well as underrated prospects who deserve more attention.   At Prep Redzone Florida, we're committed to promoting every player and helping them earn the opportunity to play at the next level.   1. Nathaniel Krider, Defensive Tackle – Niceville High   Height/Weight: 5'11", 290 lbs   Stats Summary: 67 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble   Evaluation: Krider is a powerful interior presence with an explosive first step and a relentless motor. Despite being slightly undersized for a traditional defensive tackle, he uses his natural leverage and low center of gravity to gain the advantage against taller offensive linemen. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate the backfield is evident in his 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, showing an impressive pass-rushing skill set for a tackle. He plays with a high level of intensity, and his lateral quickness allows him to chase down plays outside the tackle box.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='1249145' first='Jarius' last='Rodgers'], Defensive End – Fleming Island High   Height/Weight: 6'5", 222 lbs   Stats Summary: 51 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 2 blocked field goals   Evaluation: Rodgers is a long, athletic edge rusher with a disruptive skill set that allows him to affect the game in multiple ways. He has an impressive wingspan, which he uses to bat down passes and alter throwing lanes, as shown by his 5 passes defensed. His explosiveness off the line is paired with good bend around the edge, allowing him to generate consistent pressure. Rodgers also showcases special teams value with two blocked field goals, highlighting his timing and length. With additional strength development, he has the potential to be an impact pass rusher at the next level.   3. Christien Moreau, Defensive Tackle – St. Thomas Aquinas High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 290 lbs   Stats Summary: 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Moreau is a disruptive interior lineman with excellent hand technique and a strong punch at the point of attack. He plays with a quick first step, allowing him to penetrate gaps and collapse the pocket, as evidenced by his 9 sacks from the tackle position. His ability to bully blockers and finish plays in the backfield makes him a constant threat against both the run and pass. Moreau's balance and core strength help him absorb double-teams without losing ground, making him a well-rounded defensive tackle.   4. Caden Glover, Defensive End – Martin County High   Height/Weight: 6'3", 205 lbs   Stats Summary: 43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked field goal   Evaluation: Glover is a high-motor edge rusher who wins with speed and effort. His ability to get off the ball quickly allows him to beat slower tackles and create pressure consistently. While he is leaner than some traditional defensive ends, he compensates with his quickness and speed. His 8 sacks and 5 tackles for loss show his ability to finish plays when given opportunities. His blocked field goal also speaks to his awareness and ability to make plays on special teams. Continued strength development will help him hold up better against the run.   5. [player_tooltip player_id='1580826' first='Reece' last='Beck'], Defensive End – Ponte Vedra High   Height/Weight: 6'6", 245 lbs   Stats Summary: 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defensed, 12 QB hurries   Evaluation: Beck is a towering edge rusher with a long frame and the ability to disrupt passing games with his length alone. His 12 QB hurries show that he consistently pressures the pocket, even when he doesn't get sacks. He has solid hand usage and a strong rip move that allows him to disengage from blockers. While his tackle numbers are lower, his ability to generate sacks and force errant throws is a major asset. With added bulk, he could develop into a dominant pass-rushing presence.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='1628933' first='Daniel' last='Norman'], Defensive End/Edge – St. Thomas Aquinas High   Height/Weight: 6'4", 230 lbs   Stats Summary: 31 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 8 QB hurries   Evaluation: Norman is a well-rounded edge rusher with the ability to set the edge against the run and generate pressure on passing downs. His 11 tackles for loss shows that he plays aggressively and finishes well in the backfield. He uses a mix of speed and power in his pass rush, allowing him to get into the backfield efficiently. Norman also shows great pursuit skills, making him a consistent presence near the ball. If he continues to refine his technique, he could become a high-level pass-rushing prospect.   7. Noah Lustrea, Defensive Tackle – Beachside High   Height/Weight: 6'2", 250 lbs   Stats Summary: 33 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 5 QB hurries   Evaluation: Lustrea is a quick and disruptive interior defender who excels at getting upfield and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. His 6.5 sacks from the tackle position highlight his ability to collapse the pocket and finish plays. He plays with a high motor and active hands, allowing him to disengage from blockers and chase down quarterbacks. His ability to force fumbles also speaks to his awareness and physicality. If he adds more strength, he could develop into a dominant interior lineman.   Defensive Linemen Overview   This group of defensive linemen features a diverse mix of pass-rushing specialists, disruptive interior forces, and high-motor athletes who can impact games in multiple ways. Several players stand out for their ability to get after the quarterback, with Nathaniel Krider (Niceville) and [player_tooltip player_id='1249145' first='Jarius' last='Rodgers'] (Fleming Island) leading the way in sacks, showcasing their dominance on the defensive front.   The interior linemen, such as Christien Moreau (St. Thomas Aquinas) and Noah Lustrea (Beachside), bring strength and quickness to the trenches, using their hand technique and first-step explosiveness to collapse the pocket. Krider's ability to generate 11 sacks from the tackle position makes him one of the most dangerous interior pass rushers in this class.   On the edge, [player_tooltip player_id='1249145' first='Jarius' last='Rodgers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1580826' first='Reece' last='Beck'] (Ponte Vedra), and Caden Glover (Martin County) bring length, athleticism, and pass-rushing instincts. Rodgers, in particular, has shown a knack for disrupting the passing game beyond just sacks, recording multiple passes defensed and blocked kicks. Beck's towering 6'6" frame gives him a natural advantage in shedding blockers and batting down passes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1628933' first='Daniel' last='Norman'] (St. Thomas Aquinas) and Caden Glover provide versatility, showing the ability to both rush the passer and set the edge against the run. Norman's 11 tackles for loss highlight his ability to read plays and attack downhill.   Overall, this is a well-balanced group with a mix of speed rushers, power rushers, and interior disruptors. Players like Rodgers and Krider have proven to be game-changers, while prospects like Beck and Lustrea have shown flashes of dominance with room to grow. With the right development, several of these linemen have the potential to be impact players at the next level.

Florida has long been a powerhouse for high school football talent, consistently producing some of the nation's top defensive line prospects. Known for their speed, agility, and pure athleticism, these players have made a name for themselves and drawn interest from college coaches and scouts.