WPIAL’s Elite Defensive Linemen to Watch in 2026 Class: Part 1

<!-- 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-67aeaf982143d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='646684' first='Brendan' last='Alexander'] is a dynamic athlete with many skills as a defensive and offensive lineman. As a defensive line, he is such a good athlete that offensive linemen have difficulty blocking. His ability to get off the ball and blow past offensive linemen is special. He is a disruptive force that creates a lot of issues for offenses. Then, as an offensive lineman, he explodes off the ball and blocks defensive players at a high level. His ability to go downfield and block linebackers and defensive backs is impressive. Alexander is a talented player who already has multiple Division One offers, I expect more to come his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AGTG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AGTG</a> Blessed to receive an offer from Sacramento State! <a href="https://twitter.com/DWalls2ND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DWalls2ND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrennanMarion4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrennanMarion4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLyonsCVfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachLyonsCVfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</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> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a> <a href="https://t.co/I4DSJgqJ2a">pic.twitter.com/I4DSJgqJ2a</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='646684' first='Brendan' last='Alexander'] (@BrendanAlex50) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanAlex50/status/1884992864230215929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</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-67aeaf98214a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='618705' first='Brock' last='Heisler'] has a good ability to get off the ball and attack offensive linemen from his defensive tackle position. His ability to explode off the ball and put pressure on offenses is impressive. He has a good combination of strength and athleticism. He also uses his hands well, and he can rip through offensive linemen's hands to push the pile backward. Heisler also shows good motor that never stops as he chases plays all over the field. Heisler is a good player and has the elite traits of a defensive lineman. He recently picked up an offer from Temple University. I expect more offers to come his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_AlJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_AlJohnson</a> I'm greatful to receive an offer from Temple University. <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKCKeeler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKCKeeler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCCalhoun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCCalhoun</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://t.co/qGgZ8KstS7">pic.twitter.com/qGgZ8KstS7</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='618705' first='Brock' last='Heisler'] 2026 (@Brock_Heisler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brock_Heisler/status/1890173597756559436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</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-67aeaf98214f2"} --> <!-- 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 one of the best athletes you see as a defensive lineman. His ability to get off the ball and attack the offensive backfield is legit. He has one of the fastest get-offs I have seen from a defensive lineman in a while. His ability to fire off the ball and attack the offense makes him difficult to block. He then uses his hands well to rip through offensive linemen and to get back into the backfield. He also shows good pass-rush moves from his defensive line position. Collins is a legit player who has the potential to be a College Football player in the future.</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-67aeaf9821536"} --> <!-- 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 good two-way lineman; he is good as both an offensive lineman and a defensive lineman. At the offensive line position, he does a good job of firing off to block defensive linemen. His ability to drive defensive players off the ball is impressive. Then, as a defensive lineman, he shows so much strength that it is hard to move him off the ball. He also shows an ability to create pressure on the offense by firing off the ball quickly. Starks has shown a ton of potential and has a good chance at playing college football in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great talk and performance I've received a d1 offer from <a href="https://twitter.com/RedFlashFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RedFlashFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_JCraig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_JCraig</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MohrRecruiting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohrRecruiting</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://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://t.co/eJF3QhnnHm">pic.twitter.com/eJF3QhnnHm</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'] (@justusstarks3) <a href="https://twitter.com/justusstarks3/status/1804175628335280388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647401"],"_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-67af5b88d72fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647401' first='Angelo' last='Pugliano'] is a good defensive lineman who does a nice job of firing off the ball. He can move well and he can make a ton of plays in the backfield. Pugliano has one of the best motors you see in a defensive lineman. He constantly chases plays all over the field. He also does a great job on stunts and loops where he moves well and shows good athleticism to put pressure on the offenses. Pugliano has a ton of potential and is a good player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Season Highlights ‼️<br><br>-(6A) WPIAL Champions<br>-PIAA 6A runner ups<br><br>Hybrid DL<a href="https://t.co/RHk2Rz2Jzh">https://t.co/RHk2Rz2Jzh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PCC_FOOTBALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PCC_FOOTBALL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLehmeier?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachLehmeier</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJayBell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJayBell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DL_Coach_Mazur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DL_Coach_Mazur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Gus2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Gus2</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://twitter.com/PghSportsNow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PghSportsNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DAWGHZERECRUITS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAWGHZERECRUITS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <a href="https://t.co/q5ewc5ygkp">pic.twitter.com/q5ewc5ygkp</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647401' first='Angelo' last='Pugliano'] (@AngeloDpugliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeloDpugliano/status/1866978649595056292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->