2026 Film Room Evaluations: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into some of the under the radar 2026 defensive prospects from around the state.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kraus is an instinctive linebacker for Buena that led the team and region in tackles as a junior finishing with 93. At 6'1” 205 lbs. he's got a good frame to continue to add weight as he develops. He's an aggressive filler in the run game and can also spot drop into zone coverage. His high football IQ is evident as he quickly diagnoses plays and reacts. As a run defender, he can beat blockers in a variety of ways. He can use hard initial contact and his hands to take on and shed or tightly work around blockers to free himself up for a tackle. Plays with a high motor to chase hard in pursuit of the ball carrier. He's a reliable tackler inside the box and in open space that wraps up to finish and is tough to break. Good strength in the weight room translates well to the football field. Two time First Team All Region selection</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cooperkraus52/status/1866503838779466159 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Schmidt brings a strong presence in the box for Mica Mountain. Possesses a good frame with length and growth potential at 6'2” 215 lbs. He's an aggressive downhill linebacker that plays with a relentless motor in pursuit. Shows he can play all three downs with his ability as a run stopper and when dropping into coverage. He thrives in attacking the LOS and quickly filling gaps to disrupt running plays. Good ability to read the flow of the offense and make quick, decisive decisions to trigger to the ball. Strong tackler, where his physicality and toughness stand out to bring heavy contact. Good eye discipline in coverage to read the QB, find a threat, and play the ball in the air. Shows he can close space quickly and step into throwing lanes to break up passes. Led Mica Mountain in tackles during the 2024 season with 93 total.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BSchmidt2026/status/1866489595430650050 </div></figure>     <p>Walker is a dynamic two-way playmaker that stood out at both WR and OLB as a junior. 6'0” 185 lbs. he brings a good combination of size, versatility, and instincts to both sides of the ball. Plus ball skills, he shows good timing and is confident with his hands at the catch. He attacks the ball in the air and shows good tracking skills to get in position to make a play. On defense, he's a competitor with a strong football IQ showing the ability to quickly diagnose plays and be equally effective in run support and in coverage. Demonstrates good lateral quickness and is an aggressive tackler to consistently track down ball carriers and make impactful plays as a run stopper. In coverage, he can drop to a zone or play man to matchup against the slot. Finished the 2024 season with 77 total tackles including 47 solo and four interceptions, returned three of them for touchdowns.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TjWalker2026/status/1862719789203964345 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A lot to like about Polk's skillset. He shows high level instincts and anticipation at CB with strong technique and footwork. Plays well with his eyes to be quick to read and react. Exceptionally ability to plant and drive on the football at the short and intermediate levels. He shows smooth hips in his transition and can change directions rapidly to accelerate coming out of his break and close separation. Flashes good execution of fundamentals and technique in both press and off coverage. He's patient and precise with his steps to limit wasted movement. Takes good angles when breaking on the ball in coverage and when coming downhill to make a tackle. Not the biggest frame at 5'10” 170 lbs. but not afraid of contact and explodes at the POA to bring heavy thump. Possesses good upside and potential to build on going into his senior season.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Finch-Logan is a powerful and disruptive interior defensive lineman who excels at controlling the line of scrimmage. 6'1” 280 lbs. he's got a good frame and exceptional natural strength that allow him to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt plays in the back field. His ability to create immediate knock back and move the LOS stands out. Shows he can engage and shed blockers quickly using his sheer strength and leverage to push the pocket and collapse running lanes. Like that he can be a two gap defender and occupy multiple blockers while anchoring down hold positioning. Also a heavy weight wrestler, he understands how to use his leverage to his advantage while being balanced at the contact point. Flashes the movement skills and short area quickness to redirect between the tackles. He's a high upside prospect that could pop this offseason and into his senior season.</p>