Early Preview of the 2026 Class: Underrated Defensive Lineman

With the 2024 season behind us, we would like to preview some underrated defensive players in the state's 2026 graduating class. These players have not received the full credit they deserve for the fantastic seasons that they had this previous year and should be considered top prospects in the state for the next season. We will now look at some of the most underrated defensive lineman, both edge and on the interior, set to return next season.    2026 Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1594012' first='Javier' last='Castro'] is a true defensive chess piece for this Cooper Canyon defense. In 8 games last season, he managed to have 48 total tackles, 22 of those as solo tackles, 10 sacks, 8 TFLs, and 5 recorded hurries. The first thing that jumps off his tape is his motor. He is a high-flying player, constantly running to the ball no matter where it is on the field, giving it his absolute all on every play. He displays versatility to play both on the edge or on the interior defensive line. He can win with speed or power and constantly disrupt timing within the pocket, wreaking havoc in the backfield. Castro should be a top priority for offenses to account for next season.      There is only one word I can think of when describing 2026 Defensive Lineman Nolan Brown: playmaker. He had a combined 64 total tackles, 10 sacks, 4 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and a couple of pass deflections. His finish on the quarterback is fantastic, consistently delivering massive hits and blows to the opposing team's quarterback. He knows how to set an edge, never letting quarterbacks outside of his assigned side and showing good open-field agility to track them down. He has great hand timing when batting passes, anticipating exactly when to throw his hands up and leap to knock the ball down. Brown is ready to make noise in his senior season as one of the best defenders not only in 4A but the state.      2026 Defensive Lineman Brody Hinks is a behemoth of a player that occupies the middle for Mountain Ridge. He finished his junior season with 47 total tackles, 25 of those as solo tackles, 5 sacks, 6 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble. He shoots out like a cannon off the line of scrimmage with great get-off and burst to disrupt plays instantly. His bull rush is impressive, as he can manhandle offensive linemen at the point of attack and push them right into the quarterback's lap. His long arms and study base allow him to hold down his gap and disengage to make the play when the ball carrier comes running through his lane. Hinks will be looking to be even more productive for his final season.      2026 Defensive Lineman Armando Dominguez is ready to be a prime leader for this Desert Vista defense. He capped off his junior year campaign with 26 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 TFLs, a couple of pass deflections, and a special teams return touchdown. He is a long, elusive athlete who is excellent in the short area and getting around blockers. He is outstanding about using his hands in his pass rush, as he can swipe blockers' arms right off him. He showcases good cornering ability to create a direct line to the quarterback. His long arms allow him to easily deflect passes from the line of scrimmage, having great timing and instincts for when he makes the play. Dominguez has all the physical tools to put himself on the map in his senior year.      2026 Defensive Lineman Trenton Williams is a scrappy defender off the edge for this Buena team. He reeled in 68 total tackles, 34 of those as solo tackles, 5 sacks, 4 TFLs, and 2 fumble recoveries. He has remarkable football intelligence, never getting fooled on a play and always staying gap sound. He can extend his hands at the point of attack and quickly shed off blockers to wrap up the ball carrier in the backfield. He flashes the ability to drop back into coverage if needed, displaying sound open-field agility and change of direction. Williams is a well-rounded athlete who should put up similar or even better numbers for next season.

With the 2024 season behind us, we would like to preview some underrated defensive players in the state's 2026 graduating class. These players have not received the full credit they deserve for the fantastic seasons that they had this previous year and should be considered top prospects in the state for the next season. We will now look at some of the most underrated defensive lineman, both edge and on the interior, set to return next season.