Top Defensive Lineman (910/252)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Here are some of the top defensive linemen from the Class of 2026 in North Carolina's 910 and 252 area codes:<br></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='858648' first='Trashawn' last='Ruffin']</strong> <strong>North Duplin HS </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["858648"],"_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-6802cd7a9c89f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recruiting Status: Flipped commitment from Texas A&amp;M to UNC in March 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>National Ranking: Top 25 DL in the nation</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Notables: Ruffin is a four-star prospect who had offers from Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, and Florida State before committing to UNC. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612252' first='Christopher' last='Bispham']</strong> <strong>Havelock HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612252"],"_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-6802f73113a94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During the 2024–25 season, Bispham recorded 106 total tackles, including 69 solo tackles, 14 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. His performance ranked him 240th nationally for sacks, 25th in North Carolina, and 2nd in Class 3A East. ECU Commit<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='663102' first='AJ' last='Speach'] Richmond Senior HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["663102"],"_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-6802f73113aea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='663102' first='AJ' last='Speach'] is a formidable defensive lineman for Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While he may not possess the prototypical size for his position, Speach compensates with exceptional athleticism, quick hands, and agile footwork. His explosive first step and relentless pursuit often require opposing offenses to assign double teams to contain him. This combination of power and technique makes him a disruptive force on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell']</strong> <strong>Tarboro HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1408773"],"_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-6802f73113b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell'], a 6'2”, 205-pound junior at Tarboro High School, is a dynamic two-way player for the Vikings, excelling as both quarterback and defensive end. While he effectively leads Tarboro's offense, it's his defensive prowess that has garnered significant attention.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell's athleticism and versatility make him a formidable presence on the field. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ allows him to excel in multiple roles, making him a valuable asset to the Vikings and a promising prospect for the next level<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150453' first='Micah' last='Majette']</strong> <strong>Rocky Mount HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1150453"],"_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-6802f73113b7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1150453' first='Micah' last='Majette'], a 6'4”, 200-pound defensive lineman from Rocky Mount High School in North Carolina, is a standout prospect in the 252 area code. As a member of the class of 2026, he has demonstrated significant potential on the field.<br><br>Majette's combination of size, agility, and football IQ positions him as a promising talent to watch in the coming seasons.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408808' first='John' last='Archer']</strong> <strong>Seventy-First HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1408808"],"_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-6802f73113bc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1408808' first='John' last='Archer'], a 6'6”, 325-pound defensive lineman from Seventy-First High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is rapidly emerging as one of the premier prospects in the state for the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Recruiting Profile</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Position: Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Class: 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Height/Weight: 6'6”, 325 lbs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offers: Florida State, NC State, Georgia, West Virginia   </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antwan Mckoy St Paul's HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Antwan Mckoy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St Paul's ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6802f73113c74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Antwan McKoy, a 6'2”, 285-pound defensive lineman from St. Pauls High School in North Carolina, is rapidly establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the state for the class of 2027. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a formidable presence on the field.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='444280' first='Jordan' last='Hamm']</strong> <strong>Wilson Prep HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444280"],"_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-6802f73113cbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='444280' first='Jordan' last='Hamm'], a 6'1”, 220-pound sophomore at Wilson Preparatory Academy in North Carolina, is rapidly gaining recognition as a top defensive prospect in the class of 2027. His exceptional combination of size, speed, and versatility has made him a standout on both sides of the ball.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis']</strong> <strong>Warren County HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901324"],"_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-6802f73113d01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'], a 6'0”, 241-pound sophomore defensive lineman from Warren County High School in Warrenton, North Carolina, is making a significant impact on the field. Chavis has become a formidable presence on the Eagles' defensive line.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, [player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'] is a promising talent to watch in the coming years.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1144851' first='Braylen' last='Cooper']</strong> <strong>New Bern HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144851"],"_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-6802f73113d44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1144851' first='Braylen' last='Cooper'], a 6'3”, 310-pound sophomore defensive tackle at New Bern High School in North Carolina, is quickly emerging as a standout on the defensive line for the Bears. Cooper made significant contributions to New Bern's defense during the 2024–25 season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->