2026 DL: Western PA Gap Stuffers, Sack Monsters, and More

In today's double header of trench talk, we're starting off on the defensive side of things. Highlighting some rising seniors who play all over on different fronts, play with violence, are pass rush maestros, and guys who are run stopping headaches.      [player_tooltip player_id='646684' first='Brendan' last='Alexander'] is an all-around problem on the DL. He primarily stays lined up in a 2/2i technique with the flexibility to go out to a 3T. He's a good athlete and plays with a low center of gravity overall, making him harder to move. While more of a gap stuffer, he offers some juice as a pass rusher with his power profile. Moving back to his run game aspect, he sits and makes double teams, not enough to move or displace him. Alexander is a 4-star who holds 26 Division 1 offers and for good reason.     [player_tooltip player_id='648150' first='Josiah' last='Collins'] has the prototype build for a 4-3 DE. Self-listed at 6'2 226, he has room to add on a little more weight and, while being a little shorter in stature, raw athleticism and long arms make up for it. Collins is a quick player who played in the B gaps but also the C gaps for Westinghouse. His initial step off the line is quick and has meaning. His strikes are violent, and he uses his length to his advantage. On the run defense side of things, Collins does his role well, primarily asked to spill on kickout blocks or be the read man. He is patient, calculated, and violent. Collins is going to be looking to build on his junior season, and I am very excited to see it.     [player_tooltip player_id='618705' first='Brock' last='Heisler'] is such a cool player. He is used in different ways along his defensive front, always winning his reps. He uses a good combination of his size, speed, and power when he's rushing the passer. In the run game, he is refined and plays very technically. Heisler as a whole is a pretty polished player, who also has a higher athletic ceiling. Heisler holds 24 Division 1 scholarships and will keep piling on to that tally throughout the camp season and his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'] rocks on film. The self-reported 6'0" 260-pound defensive lineman has versatility, but he probably projects more like a 3T defensive tackle or maybe even a rangy 0/2i NT. Starks is the definition of "1 great move is better than 1000 okay moves." His rip move he loves to throw which pairs well with his primary responsibility which is to gap down. Tark is violent and plays with heavy hands. In the run game, he's efficient and doesn't do too much, always follows his gap responsibility and when it's time for him to make the play, he's a sure tackler. Starks holds an offer from SFU and will probably earn a few more over the summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1338090' first='Carlao' last='Lowe'] is a gap stuffer. Primarily used as a DT, Lowe is violent and strong. Lowe is a smart and technical player who doesn't abandon his gap to chase a play, he does his job. Lowe plays with some good power to pair with solid athletics. Lowe is someone who eats double teams, and isn't exactly easy to move on that front of things. Lowe has a high floor as a prospect due to how coachable he is and his raw strength. I expect Lowe to enter his senior year with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and to come out and dominate.

In today's double header of trench talk, we're starting off on the defensive side of things. Highlighting some rising seniors who play all over on different fronts, play with violence, are pass rush maestros, and guys who are run stopping headaches.