Breaking Down Blue Ridge’s Valdin Sone’s MVP Performance
It was an honor to host four-star defensive tackle
Valdin Sone
Valdin
Sone
6'4" | 290 lbs | DL
Blue Ridge School | 2026
State
VA
at the second annual Prep Redzone Virginia Showcase this past weekend. Sone, alongside several other standout prospects from Blue Ridge, delivered exceptional performances, with four or five earning Top Performer honors following the event. Sone distinguished himself as the premier talent in attendance, demonstrating remarkable skill and effort during individual drills and the one-on-one session, solidifying the considerable acclaim surrounding his abilities. This report will evaluate Sone's performance, analyze his most recent film, and provide an update on his recruitment status.
Valdin Sone
Valdin
Sone
6'4" | 290 lbs | DL
Blue Ridge School | 2026
State
VA
, a 6'4", 315-pound defensive lineman from the class of 2026, hails from Sweden and has emerged as a prodigious talent. A state champion shot putter with a throw of 51.5 feet in his first year competing, Sone has recently visited prestigious programs like Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Florida, just to name a few. He has amassed an extensive array of scholarship offers, commensurate with his elite status. Recognized as a Top Performer on Day 1 of practice at the Navy All-American Bowl, Sone boasts a remarkable 34-inch arm length and has gained 50-60 pounds in just six to seven months. His rapid ascent is particularly noteworthy as he continues to acclimate to life in the United States. Special acknowledgment is due to PPI's Brandon Collier for identifying this exceptional young athlete before he gained widespread media attention. Numerous SEC programs, including Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia, are intensely vying for a favorable position to secure Sone's verbal commitment.
I can say with confidence and ease that
Valdin Sone
Valdin
Sone
6'4" | 290 lbs | DL
Blue Ridge School | 2026
State
VA
is one of the most physically imposing defensive linemen that I've laid eyes on in person. Yes, Prep Redzone doesn't always draw the 4/5 star caliber kids, but please understand that I have traveled from Virginia to Pennsylvania, down to Maryland, and as up North as Connecticut to see prospects of all skill levels throughout my five years on the road. I've seen the best of the best in the Northeast. Vone might be the most college-ready prospect I've seen in the HS ranks. I don't mind going on record saying that I've never seen 320 pounds look and move like this, with only PA's Maxwell Hiller rivaling Sone, yet not holding a candle to Sone's blend of athleticism and foot quickness. I'll go on record saying that I've never seen a Northeast prospect equipped with more power in their limbs than Sone. Seeing Sone completely stifle great local talent without much of a strike was jarring to see up close. Elite lower back and mid-section power, couple this with impressive hand-placement, and you have a truly menacing player in the making. Sone chose to flex his tackle skills in this one, which is worth mentioning, as Sone projects to the defensive side of the ball both this coming Fall as well as at the Power Four level. Sone used this opportunity to show off footwork and athleticism. There aren't any interior linemen in Virginia that can handle Sone if he participated at DT at this event. I appreciate his willingness to match up with the events' best EDGE/DE present, giving myself a close-up of just how special a trench player he is.
Drone footage of @PrepRedzoneVA Combine MVP Valdin Sone
— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) May 6, 2025
Sone is arguably the best DL among 2026 recruits. Here he is showing off capabilities as a right tackle. This at 6'4, 325 pounds. @BCollierPPI @blueridgeschool https://t.co/XI3vgKBIpb pic.twitter.com/mxBFZmr1pd
Is a sponge that is willing to learn from trusted individuals around him. Sone was able to absorb any and everything thrown his way, his power forward lower-body dancing to mirror defenders all while his otherworldly upper-body strength worked to derail/counter any pass-rush moves attempted. I witnessed Sone knock equally large EDGE rushers off track with one inside-hand strike at right tackle, things you don't see from even the most promising FBS-caliber prospects at events like ours. I gush in this piece, yet we know that Sone is being groomed to attack the nation's best in the trenches, he's going to have to keep developing from a technical standpoint to overcome equally powerful OL down South. Based on what I learned from Sone this past weekend, I feel comfortable saying he has the mental make-up to turn his game up a few notches. Excited to watch him grow as a football player from afar.
Event MVP & 4⭐️ DT Valdin Sone
— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) May 5, 2025
Young OL, pay attention to Sone's strikes and feet. So rare to see 6'5, 325+ pounds move like this.
A nationally… https://t.co/XI3vgKCgeJ pic.twitter.com/mWbHwMLYzf
