Class of ‘26 Coverage Counter: Six Defenders to Know

Photo: Prep Redzone

Santino Bernal May 30, 2025 @ 06:19 AM

With it now being summer break, I wanted to circle back to the next senior class in the Sunflower State. The Class of ‘26 is ramping up for the start of camp season, and recruiting buzz has been heating up as well.   Unfortunately though, there's still a good portion of prospects in the Class of ‘26 rankings that aren't receiving enough coverage. This report is here to fix that by utilizing our Coverage Counter. This latest edition of the Coverage Counter features five defenders determined to put folks on notice this fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebacker</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1397410' first='Riley' last='Brawner'] - Nickerson, LB, 6'1”, 215, LB   This report is Brawner's first time being mentioned as a ranked prospect. He was added in 2024 during our September update, and he's currently ranked No. 351 overall. He's a linebacker with good size, standing at 6-foot-1 215 pounds. Not only that, but he excels at reading and reacting. Brawner also handles kicking duties for Nickerson, and has seen snaps at tight end.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1403310' first='Heath' last='Hoekman'] - Abilene, 6'0”, 210, DL   Hoekman is a very underrated all-around athlete for the Abilene Cowboys. Along with being a solid two-way prospect on the gridiron, Hoekman is also a standout player on the diamond, and has had success in wrestling. His play during the 2024 season earned him All-State and All-League honors on the defensive line, and Hoekman was also an All-League Honorable Mention pick at tight end. He's likely to see some offers to play football and baseball during his senior year.    [player_tooltip player_id='1403521' first='Brayden' last='Sutton'] - Winfield, 6'1”, 210, DL   Sutton's frame nearly mirrors Hoekman's, and they even share a similar play style. Like Hoekman, the Winfield prospect possesses the versatility to play along the defensive line, as well as tight end. Winfield's staff had him play the 3-Tech in 2024, and despite being a little undersized for the position, he managed to hold his own. Sutton has a quick first step to beat the opposition at the point of attack, and he uses his hands well to fight off blockers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Back </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1601728' first='Zayvien' last='Bronson'] - Leavenworth, 5'11”, 160, DB   Leavenworth has two of the more explosive defensive backs in this class on their roster. Bronson is one we haven't covered enough. He's a speedy corner that's reported a 40-yard dash time of 4.44, and he recently qualified for the state track meet in the 100 and 200 meter dash. Bronson's dynamic play style has him in line for a big senior campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598106' first='Shaefer' last='Stone'] - Medicine Lodge, 6'1”, 170, DB   Our final defender in this report is Stone of Medicine Lodge. Stone was a newcomer during our January update earlier this year and he's currently the 310th ranked prospect overall. The 6-foot-1 defensive back put together a strong junior season in 2024, as he recorded 72 total tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles. Look for Stone to be one of Medicine Lodge's top defenders during the ‘25 season.

With it now being summer break, I wanted to circle back to the next senior class in the Sunflower State. The Class of ‘26 is ramping up for the start of camp season, and recruiting buzz has been heating up as well.