The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC’s 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 3

Prep Redzone breaks down the film of five defensive line prospects from the MD/DC area in our Class of 2026 rankings.    [player_tooltip player_id='402015' first='Kyon' last='Hairston'] is a high-effort defensive tackle who plays with heart. He's a player who doesn't give up on a play. Hairston's second effort shows up a lot on tape. He uses a powerful bull rush to get into the backfield, which makes him a problem for offensive linemen who can't handle his strength. Hariston is solid against the run, holding his ground and filling gaps well. He plays with a low center of gravity and has a strong anchor, making it challenging for him to move. I'd like to see him work on getting off the ball a little quicker. He can become even more disruptive by improving in that area.     [player_tooltip player_id='909849' first='Rodney' last='White'] is a powerful defensive tackle who moves surprisingly well for his size. At 6'3"and 295 pounds, he's a true interior presence who can anchor a defensive line. White's highlights show his ability to shed blockers and make tackles close to or behind the line. He's not just big. White is active, quick off the ball, and has a strong initial strike that creates separation from offensive linemen.   White's hand usage stands out. He consistently finds ways to get free, whether hitting with power or using finesse like a swim move. On passing downs, he closes fast once he beats the block. A play on his highlights shows him splitting the double-team and finishing the play to sack the quarterback. Against the run, White holds his ground well, even when double-teamed. He wraps up cleanly and doesn't allow extra yards. His balance of power, technique, and movement makes him a solid inside prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607491' first='Orrin' last='Ford'] is an explosive edge rusher with a relentless motor and nice hand skills for his size. At 6'4", 251 pounds, he brings the ideal frame and balance of speed and power for an edge defender. What immediately stands out is his ability to set up offensive linemen. Ford mixes in inside fakes, attacks both shoulders and uses his hands well to disengage. He doesn't just win with one move. White sets up blockers and finishes with force.   Ford can force fumbles and chase down quarterbacks, even when initially beaten. His recovery speed and closing burst are impressive. Orrin plays with controlled aggression, often initiating contact and dictating with hand strikes. Against the run, he shows a solid anchor and doesn't get washed out. Orrin consistently holds his own at the point of attack. Overall, Ford's pass-rush upside is high. He's versatile, smart in his approach, and physical at the point of attack.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607496' first='Asher' last='Gronvall'] is a high-motor edge defender with versatility that jumps off the film. At 6'4", 225 pounds, he's a bit lean for an edge defender. However, Gronvall makes up for it with speed, technique, and relentless energy. He flashes quickness off the ball and a sharp understanding of beating blockers. His highlights show him putting pressure on quarterbacks in several ways: with a speed rush off the edge, a power move inside, a dip move, or a well-timed stunt.   One of Gronvall's biggest strengths is versatility. He can rush from inside and outside and is unafraid to engage with double teams. He's shown that he can split them or disrupt plays by collapsing the pocket. Against the run, Gronvall is smart and disciplined. He forces plays to spill and then cleans up. Gronvall sheds offensive linemen quickly, rarely getting stuck on blocks for long. He's urgent in his get-off and closes on the quarterback fast when he sees daylight. Gronvall has the technical foundation, motor, and pass-rush instincts to play at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1606175' first='Javaine' last='Palmer'] is a strong, versatile defensive end with size, power, and disruptive ability from multiple alignments. At 6'4", 260 pounds, he has the physical frame to play inside and off the edge. His film shows he's effective at both. Palmer consistently finds ways to get into the backfield. He is a backfield disruptor, whether shooting gaps from the interior or bending off the edge.   I'm impressed with his comfort level lining up at various spots on the line. He's capable of attacking gaps inside on run plays, which lead to tackles for a loss. When rushing off the edge, Palmer shows decent bursts and can finish cleanly, especially when left unblocked. Palmer handles double teams well, maintaining pressure or finding lanes to impact the play. The upcoming months will be crucial for Palmer from a recruiting standpoint.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-1/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-2/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 2</a>

Prep Redzone breaks down the film of five defensive line prospects from the MD/DC area in our Class of 2026 rankings.