UW-River Falls Mega Camp: ’27 and ’28 DL Standouts

The 2025 UWRF Mega Camp showcased another wave of emerging talent, this time on the defensive front. Following features on the Class of 2026 offensive and junior linemen, this piece shifts focus to the younger edge and interior defenders from the Class of 2027 and 2028. These underclassmen impressed with length, motor, and finesse during footwork sessions, agility drills, and one-on-one battles. Their early dominance on the field positions them as players to watch through the next recruiting cycle, potentially stepping into impactful college roles sooner than expected.    Simmons stood out in several competitive settings. He flashed burst and body control in pass-rush periods, adjusting well to offensive techniques and finding ways to win matchups. Simmons, an upcoming junior at Park of Cottage Grove, is long and uses his advantageous wingspan to both attack and counter offensive linemen's plans. Against the run, he stayed low, filled his assignment, and disengaged with authority. In movement-based drills, he displayed excellent foot quickness for his frame. As a versatile, effort-driven lineman with upside, Simmons looks like a promising prospect.     English impressed me during inside one-on-one drills, flashing quick transitions, and coordinated footwork. English, who will be a sophomore, displayed first-step acceleration and active hands to create separation and pressure when working through pass-rush reps. He is already a refined speed-to-power rusher who did not need to showcase other moves because he couldn't be blocked. His athletic frame suggests room to grow physically, and his commitment to technique development will be key in translating potential to next-level production.     Breitzman embraced the challenge of putting the pads on in the summer heat of River Falls. He keeps his pads low, moves with intent through contact, and anchors effectively against power moves. His ability to stay balanced and deliver force from a sturdy base makes him difficult to move. In fact, he won all but one one-on-one rep I saw. He's a disrupting beast rushing from a 0-tech. With continued focus on first-step efficiency and cleaner hand strikes, Breitzman, an upcoming Oconomowoc (WI) junior, could unlock another level in his development.     Wyatt dominated one-on-one pass‑rush reps, showing explosive get-off, effective use of length, and speed to beat tackles off the edge consistently. He approached each rep with a competitive mindset and always had something fun to say to his fellow campers after and between drills. With his two-way utility, athletic explosion, and frame, Bartell projects as an edge defender or hybrid linebacker as he fills out. He's already an elite rusher. I would have enjoyed seeing him drop into coverage, but he'll have plenty of opportunities to do so this season as a sophomore at Mankato West.

The 2025 UWRF Mega Camp showcased another wave of emerging talent, this time on the defensive front. Following features on the Class of 2026 offensive and junior linemen, this piece shifts focus to the younger edge and interior defenders from the Class of 2027 and 2028. These underclassmen impressed with length, motor, and finesse during footwork sessions, agility drills, and one-on-one battles. Their early dominance on the field positions them as players to watch through the next recruiting cycle, potentially stepping into impactful college roles sooner than expected.