<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The trenches in Central Texas are starting to feel a shift and it's coming fast. Defensive linemen from the region are making major noise, proving they're more than just space eaters. From explosive edge rushers to powerful interior disruptors, Central Texas is home to a new wave of talent that's built different. These linemen are strong, twitchy, and relentless and college coaches are starting to take notice. Whether it's Waco, Temple, Killeen, or the surrounding areas, the D-line talent coming out of Central Texas is turning raw potential into real production.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Roydell</strong> is a disruptive force in the trenches with a motor that doesn't stop. He fires off the ball with urgency and uses heavy hands to shed blockers quickly. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Whether lined up inside or off the edge, Roydell shows the versatility to make plays across the front. His ability to anchor against the run and still generate pressure on passing downs makes him a matchup problem for opposing offenses. What stands out most is his relentlessness he finishes plays with intent and never takes a snap off. </p>
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<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
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<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1704247,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1704523' first='Alex' last='Gassaway']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Robinson HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686a0d8785a67"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Alex plays with a chip on his shoulder and it shows every snap. He's physical off the ball, quick with his hands, and has a knack for making plays in tight spaces. You'll rarely see him get moved he plays low, wins leverage, and knows how to control gaps. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">What really pops on film is how active his feet are he never stops working, even when double-teamed. He's not just a run-stopper either; Alex can collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks off their spot. Tough, gritty, and consistent he's the kind of player you want anchoring your front.</p>
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<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
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<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1704248,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jamon Sanders","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"308","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Shoemaker HS ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686a0d8785b33"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Jamon is different. He's got that rare mix of size, burst, and raw power that jumps off the tape. The first thing you notice is how fast he gets off the ball offensive linemen barely have time to get set before he's in the backfield. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">He's violent with his hands, plays with great pad level, and knows how to finish plays. Whether he's rushing off the edge or disrupting from the interior, Jamon controls the line of scrimmage. The Texas Tech offer isn't just hype it's earned. He plays with confidence, carries himself like a leader, and brings high impact energy every single down.</p>
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<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
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<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1704249,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1732865' first='Ronald' last='Derrick'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"250","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"University HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686a0d8785c11"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Ronald is a true problem up front. He's a 3 star for a reason explosive off the snap, violent with his hands, and relentless in pursuit. He doesn't just win reps, he dominates them. Ronald has the strength to bully linemen one-on-one and the speed to track plays down from the backside. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">What separates him is how polished he is he understands leverage, works angles, and knows how to stack and shed. Power five programs see a game-changer, and the film backs it up Ronald is the kind of guy you build a front around.</p>
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<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1704250,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chester Gooden","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bryan HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686a0d8785cd2"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Chester's presence on the defensive line is hard to ignore. He's got quick twitch and power that make him a handful for any offensive lineman. He plays with smart aggression knowing when to punch, when to swim, and when to just bull rush. What really stands out is his ability to stay disciplined in his assignments while still bringing a relentless edge. </p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">He's effective against the run, clogging lanes and making tackles in the backfield. On passing downs, Chester shows promise as a developing pass rusher who can bend the edge and finish strong. With continued growth, he's poised to be a key piece on any defensive front.</p>
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<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1704251,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jakarius Fletcher","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ellison HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686a0d8785df0"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Jakarius is a force on the defensive line who demands attention every snap. He combines explosive quickness with impressive strength, allowing him to win battles at the point of attack consistently. His hands are sharp, and he uses them expertly to disengage from blockers and make plays in the backfield. </p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Beyond physical tools, Jakarius has an innate sense for the game he anticipates plays, shoots gaps, and closes hard. His relentless motor means he's always finishing, never giving up on a play.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Chanlder is a disruptive presence on the defensive line with a knack for making things happen behind the line of scrimmage. He plays with good balance and explosiveness, using a mix of power and quickness to beat blockers. What stands out is his technique he keeps his pads low, fights through contact, and finishes strong. Chanlder's motor never quits; he's always hunting the ball and making key stops against both the run and pass. </p>
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<p>The rise of defensive linemen from Central Texas is no accident it's the result of hard work, grit, and a deep-rooted culture of toughness. These players aren't just filling spots on rosters; they're setting the tone on every snap and changing the game. With their mix of skill and determination, Central Texas DLs are carving out a reputation that commands respect across the region and beyond. As more athletes continue to develop and break through, this region will only grow stronger, solidifying its place as a key contributor to the future of college football defenses.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
The trenches in Central Texas are starting to feel a shift and it's coming fast. Defensive linemen from the region are making major noise, proving they're more than just space eaters. From explosive edge rushers to powerful interior disruptors, Central Texas is home to a new wave of talent that's built different. These linemen are strong, twitchy, and relentless and college coaches are starting to take notice. Whether it's Waco, Temple, Killeen, or the surrounding areas, the D-line talent coming out of Central Texas is turning raw potential into real production.
HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
315
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
210
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
308
POS
DL
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'6"
WEIGHT
250
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
248
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
200
POS
DL
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
250
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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