Versatile 2026 Indiana Defensive Recruits Picking Up Traction

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're highlighting a group of recruits in the 2026 class who have been picking up traction and recruiting for good reasons!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1643191"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6877f9f9bfc7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dodson brings a lot to the table and doesn't waste snaps. He's got a good build, plays physical, and shows a high motor that doesn't slow down. He's been productive every step of the way and carries himself like a leader on the field. Last season, he put up 98 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles. He's the kind of guy who sets the tone and keeps everyone around him engaged, and I always appreciate this type of leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6877f9f9bfd24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rzyski has good size and range for a big-body linebacker and brings a level of physicality that shows up in the trenches. He can impact the run and isn't afraid to take on blocks and stay engaged. He finished with 19 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack last season, and I like the way he plays downhill. There's room for him to keep growing, but the foundation is there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716223"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6877f9f9bfdac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hughes is set to be a four-year starter, and he's earned it. He's gotten better each season and looks more confident every time out. He's got good range on the back end and doesn't miss many tackles in space. Last year, he finished with 54 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 sack, and those numbers reflect how active he is from his safety spot. I like how steady he plays and how rarely he gets caught out of position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299252"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6877f9f9bfe30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lee is a true inside defensive lineman and a steady presence up front. He's going into his third year as a starter and continues to hold his ground against some tough competition. He's a big body who does his job well, not flashy but reliable and hard to move off his spot. So far in his career, he's totaled 34 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks. What I like most is how consistent he's been. You know what you're getting with Lee, and that's a huge piece for any defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716240"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6877f9f9bfeb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stockey has an impressive build and the kind of frame that makes you wonder if there's some edge potential down the line. He's tall, moves fairly well, and plays with a good motor, which gives him a shot to grow into a role as he keeps developing. Right now, he's still finding his way and figuring out exactly what he is, but the physical tools are worth keeping tabs on. He feels like one of those guys who could start putting it together in a hurry once things click.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->