Stock Risers- 2026 Defenders Working Their Way up Our List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got some more Stock Risers to highlight!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we are focusing on some of the talented 2026 defenders across the state we haven't paid as much attention to. These guys have been huge assets to their teams and will be making their way up our lists in our next Rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Until then, be sure to check out some of their film below. You'll be impressed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048395"],"_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-691601a2b5c4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2048395' first='Donnivan' last='Bozeman'] is a talented EDGE who has been terrific for Jackson's defensive front this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Bozeman explodes off the line of scrimmage, is physical at the point of attack, and consistently helps provide great run defense upfront. I'm really impressed with Bozeman's motor and pursuit. He's a high-effort defender who works through multiple blockers and covers lots of space to create stops. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I think Bozemna is a really well-rounded EDGE with plenty of room to develop even more. With his size, speed, and physicality, he easily makes an impact on every down.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bozeman has seen his recruitment open up this year, picking up offers from North Alabama, Samford, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you haven't watched Bozeman before, make sure you check out some of his tape below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18161099/684f037d6b187b9b2be3e4da' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691607b4bd0d6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1656864"],"_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-691601a2b5ce8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1656864' first='Davon' last='Young'] is a talented DL from Theodore who has had a huge senior year for their defense this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Young is an every-down threat in the trenches who defends the run and rushes the passer at a high level. I'm really impressed with how he moves at his size. At 6'4 285, Young possesses impressive speed, strength, and pursuit behind the line of scrimmage he uses to consistently create huge stops.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I really love watching how Young defends the run. He's a tough guy to move who frequently stands his ground to eat up space and collapse rushing lanes. Overall, I'm really impressed with Young's tape; he's made a huge impact on Theodore's front over the last two years.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young committed to Mississippi State earlier this year, and as an alum, I'm really excited to see what he'll bring to Starkville! He's a talented young player with a bright future ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to check out some of his clips below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17739143/670977bab452005df8b37ead' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691607b4bd1dd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048404"],"_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-691601a2b5d63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2048404' first='Trakarris' last='Collier'] is a talented CB from Mary G Montgomery who's had back-to-back great seasons in the secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Collier is talented in coverage. He's patient, is quick on his feet, and has impressive closing speed he uses to fly to the ball and create timely PBUs/INTs. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm really impressed with how Collier plays the run. He flies downhill to consistently deliver some big hits to the ballcarrier, never shying away from contact and making crucial tackles to prevent big gains in the open field."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collier committed to South Alabama back in the summer and will be a player to keep an eye on at the next level. He's a seriously talented corner that I'm excited to keep watching moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collier has put together some impressive tape from this season. Take a look below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19339074/6906aef3463a680a36e81679' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691607b4bd2a7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048412"],"_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-691601a2b5ddc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2048412' first='Caleb' last='Metzner'] has been one of the top pass rushers in the state this season, making countless plays in the backfield for Cottage Hill Christian. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Metzner has an explosive first step, a great set of pass rush moves, and impressive size and athleticism he uses to beat almost any OL in front of him. He has a terrific mix of speed and power and does an excellent job using his long arms/size to work around OTs with ease, constantly making his way to the QB.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm equally impressed with Metzner's versatility. He's shown he can line up and produce at multiple spots along the DL and has also produced on offense. I wish I'd seen Metzner's film sooner; he's an extremely fun player to watch."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metzner committed to South Alabama back in June. I'm excited to see how he'll continue to perform this postseason. He's been dominant this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure you check out some of his tape below- he's an awesome watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19787090/68dc863d34409a1364b5f619' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691601a2b60d0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->