2026 Final Rankings: Top Defenders Surge up the Ranks

<p><em>Want 30% off of your subscription? Use promo code <strong>PaulG30 </strong>at checkout!</em></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Afamasaga checks into our newest rankings update as a top 60 player in the state and one of the top defenders regardless of position after a terrific senior season and has seen his stock rise in recent months. A true inside thumper that excels in-between the tackles with closing speed and a eye for the ball, he is a big time hitter from the second level that can trigger fast, takes the proper angles when closing in the open field and packs a punch at the POA. He also flashes he can get off blocks quickly, scrape fluidly over the top and is a high motor kid that is always around the ball. He should excel at the D2/NAIA+ level and is going to be a late steal here soon.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Hugo_afamasaga/status/1925934920603451827?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Haener is one of the more talented pass rushers/offensive tackle two way players on the western region and the Aggies got a true steal that was under-recruited through his prep career. The UC Davis signee is a twitchy and lengthy player with natural bend, violent hands at the POA and flashes elite pass rush abilities from anywhere on the defensive front. He plays long, chokes out blockers and shows he is also stout against the run with a proper strike/pad level and can dent pullers, defeat reach blocks on the perimeter and eat double teams. All tools that are rare to see at such a high level from a high school edge rusher and should allow him to fit nicely at the FCS level and possibly provide early depth on either side of the ball for the Aggies. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Samhaener/status/1926071562366488839?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wright had a huge jump in our rankings after a huge Senior season and very good off-season last spring and checks in as the number two defensive back overall across Idaho. He is a very dynamic and technically sound defensive back that excels in man coverage, has fluid hips at the POA and breaks quickly to ball carriers in the open field. He plays with disciplined eyes, natural ball skills and is physical up near the line of scrimmage in man coverage while able to provide plenty of run support on the perimeter as well. He has been severely under-recruited to this point and is a no-brainer next level guy that will be another hidden steal for a next level program. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zayahwright/status/1993714921574703138?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Engroff checks in as our top defensive back prospect in the 2026 class and is a very high IQ safety that flys around and makes plays both in the back end and up near the line of scrimmage. He is a sure tackler whern dropping down into the box and knifes into the backfield and gets in the mix in the run game regularly. On the back end, he has outstanding range in zone coverage and plays with fluid hips/hands in transition with recovery speed if beat and good ball skills/highpoint abilities when making plays on the ball. Overall a very dynamic athlete that can play multiple positions and a smart player, Engroff should fit in nicely at USC and add to their room. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AustinEngroff/status/1996653468476637408?s=20 </div></figure>

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