2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the new defensive talent that has entered the PRZ state rankings. This group of newcomers brings a diverse mix of positional versatility and skillsets after strong senior seasons.</h2>    The 6'1”, 190-pound defensive end is a highly productive edge defender whose impact consistently shows up on film and on the stat sheet, highlighted by leading the state in sacks with 24 and 28 tackles for loss. Though slightly undersized for a traditional defensive end, he compensates with an explosive first step, excellent leverage, and a relentless motor that allows him to consistently pressure the quarterback. He times the snap well, bends the edge effectively, and uses speed, hand technique, and inside counters to defeat blockers and create disruption in the backfield. Against the run, he plays with good pad level and toughness, holding his ground versus bigger linemen while pursuing plays with urgency from sideline to sideline. Enters the rankings at #89 overall and was selected the Defensive Player of the Year by the Arizona Cardinals.      This 6'4”, 230-pound linebacker offers excellent positional versatility with the ability to play multiple roles across the front seven at the college level. He is violent at the point of attack, consistently striking with power and leverage while shedding blocks to disrupt plays. A good athlete with strong game speed, he closes quickly in pursuit and shows the range to chase plays sideline to sideline. His ability to take efficient angles to the football allows him to arrive on time and finish plays consistently. He plays with physicality, discipline, and effort, making him a reliable and adaptable defender who can fit into multiple defensive schemes and provide value in a variety of alignments. Underrecruited given his size and upside but holds offers from Northern Arizona and Adams State.      Butler had an outstanding senior season, totaling 98 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks, consistently impacting games on both early downs and passing situations. At 6'5”, 250 pounds, he possesses excellent size and length for the position, allowing him to create problems for opposing linemen with his reach and physical presence. He is a plus athlete who shows natural bend and flexibility off the edge, enabling him to flatten to the quarterback and finish plays. Butler combines his athleticism with strong effort and instincts, playing with urgency and physicality while remaining disruptive in the backfield. He uses his length effectively to engage and disengage from blockers, maintain proper leverage, and push the pocket while keeping his hands active. Enters the rankings at #125 overall and holds four college offers.      This 6'3”, 230-pound two-way lineman projects as a defensive end at the next level and brings a strong combination of athleticism, strength, and versatility. He shows good short-area burst and pursuit speed, allowing him to close quickly on the ball and make plays outside the tackle box. His strength is evident on both sides of the ball, as he consistently controls opponents at the point of attack and plays with physicality and leverage. Defensively, he sets the edge well, disengages from blockers, and pursues with effort, while his offensive experience shows up in his understanding of blocking schemes and hand placement. Uncommitted he holds offers from San Diego and University of Mary.      Brooks is a 6'0”, 180 lb. explosive athlete and dynamic playmaker who can impact the game in all three phases and projects as a defensive back at the next level. He combines excellent acceleration, lateral quickness, and long speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and match up well in space. At safety, he is controlled and efficient in his backpedal, showing patience and poise as he diagnoses plays with strong eye discipline. He demonstrates a quick ability to plant and drive on the football, consistently breaking on routes with timing and confidence. His plus ball skills stand out, as he tracks the ball well in the air and finishes opportunities, making him a reliable presence on the back end and a valuable asset in both coverage and run support. Still uncommitted he holds seven college offers.