2026 Stock-Risers: Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently dropped our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2026-rankings/">final 2026 rankings update</a>, so it's time to break down some of the players who moved in the rankings. Overall, we had 72 stock-risers, guys who moved up at least five spots in the rankings. After going <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/behind-the-scenes-of-the-final-2026-rankings/">behind the scenes</a> of this final update, we're looking at the stock-risers, this time covering all of the defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2026-stock-risers-skill-positions/">Skill-Position Stock-Risers</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2026-stock-risers-quarterbacks-2/">Quarterback Stock-Risers</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2026-stock-risers-offensive-line/">Offensive Line Stock-Risers</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Defensive Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1425453"],"_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-69553c9b8a8e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rucker has been on our radar for several years, and was probably too low the entire time. So, this final update is a combination of a market correction back to where he should have been initially, and then a bump for a huge senior season. Rucker lived in the backfield all season as a disruptive box safety and linebacker. I know some Ivy/Pioneer League teams that need to give the high-academic, versatile defensive a call.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1704824"],"_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-69553c9b8a946"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howard was fantastic down the stretch for a Hunt team that made the state title game. He's physical and instinctive, able to play either safety or in the slot, where I think he could excel in college. He has excellent ball skills and was a takeaway machine, with eight picks, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked punt in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1908004"],"_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-69553c9b8a993"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long-time contributor for Starmount, Armstrong rose in the rankings largely because of how he performed under the lights of a deep playoff run. He's a big, physical linebacker who can also play defensive end with his hand in the dirt. Over the last month of the season, he continued to pop up as a game-changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1705638"],"_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-69553c9b8a9e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Patillo actually got most of his playing time on offense for Havelock as a senior, something he hadn't done much for the Rams prior to this season. He finished with nearly 1,300 yards, while also playing solid defense. Even if the interception totals aren't huge, he has great ball skills and length, making him an ideal college corner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1732008"],"_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-69553c9b8aa30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Medley was a slow-riser for us, but the safety showed his ball skills as a senior, something that we had questions about initially. There's no question he's going to be a standout run defender at the next level, but the interceptions and over improvement in pass defense have us excited for his time at App State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600444"],"_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-69553c9b8aa76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McLean is a disciplined defensive back who excels in zone coverage and is a weapon with the ball in his hands. He's a versatile safety with the ability to come down and help in the running game, split out to the slot to cover receivers, or stay back in a center field role. He also had nearly 500 receiving yards to lead the Trojans, highlighting his athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1707785"],"_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-69553c9b8aabc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clavin made sure he wasn't overshadowed by the Power Four recruits on his defensive line, putting up a great senior season. Despite being a bit undersized for the defensive tackle position, he's a stout run defender with some pass-rushing upside, something he flashed in the playoffs with a strong game against Cannon School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904263"],"_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-69553c9b8ab02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wurster has long been one of my favorite linebackers in the state, and the Lenoir-Rhyne commit had a senior season worthy of his lofty ranking. Capped by a strong QC Senior Bowl performance, Wurster's season was yet another step forward. He was a ball hawk at linebacker, with three picks and four forced fumbles. He continues to improve and we wouldn't be surprised if he saw the field early in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1661003"],"_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-69553c9b8ab48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barnes was a late-bloomer, at least for a Power Four recruit, a guy who received a handful of FCS and Group of Five offers last season (including a telling first Eastern Kentucky offer in the summer of 2024), but blew up in the offseason before his senior year. The South Carolina commit was fantastic in his final two games, showing his length, I.Q., and ball skills, and ending up as the biggest riser in the final top 100.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 Defensive Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell']</strong>, Edge, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1101224' first='Billy' last='Turner']</strong>, LB, Cardinal Gibbons</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169874' first='Brandon' last='Creech']</strong>, LB, Sun Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849693' first='Dontario' last='Austin']</strong>, LB, Trinity Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker']</strong>, DB, Jack Britt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602480' first='Sterling' last='Edwards']</strong>, DL, Northern Durham</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799142' first='Nathaniel' last='Mitchell']</strong>, DL, Hough</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130290' first='Rob' last='Lange']</strong>, Edge, Northwest Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1262334' first='Josh' last='Hines']</strong>, DB, Myers Park</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600424' first='Jaylen' last='King']</strong>, LB, Cleveland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368435' first='Kyle' last='Bynes']</strong>, DB, Palisades</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368127' first='Dominic' last='Basrawala']</strong>, DL, Charlotte Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153738' first='Micah' last='Bright']</strong>, DB, Hough</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come as we put a bow on the 2026 class. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->