Final 2026 Rankings: The DL (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final 2026 rankings have grown to nearly 400 total prospects in the state of West Virginia, with many new faces entering the mix. Here are all of the DL prospects represented in the final 2026 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>NEW DL ADDITIONS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2043226"],"_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-694978f7733fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Independence DL [player_tooltip player_id='2043226' first='Izaac' last='Redden'] was a big addition to the Patriots' program this season in more ways than one. At 6'4 300, Redden is a towering presence in the middle of their defensive front and often demands double teams from opposing offensive lines. He's a space eater and clogs inside running lanes that should have D2 programs after his services. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2005992"],"_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-694978f773464"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high upside small school defensive lineman to know from this season is 2026 St. Marys DL [player_tooltip player_id='2005992' first='Jace' last='Larsen']. He has an excellent, moldable frame at 6'5 235 that could allow him to grow into a defensive or offensive tackle at the next level, depending on how his body develops. Larsen will need continued development on his technique and fundamentals, but his raw physical traits should intrigue colleges. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2082917"],"_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-694978f7734aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Brooke DL [player_tooltip player_id='2082917' first='Marcus' last='Reed'] is a defensive line prospect we liked a lot when seeing his film for the first time as a senior. His 6'2 245 frame should garner interest from D2 programs as a strong, physical athlete with athletic upside. Reed fights off blockers well and pursues the ball tenaciously with a high motor that should earn him some college offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1693727"],"_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-694978f7734ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another small school defensive lineman who produced a huge senior year for Tucker County is [player_tooltip player_id='1693727' first='Josh' last='Crossland']. He was dominant up front at the Class A level, totaling 77 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 4 sacks as a prospect worth receiving D2 looks. Crossland is explosive out of his stance and uses his hands well to shed blocks and consistently gets penetration into the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138209"],"_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-694978f773551"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A former high-ranking prospect in the past who took a year off from football as a junior but came back out as a senior and did some good things was Oak Hill's [player_tooltip player_id='1138209' first='Brayden' last='Knight']. He was formerly ranked as an offensive lineman, but had a quality year along the defensive line for the Red Devils. Knight has great size and can be molded into a future college starter on either side of the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1994237"],"_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-694978f773595"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Bridgeport DL [player_tooltip player_id='2004256' first='Bryson' last='Lowther'] emerged as one of the most productive defensive linemen in Class AAA this season for the Indians. He totaled 69 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 8 sacks on the year and put together some very good film to pair with his statline. Size is Lowther's one drawback as a college prospect, but he'll make a college program very happy for taking a chance on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1994238"],"_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-694978f7735d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another very productive defensive lineman in Class AAA to know from this season was 2026 Spring Valley DL [player_tooltip player_id='1994238' first='Logan' last='Henson']. He racked up 60 tackles and 10 TFLs during his senior season and played himself into alegitamte college [rospect who D2 and D3 programs should take a close look at. Henson is quick and can play in space with active hands that can evade blockers consistently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2082921"],"_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-694978f773610"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new name on our radar this season, after looking for new talent, was 2026 East Fairmont DL [player_tooltip player_id='2082921' first='Larry' last='Nichols']. He has the ideal frame for colleges to work with at 6'3 215, who could potentially grow into an inside player after playing strong-side defensive end as a senior. Nichols' senior film showed a lot of upside in his game that could allow him to be a steal for a D2 or D3 program in our eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1685304"],"_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-694978f77364c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1685304' first='Evan' last='Nichols'] is a big defensive line prospect who showcased upside and potential during his senior year at Hedgesville. His 6'4 320 frame will need to be developed in a college strength program, but it should also appeal to D2 and D3 colleges. Nichols is an imposing presence in the middle of the Eagles' defensive front, who also showed quality short-area quickness for his size that college programs can work with and develop further. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1690459"],"_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-694978f773688"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Washington DL [player_tooltip player_id='1690459' first='Brandtley' last='Lawson'] had an under-the-radar and underrated senior season for the Patriots in our eyes. He totaled 18 tackles and 6 TFLs in just six games played this year, showing potential both physically and developmentally. Lawson is a quality small college prospect who should garner significant D3 interest if his film gets in front of their eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2083000"],"_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-694978f7736c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2083000' first='Richard' last='Greathouse III'] is an intriguing defensive line prospect from Roane County who small colleges should take a close look at. The frame and athletic upside are both present in his ability, which would allow him to take significant steps forward as a complete player at the next level after some time spent developing him. Greathouse III is a quick and strong athlete with physical traits that should appeal to colleges. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FULL DL RANKINGS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2406","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2453","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694978f7743ea"} /-->