Final 2026 Rankings: The DL (Pt. 2)

<!-- 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":["1687177"],"_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-694978f7736ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quality small school defensive line prospect for D3 programs to take a look at it is 2026 Ritchie County DL [player_tooltip player_id='1687177' first='Chase' last='Morris']. He has a very good 6'3 220 frame for colleges to continue to develop at the next level. Morris is very raw in his technique and fundamentals, but he has upside and physical tools for colleges to work with after some time spent developing in their program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605657"],"_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-694978f773792"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An underrated part of PikeView's turnaround season in 2025 was because of TE/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1605657' first='Owen' last='Underwood']. He did a great job on both sides of the ball for the Panthers as a blocking tight end and defensive tackle. Underwood totaled 52 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 5 sacks on the year as primarily an inside player during his senior year. He's garnering D2 and NAIA interest in recent weeks and could end up being a steal for a college program at his current ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2080271"],"_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-694978f7737dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An under-the-radar 2026 defensive lineman to know and is deserving of small college offers is Berkeley Springs DL [player_tooltip player_id='2080271' first='Brian' last='Ailor']. He has an excellent 6'3 250 frame for colleges to mold and develop, and film that shows potential once he learns the nuances of the position more. Ailor is a potential hidden gem at this ranking if colleges get eyes on his film and see his upside as a player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895004"],"_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-694978f77381b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 Wheeling Park OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='895004' first='Kayden' last='Fortney'] did a nice job on both sides of the line for the Patriots in his senior season. Defensive line is where we see him sticking at the next level at a D3 program, but Fortney is capable of developing into a next-level offensive lineman as well. He's a tough, physical athlete on both sides who plays with high effort. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227635"],"_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-694978f773858"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1227635' first='Jacob' last='Freels'] has been a steady player on both sides of the line for the North Marion Huskies and is worth a look for D3 programs. He can play on both sides of the ball in college with the ability he showed on film and continued physical development. Freels is a hardworking and high-effort athlete who would be a valued addition to a college program and locker room. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2080275"],"_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-694978f773894"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Jefferson OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2080275' first='Anthony' last='Gautreaux'] brings dependable effort and physicality to the line of scrimmage on both sides of the line. He plays with good leverage and understands how to occupy blockers, allowing teammates to flow freely to the ball. His motor and coachability give him the chance to develop into a steady rotational contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605754"],"_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-694978f7738ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Hedgesville DL [player_tooltip player_id='1605754' first='Brandon' last='Merchant'] stands out immediately for his frame and raw strength, giving him a physical foundation that can't be taught. His technique remains inconsistent, particularly with pad level and hand usage, but he shows flashes when he plays with proper leverage. With time in a college weight room and detailed coaching, his size alone gives him developmental upside at the D3 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1810480"],"_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-694978f773908"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1810480' first='Zaavan' last='Rush'] is another big-bodied defensive lineman from Hedgesville whose tools outweigh his current refinement. He relies heavily on strength rather than fundamentals, which leads to uneven production snap to snap. If he buys into coaching and improves his footwork and hand placement, he has the potential to become a physically imposing presence up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2082963"],"_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-694978f773942"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2082963' first='Cooper' last='Merritt'] is a developing defensive lineman from Ripley whose best trait is his willingness to compete on every rep. He shows the ability to clog lanes and force runners to bounce plays outside, even against bigger opponents. As a low-ranked prospect, his upside lies in strength gains and refinement within a college weight program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992093"],"_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-694978f77397d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 St. Albans DL [player_tooltip player_id='1992093' first='Noah' last='Curry'] lacks elite measurables but compensates with toughness and a team-first mindset. He plays with solid pad level and rarely gives up ground, making him effective in short-yardage situations. At the D3 level, his work ethic and physical presence give him value as a dependable role player.</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"} /-->