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NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?

NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Colton Edwards
Colton Edwards December 10, 2025 @ 12:08 PM
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In this article:

Peyton Hoover
Peyton Hoover 6'0" | 220 lbs | DL/OL | 2028
AR
Austin Childers
Austin Childers 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Tyson Thacker
Tyson Thacker 6'1" | 210 lbs | DL/RB | 2028
AR
Donnell King
Donnell King 6'2" | 285 lbs | DL/EDGE | 2028
AR
Ja’Den Byrd
Ja’Den Byrd 5'9" | 330 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Jabari Criswell
Jabari Criswell 6'0" | 280 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Jacob Spradlin
Jacob Spradlin 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Presley Shelton
Presley Shelton 6'0" | 260 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Braceson Mitchell
Braceson Mitchell 6'4" | 290 lbs | DL | 2028
AR
Alex Clopper
Alex Clopper 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL/EDGE | 2028
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>POST-SEASON UPDATE:</strong>&nbsp;We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2028 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2028 defensive line with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position within each class, as well as other relevant segments. For the defensive line, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2028","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2406","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2456","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938a6420301f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["692082"],"_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-6938a64204bfb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='692082' first='Alex' last='Clopper'] is going to make a name for himself next season. He's smart, quick, physical, and plays through the whistle. He displays good upfield burst off the snap, utilizing multiple moves, including the rip and swim. His quickness creates challenges for offensive tackles as he consistently pressures the pocket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note - 3.9 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/aclop74/status/1990631026314432764?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/aclop74/status/1990631026314432764?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1849068"],"_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-6938a64204c70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1849068' first='Donnell' last='King'] flew onto our radar this season, making him a prospect to watch in 2026. He is quick off the snap and has solid UOH to shed and pressure the pocket. King can generate pressure at the line of scrimmage and consistently make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DonnellKS870/status/1989614816147755361?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DonnellKS870/status/1989614816147755361?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1893138"],"_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-6938a64204cc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1893138' first='Austin' last='Childers'] is a prospect to keep an eye on next season. Childers is stout at the POA and quick when chasing down ball carriers. Overall, he plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note - 3.7 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AustinC2028/status/1990537446019485892?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AustinC2028/status/1990537446019485892?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969489"],"_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-6938a64204d0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1969489' first='Peyton' last='Hoover'] is a breakout candidate for 2026. Hoover displays the quickness and pad level needed to win off the snap. He consistently makes plays down the LOS and in the backfield. Keep an eye on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note - 3.4 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/pjhoover55/status/1982892137281925588?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/pjhoover55/status/1982892137281925588?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1869440"],"_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-6938a64204d4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1869440' first='Tyson' last='Thacker'] is quick and versatile, able to play anywhere from the 3-7 tech due to his quickness off the snap. Thacker displays solid hand usage to engage and shed to make plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note - Multi-Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TTrain_15/status/1990757834720735458?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TTrain_15/status/1990757834720735458?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1198671' first='Braceson' last='Mitchell'] (Searcy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='1692174' first='Trey' last='Phillips'] (Stuttgart)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='1341060' first='Jacob' last='Spradlin'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='1214259' first='Presley' last='Shelton'] (Searcy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1355451' first='Ja'Den' last='Byrd'] (Lake Hamilton)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1347170' first='Jabari' last='Criswell'] (Conway)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

POST-SEASON UPDATE: We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2028 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2028 defensive line with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position within each class, as well as other relevant segments. For the defensive line, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:

Alex Clopper

Alex Clopper

AR
DL/EDGE
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL/EDGE
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Alex
Clopper DL/EDGE
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
Weight
260
HS
Rogers
|
AR
NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Alex Clopper is going to make a name for himself next season. He’s smart, quick, physical, and plays...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Alex Clopper

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Rogers
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Donnell King

Donnell King

AR
DL/EDGE
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 285
POS DL/EDGE
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Donnell
King DL/EDGE
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
Weight
285
HS
Arkansas
|
AR
NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Donnell King flew onto our radar this season, making him a prospect to watch in 2026. He is...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Donnell King

State: Arkansas
School: Arkansas
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Austin Childers

Austin Childers

AR
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 245
POS DL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Austin
Childers DL
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
Weight
245
HS
Pulaski Academy
|
AR
NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Austin Childers is a prospect to keep an eye on next season. Childers is stout at the POA...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Austin Childers

State: Arkansas
School: Pulaski Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Peyton Hoover

Peyton Hoover

AR
DL/OL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Peyton
Hoover DL/OL
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
220
HS
Greenland
|
AR
NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Peyton Hoover is a breakout candidate for 2026. Hoover displays the quickness and pad level needed to win...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Peyton Hoover

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Greenland
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tyson Thacker

Tyson Thacker

AR
DL/RB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS DL/RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Tyson
Thacker DL/RB
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
Pottsville
|
AR
NEW 2028 RANKINGS: How Does the Defensive Line Class Look?
Tyson Thacker is quick and versatile, able to play anywhere from the 3-7 tech due to his quickness...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Tyson Thacker

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Pottsville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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