Underclassman Film Deep Dive: 5 Must Know Breakout Defenders

Fenn is one of the more under the radar prospects across the region and is a true OLB/edge prospect with the right length and frame for the next level with room to pack on weight to his longer frame. He is explosive off the edge, triggers quickly and has a quick use of hands at the POA with bend and a variety of speed/power rush moves at his disposal. He does a nice job using his length to keep blockers off his chest, flipping his hips at the top of his rush and has solid closing speed backside in pursuit while able to come up and set the edge/bang inside the box as well. Fenn is another prospect that will draw plenty of FCS interest next year and is a key name to note in the trinity league at the linebacker position.     Schuster is one of the newcomers of the year across the Trinity League and is going to be a multi-offer P4 kid by this time next year. He has the ideal size/frame and range for the highest level of college football and can play a variety of different position on the edge or in the middle of the defense. He flashes elite closing speed, violence at the POA and can quickly knife into the backfield and make plays behind the LOS. He is a sure tackler that takes the proper angles in space and is also a impressive pass rusher with natural bend and a few moves in his toolbox already. Heading into his second year at the prep level he should have another stellar season and be picking up some offers this off-season.     Kennett is one of the more active linebackers across the state in his class and can play both inside or outside at the second level and is a sure fire FBS prospect. He is a explosive and fluid athlete that runs well in space, closes quickly and packs a punch at the POA. Kennett displays he is a diverse pass rusher that can win with both speed and power around the corner and is a natural bender off the edge with tremendous backside pursuit and closing speed. In the run game he is very active scraping over the top, shows quick change or direction and is a sure tackler that packs a punch. His ability to rush the passer, cover the pass and play outside the tackles sideline to sideline makes him a diverse and well rounded prospect with tons of upside.     Weller is a downhill thumper that packs a punch at the POA and is a excellent run stuffer inside and is one of the top returning linebackers across the region heading into 2026. He triggers quickly, knifes his way into the backfield and can shed blocks quickly on his way to the ball carrier. In space he shows closing speed and proper angles and can scrape over the top/evade traffic using bend or violent hands. At the next level he should fit nicely as a inside linebacker and will only continue to pack on weight/mass this off-season. A very high academic kid, he should draw plenty of Ivy League/PFL interest and should field no shortage of interest/offers.     Uhila is a stout and elite run defender with two-gap athleticism and can eat double teams inside. He had a breakout Junior season for the open division state champions and is a very heavy handed and strong anchor inside that has some interior twitch as well and moves smoothly for his size. He is explosive off the ball and can quickly reset the line create knock-back, and shows he can shed blocks without giving up ground and split double teams/take on drive blocks with ease. A very high motor guy that is always pursuing backside and around the ball, he should be a nice steal at the next level and have a stellar senior season in 2026.