2028 Under the Radar DL That Are Making Waves

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some under the radar and small school prospects that were able to grab some attention last season. These are the prospects that you will need to know as they look to have big offseason's and carry that momentum into the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1944125"],"_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-699e1b32cf423"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lane emerged as a steady and disruptive presence along the defensive front, putting together a breakout season defined by production and consistency. He had 73 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, consistently disrupting the rhythm of opposing offenses. Lane shows the ability to shed blocks with strength and sound hands, knocking linemen off balance and working laterally to track down ball carriers. His leverage and pad level allow him to hold his ground in the trenches, while his ability to make open field tackles help. Lane's motor and physical playing style translate well to Friday nights and his continued development should keep him firmly on the radar as a rising small school defensive prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2123963"],"_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-699e1b32cf4db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mondragon delivered one of the more productive seasons among small school defenders, finishing with 89 total tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack. His high motor stands out immediately on film, as he consistently pursues the football from sideline to sideline. Mondragon's instincts and anticipation allow him to diagnose plays quickly, getting him in position to make stops all over the field. At the line of scrimmage, he shows awareness by getting his hands up to disrupt passing lanes and bat down throws. He embraces contact, often being a tone setter for his defense. Entering the upcoming season, Mondragon projects as a name to know in 1A and should continue to gain recognition statewide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124662"],"_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-699e1b32cf550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McMain is a dynamic two-way talent, but his impact on the defensive side of the ball demands attention. He recorded 20 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and an impressive 9.5 sacks, along with a forced fumble. His burst off the edge puts a strain on the line and he uses quick hands to get off of blocks and close on quarterbacks in a hurry. McMain consistently creates chaos in the backfield, making life difficult on obvious passing downs. His knack for finishing plays behind the line of scrimmage shows his natural pass rushing instincts. As he continues to add strength and refine his technique, McMain has the potential to build on his momentum and solidify himself as one of the more intriguing defensive prospects on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1025781"],"_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-699e1b32cf5cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McLarty saw limited varsity action, appearing in just three games, yet on lower levels he has shown flashes that suggest long term upside. In his brief stint, he recorded three tackles, a quarterback hurry and showcased awareness by batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage. McLarty's length and timing give him the ability to disrupt throwing lanes, while his effort level remains consistent on every snap. Though his sample size is small, the traits are evident, particularly his willingness to compete and embrace physical play in the trenches. With a full offseason in the weight room and continued development within the program, McLarty is positioned to take a meaningful step forward and carve out a larger defensive role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1732417"],"_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-699e1b32cf653"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warren enters the offseason as an intriguing developmental prospect with clear physical upside. After appearing in one varsity game and recording three tackles, he now understands the speed and physicality required at the next level. Warren shows promising quickness off the edge and has the frame to add mass, which could significantly boost his impact along the defensive line. His first step and natural athleticism provide a foundation to build upon as he continues to train and refine his technique. A dedicated offseason focused on strength and explosiveness could position him to compete for increased reps. Warren remains an under the radar name but the potential is present for him to emerge as a contributor moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->