Class 4A/3A defensive playmakers to watch in 2026: Part 2

Over the next several months, I'll be letting you know who some of the top returners on the defensive side of the football will be in the state of Maryland.    Today, I have four more prospects on the defensive side of the football in Maryland's 4A/3A class that you need to know.    Dykes is a long, physical defender who plays with edge presence and discipline. He reacts quickly to RPOs and closes downhill with bad intentions. Against the run, he holds outside leverage, forces plays back inside, and limits big gains with solid open-field tackles. Dkyes is comfortable playing downhill, willing to take on blocks, and shows good timing when fitting gaps. As a pass rusher, he flashes the ability to affect the quarterback off the edge in his highlights. What he needs to work on is defining his long-term position for the next level. It's either him adding strength if he stays at linebacker or showing more range and coverage reps if he transitions to safety.     Bowlding is a physical, downhill linebacker who plays fast and finishes with force. From the middle, he shows excellent blitz timing, shooting the A-gap and driving ball carriers backwards for losses. Bowlding takes on blocks without hesitation, sheds cleanly, and stays disciplined in his reads. In pursuit, he closes ground quickly and stops the ball carrier in his tracks with his physical tackling style. Bowlding also shows value as a blitzer off the edge, bending under tackles and affecting the quarterback. What he needs to work on is continued development in pass coverage.      Adjei is a tough defender playing somewhat out of position (linebacker and nickel). From the outside linebacker spot, despite being undersized, he's physical. Adjei isn't afraid to take on blockers because when he does, he stands his ground. He uses his quickness at the position to his advantage, as evidenced by plays on his highlights that show him sacking the quarterback and making run stops behind the line of scrimmage. I'm impressed with how he sets the edge and holds his ground against bigger players. This summer would be a good time for him to get some coverage reps on some kind of film since he's most likely going to be a defensive back if he makes it to the next level.      Hollowell is a smooth, controlled slot receiver who is efficient as a route runner. He shows good awareness working through zones, getting behind linebackers, and finishing catches in traffic. With the ball in his hands, he's more elusive than explosive. Hollowell's production on screens, crossers, and punt returns shows that he has vision and can make people miss. The film doesn't show much true vertical route work, which limits how his top-end speed shows up. Hollowell only played in six games this season, which means there's not a full body of work to judge him on. This off-season will be very important for him on the recruiting front.

Over the next several months, I'll be letting you know who some of the top returners on the defensive side of the football will be in the state of Maryland.