Elite Middle School Combine: 2030 Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We turn our attention to the top defensive standouts at the 2026 Elite Football Middle School combine held last week. Several players showed they have the potential to contributed early in their high school careers if the continue on the trajectory they are on, and keep growing physically and skills wise as players and athletes. Here are some of the top performers at the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maquise Hill</strong> I DL I SLUH<br>- 5'9" 214 - Explosive young defensive lineman who showed good quickness, power and speed in both testing and in one on ones. Had a nice 4.8 pro agility shuttle and impressive 25" vertical jump. Has a good first step, gets good push and dominated in one on ones on the day. He's going to be a Jr. Billiken this coming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1638689' first='Brian' last='Panus']</strong> I LB I North Point<br>- 5'9" 173 - A tenacious and quick linebacker with good, strength, speed and ability to change direction in a hurry against the run and pass. Looked good during testing where he was one of the fastest 2030s with a 5.17 laser forty, and also had a 4.6 pro agility. Also performed well in one on ones. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Moore III</strong> I DL I CBC<br>-5'9" 217 - A power and athletic defensive lineman who will be a future CBC Cadet that caught my eye during testing. Had solid numbers in each events but he moved well and showed what was to come in one on ones where he had a great day against the OLs. Look forward to seeing his growth physically and as a player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Allen</strong> I DE I Brentwood Middle<br>- 6'1" 191 - Had the look of a top defensive end prospect to watch for on the high school level. Good height already and a frame that looks like it can add weight. Showed a very good motor in one on ones and solid athleticism during his testing. May be headed to SLUH for high school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Myracle</strong> I DB I <br>-6'0" 135 - The top 2030 defensive back I saw at the combine. Has good height already and runs well while showing nice ability to cover in one on ones and good ball skills. Has good speed with a 5.1 laser forty, quickness and hips, and explosive jumping ability with an 8'4" broad jump. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Connor Hodge </strong>I DL I Northwest Valley Middle<br>- 6'0" 226 - Another promising young defensive line prospect with good size and athleticism who will be a name to watch on the high school level. Quick with good speed running a 5.5 laser forty at almost 230 pounds already and six feet tall. Good strength in one on ones. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->