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PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW

PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW
Marcus Henry
Marcus Henry May 10, 2026 @ 10:30 AM
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In this article:

Luke Evans
Luke Evans 6'3" | 220 lbs | EDGE | 2029
TX
Thomason Burkett
Thomason Burkett 6'3" | 222 lbs | EDGE | 2027
TX
Cayden Mellette
Cayden Mellette 6'1" | 237 lbs | DL/EDGE | 2028
TX
Michael Benavides
Michael Benavides 6'3" | 220 lbs | EDGE | 2027
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The trenches were loaded with talent at the PRZ Exposure Series in DFW as several defensive linemen put together strong performances throughout the combine and 1-on-1 portion of the event. From explosive get-offs and active hands to fluid movement skills and relentless motors, the defensive front group brought energy all day long. Multiple prospects showcased pass-rush polish, athleticism in space, and the ability to disrupt consistently against quality competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are several defensive line standouts who elevated their stock in DFW.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2162458"],"_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-6a008552dfb74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Benavides was one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in attendance. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge defender displayed an explosive first step, long reach, and impressive bend rushing off the edge. He consistently moved well in space and showed strong athletic traits throughout the combine drills, flashing agility, quickness, and body control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the point of attack, Benavides played with strength and discipline while showing the ability to close quickly during the pass rush drills. His junior film backs up the production and motor, as he earned First Team All-District honors at defensive end and long snapper after recording 54 tackles, nine sacks, one interception, and 12 quarterback pressures at Deer Park.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Benavides also brings verified athleticism from the track, posting a personal-best 52-second split in the 4x400 relay this spring. With his length, movement skills, and developing pass-rush upside, he is a junior prospect college coaches need to evaluate closely. He recently picked up an offer from Texas A&amp;M–Texarkana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Michael_benny27/status/1992296834648166529?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/Michael_benny27/status/1992296834648166529?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2178209"],"_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-6a008552dfc0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burkett put together a strong overall showing with his athleticism, his ability to play with great leverage, and the ability to win reps during the 1-on-1 period. He consistently used his hands well at the point of attack and showed quality bend coming off the edge. His quick first step allowed him to create pressure early in reps, and he showed the ability to change directions efficiently during combine work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On film, Burkett plays with a relentless motor and attacking mentality. He dominates from odd-front alignments, using leverage and excellent pad level to create disruption in both the run and pass game. His pursuit effort stands out, and he consistently plays fast downhill with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BurkettThomason/status/2026809573177168205?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/BurkettThomason/status/2026809573177168205?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2202115"],"_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-6a008552dfd1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evans emerged as a young prospect to know in Central Texas after a stellar performance in DFW. The Austin Bowie defender showcased an explosive first step, fluid lateral movement, and strong bend throughout the event. He moved efficiently during combine drills, showing burst, quickness, and impressive change-of-direction ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His film reveals a high-energy defender who plays relentlessly in pursuit and sets the edge effectively in a three-man front. Evans also showed his disruptive ability on special teams, blocking multiple punts during the season. With his extended length, motor, and athletic upside, Evans is a developing defensive prospect whose ceiling will  rise as he matures physically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Luke_Evans29/status/2052587796368400476?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/Luke_Evans29/status/2052587796368400476?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173937"],"_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-6a008552dfd90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mellette brought a physical presence to the defensive line group with his stout frame and power at the point of attack. He was quick off the football and consistently showed a strong punch at engagement. During combine drills, he moved well in space and displayed quality agility, bend, and burst.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His sophomore film highlights his versatility, showing the ability to line up both as a 3-technique and as an edge defender. Mellette sets the edge effectively against the run, pushes the pocket from the interior, and stays active throughout plays. His combination of strength, motor, and positional flexibility makes him a prospect to continue tracking in Central Texas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kingmellette/status/2044610189869957232?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/kingmellette/status/2044610189869957232?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The trenches were loaded with talent at the PRZ Exposure Series in DFW as several defensive linemen put together strong performances throughout the combine and 1-on-1 portion of the event. From explosive get-offs and active hands to fluid movement skills and relentless motors, the defensive front group brought energy all day long. Multiple prospects showcased pass-rush polish, athleticism in space, and the ability to disrupt consistently against quality competition.

Michael Benavides

Michael Benavides

TX
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 220
POS EDGE
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Michael
Benavides EDGE
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
Weight
220
HS
Deer Park
|
TX
PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW
Benavides was one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in attendance. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge defender displayed an...
Written by Marcus Henry
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Michael Benavides

Twitter
State: Texas
School: Deer Park
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Thomason Burkett

Thomason Burkett

TX
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 222
POS EDGE
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Thomason
Burkett EDGE
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
Weight
222
HS
Graham
|
TX
PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW
Burkett put together a strong overall showing with his athleticism, his ability to play with great leverage, and...
Written by Marcus Henry
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Thomason Burkett

Twitter
State: Texas
School: Graham
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Luke Evans

Luke Evans

HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 220
POS EDGE
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Luke
Evans EDGE
Class
2029
Height
6'3"
Weight
220
HS
Bowie-Austin
|
TX
PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW
Evans emerged as a young prospect to know in Central Texas after a stellar performance in DFW. The...
Written by Marcus Henry
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Luke Evans

Twitter
State: Texas
School: Bowie-Austin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cayden Mellette

Cayden Mellette

TX
DL/EDGE
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 237
POS DL/EDGE
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Cayden
Mellette DL/EDGE
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
237
HS
Shoemaker
|
TX
PRZ Exposure Series: Edge Rushers Dominate in DFW
Mellette brought a physical presence to the defensive line group with his stout frame and power at the...
Written by Marcus Henry
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Cayden Mellette

Twitter
State: Texas
School: Shoemaker
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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