The Rize: Scouting Notebook on Defensive Line, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, June 27, 2026 Prep Redzone Next was back-in-action in Jackson, New Jersey, as they hosted "The Rize." A double-session prospect showcase, this event drew middle school prospects from all across the country to see how they stacked up against their national counterparts. Each prospect was personally hand-selected by middle school guru <a href="https://x.com/AlPopsFootball">Al Pops</a> to compete and attend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As per usual, I attended and report to you my positional notes for the position group referenced in the title of this article. My evaluations are through the lens of a high school coach and talent evaluator. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1645307"],"_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-6a441372b4f42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In one of the more impressive pass rush combinations I saw, Brennan Willis reminded everyone exactly why he was the Dallas Regional MVP along the defensive line. Before getting home on the quarterback, Willis executed an outstanding cross-chop that was stacked by a ghost dip under. This stacked move led to an uncontested victory. Later on I noted that Willis also threw an excellent rip move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1303992"],"_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-6a441372b5015"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more high school-ready bodies along the defensive line belonged to Arjay Blackwell. With an Atlanta Regional MVP to his name already, Blackwell's success begins with his stance. His stance allows him to generate power and explosion. Still just a 7th grader, Blackwell was dominating, physically, with the bull rush. Should I get the opportunity to see him compete against, I hope to see an expanded arsenal of moves to Blackwell's weaponry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2097865"],"_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-6a441372b50be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A defensive prospect by trade, my notes on Kamari Shelton made me think that he either took reps along the offensive line or ended up switching positions. In a very specific moment of time, Shelton showcased a good, powerful kick step; however, he must be reminded to get that foot down quickly, especially at his height, for fear of defenders getting under his pads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2172362"],"_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-6a441372b51c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ian Dexter was out there mashing it up like a Tennessee mudslide. A technician of his trade, I first noticed Dexter execute an outstanding long arm that worked up-and-in to the throat area of his matchup. What made this move so effective was the fact that it was compounded with an outstanding get off. Later on toward this event's end, Dexter showed that his favorite Loony Toon is the Tasmanian Devil. As such, Dexter first hit a spin move to the inside, and as he felt his offensive opponent begin to power down, he spun back to the outside for an impressive win. Needless to say, I assume Dexter tells his mom that he prefers his laundry washed with an extra rinse in the spin cycle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120993"],"_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-6a441372b5262"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A local product, Sean Cornelius is gunning to be the next big prospect out of the Toms River area. In oder to do so, I wish to see Cornelius' stance get a bit wider; right now it was too narrow for my liking. As he begins to lift weights he will understand that nothing in the weight room is done with a narrow base because, first, we get our power from the ground, and second, every movement we do in the weight room translates to the football field. A wider base means more power and more balance, equating to more plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rize Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-1">Defensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-1">Quarterbacks, Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->