2026 Rankings Risers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the 2026 defensive prospects rising up the updated PRZ state rankings.</h2>    Rhodes jumped nearly 70 overall spots to #60 overall and the seventh ranked DL prospect in the updated 2026 state rankings. The 6'3” 225 lb. DE had an excellent junior season that saw him rack up 85 total tackles, 11 TFL, and six sacks. Flashes good initial quickness of the ball with an explosive first step to gain penetration as the play develops. That speed and quickness allows him to beat blockers off the edge before they can get in position. Shows good play recognition ability, gets his eyes in the right spot to recognize run/pass and locate the ball carrier. Runs well in the short area to redirect and close space in a hurry. Uses quick hands to keep blockers outside his body and free himself up to make a tackle. Good length, growth potential, and foundational skillset to build on as he develops.      The CB out of Hamilton continues to climb the rankings now at #33 overall and the sixth ranked DB prospect in the 2026 class. Has the ability to shutdown opposing teams top receiving threats with great coverage instincts and ball skills. Possesses excellent all around game speed and lateral quickness to match movement and stay in phase to all three levels. He's quick to flip his hips and transition out with the burst to recover and close space with the ball in the air. Plus ball skills, he plays through the hands to break up passes at the catch point with good timing. Well coached, he's precise and efficient with his footwork/technique to limit wasted movement. Just picked up his initial college offer from Utah and expect more to come his way as the recruiting cycle progresses.      Cundiff is an attacking defensive playmaker with a great nose for the football. Flashes good eye discipline to diagnose the play and read run/pass. He's quick to trigger to the ball and closes space with good efficient angled pursuit. Can beat blockers in a variety of ways. Will step up to take on contact and shed or can weave through to avoid the block on his way to the ball carrier. Strong at the POA, he's a violent finisher as a tackler exploding through contact with good leverage and leg drive. He's a high level competitor that plays with a motor in pursuit to play sideline to sideline. First team all state selection and defensive player of the year for the central region. Ranked #61 overall and the ninth ranked LB in the 2026 class.      Marquez made the move to Higley where he had to sit out five games after transferring out of Hamilton. At 6'2” 320 lbs. he's a big body that can anchor the interior line on either side of the ball. Good natural strength and power at the POA, he's able to control the LOS by using both his lower half and hands to move opponents off the ball. Mobility in the short area allows him to work around blockers and get in good position to play the ball. Shows he can stack/defeat doubles teams, take on pullers, and lock out opponents with effective hand usage. Will be interesting to see how he develops but has the size and ability to play either side at the college level. One to watch going into his senior year.     Hamiel jumped seven spots to #8 overall and is the top ranked DB prospect in the 2026 class. He's a pure athlete at 6'1” 175 lbs. with a 4.4 40 and 38 inch vertical. He combines his speed, length, and quickness to be a lockdown corner with great range to cover the whole field. Elite level transitional speed and short area acceleration. Excellent plant and drive mechanics that translates well to any position in the secondary. His anticipation skills and reactionary quickness allows him to get an early break on the ball and close space in coverage. High football IQ, he understands coverages and route concepts to put himself in position to be a difference maker. Strong open field tackler that comes downhill hard in run support and brings strong contact at the POA. Holds eight D1 offers with six P4 programs to his name thus far.