WPIAL’s Elite Defensive Linemen to Watch in 2026 Class: Part 2

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1156106"],"_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-67b29e48703cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1156106' first='Joe' last='Malone'] is a talented defensive lineman who is a good athlete that moves well. His ability to cause disruptions in the offensive backfield is impressive. He is constantly chasing plays into the backfield by exploding off the ball. He uses his hands well, ripping through offensive linemen trying to block him one-on-one. He then explodes when he gets into the backfield and chases down plays in the offensive backfield. Malone has a great mix of strength and athleticism for a defensive lineman. Malone has a chance, with a strong senior year, to be recruited to play college football in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Junior Regular Season (10 games) <a href="https://t.co/SFQXSzMjx0">https://t.co/SFQXSzMjx0</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wmir3mv14J">pic.twitter.com/Wmir3mv14J</a></p>&mdash; Joseph Malone (@Joe_Malone13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joe_Malone13/status/1852752827451670598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647821"],"_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-67b29e48704ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647821' first='Bryce' last='Guest'] is a good defensive lineman who shows a ton of skills as an interior defensive tackle. He does a good job of firing off the ball and getting into the offensive backfield. He is nimble and has excellent feet as he moves well for a defensive tackle. He gets off the ball quickly and knows how to time up the snap against the offense to get into the backfield. He is also hard to move off his position. Guest is a good player as a defensive tackle and has a ton of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📏6'2<br>⚖️265<br>🏫South Allegheny HS (PA)<br>🎓Co'26<br>📧buest051212@gmail.com<br>☎️412-426-0453<br>🚨Junior FULL SEASON+Playoffs🚨<br>OL/DL<br>55 tot<br>4 total scks<br>12 tfls <br>14 qbhurs <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Blitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Blitz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DulinOlando?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DulinOlando</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach55Hanson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach55Hanson</a> <a href="https://t.co/wWx6KwUiLb">https://t.co/wWx6KwUiLb</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647821' first='Bryce' last='Guest'] (@BryceGuest5) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceGuest5/status/1862606098378666328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592048"],"_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-67b29e4870568"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1592048' first='Jayden' last='Shaffer'] is an outstanding athlete who moves extremely well. His ability to get off the ball and cause disruptions against offenses is impressive. He gets off the ball quickly and uses his athleticism to cause issues against the offense. He does a good job of using his hands and has violent hands against offensive lineman. He also shows a great motor as he is chasing plays all over the place. If he does not get a sack on the quarterback early, he keeps chasing to create pressure. Shaffer has a ton of potential and I have been blown away by his ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592010"],"_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-67b29e4870614"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1592010' first='Dominic' last='Volomino'] is a talented defensive lineman who is a fundamentally sound player. He does a good job of getting off and using his hands to control offensive linemen. He shows good strength by keeping leverage against bigger offensive linemen. He also shows a good motor as he chases plays all over the field well. Volomino is a good player who always is in the right spot where he should be. His game is excellent and he has the potential to get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">junior year highlight tape<br>14-1 WPIAL Champs<br>6'3” 205lbs<a href="https://t.co/Gja63kleZt">https://t.co/Gja63kleZt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MrMurrayTJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrMurrayTJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cover3_ATH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cover3_ATH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://t.co/gEam3VUmnu">pic.twitter.com/gEam3VUmnu</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1592010' first='Dominic' last='Volomino'] (@domvolomino) <a href="https://twitter.com/domvolomino/status/1864357755223482460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591082"],"_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-67b29e48706d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> [player_tooltip player_id='1591082' first='Lincoln' last='Hoke'] is a different type of defensive lineman. He is lighter and quick off the ball, and it helps him be successful. He gets off the ball quickly and is disruptive against offenses. He is also a good athlete that moves well. So, his ability to engage, get off the ball, and attack offensive linemen is impressive. Then he is outstanding at making plays in the backfield by hustling and running everywhere on the field. Hoke is a good player who has the skills to only get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1582653"],"_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-67b29e48707a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1582653' first='Beau' last='Burchett'] is a good defensive lineman who shows excellent skills. One of the best parts of his game is his position versatility. His ability to play as both a defensive tackle and a stand-up defensive end is impressive. As a defensive tackle, he shows good strength, and he is hard to move off his spot. As an edge player, he does a good job keeping contain but also chasing plays backside. In both positions, Burchett shows good ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Season Highlights <a href="https://twitter.com/GermaniErik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GermaniErik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BigJack7700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BigJack7700</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/chip_mcguire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chip_mcguire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AJWPIAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AJWPIAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNext?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNext</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKerr1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKerr1</a> <a href="https://t.co/YkcOtBJclq">https://t.co/YkcOtBJclq</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1582653' first='Beau' last='Burchett'] (@BurchettBeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/BurchettBeau/status/1851393663693128038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591117"],"_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-67b29e487088b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you start watching [player_tooltip player_id='1591117' first='Cole' last='Bayer']'s film, you think he is just a classic nose tackle who occupies blockers and does a good job against the run, but the more you dig into his film, the better it gets. Bayer is hard to move off his spot, and he is excellent against the run, but he is also good against the pass. He has perfected the bull rush, and he can pass rush against the offense by attacking them and moving the offensive lineman backward. His ability to stop the run and pass rush makes him a good defensive lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->