2026 SPRING RANKINGS UPDATE: Defensive New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive prospects have debuted in our newest rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. They truly impressed our staff as we delve into our analysis below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1615365"],"_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-67d05b2053e2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1615365' first='Christian' last='Lewis'] requires a double team due to his length, size, and power. He's a two-gap plug that creates opportunities for others across the defensive front. Lewis is a good run-stopper and effectively fills gaps between the 0 and 3 techniques. Overall, he demonstrates solid play strength and competitive toughness. He would be the ideal short-yardage run-stuffer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chris_lewis53/status/1889825470373654755","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chris_lewis53/status/1889825470373654755 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627684"],"_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-67d05b2053e92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1627684' first='Kameran' last='Thornton-Mead'] is on the rise and someone you need to add to the recruiting board. He's a versatile prospect who excels as a linebacker, edge rusher, and running back. His high motor allows him to chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. Mead demonstrates strong recognition skills, allowing him to read and react quickly and efficiently. He pressures the quarterback, fills gaps, and locks down his zone. His athleticism and leadership is impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.64 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kamthorntonmead/status/1899266626026873054","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kamthorntonmead/status/1899266626026873054 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1632818"],"_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-67d05b2053ee1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1632818' first='Alexzander' last='Walters'] is a true Mike linebacker known for his physicality at the point of attack. Walers racked up the tackles in 2024, showcasing his motor as he can cover the entire field from sideline to sideline, effectively tracking down ball carriers with good angles. His solid read-and-react ability helps him key in on the backfield, enhancing his overall performance. He's a player to watch throughout 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 3.4 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://twitter.com/Alexzander2655">https://twitter.com/Alexzander2655</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607694"],"_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-67d05b2053f58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1607694' first='Rackson' last='Rechim'] is another sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can cover receivers and lockdown the zone and the middle of the field. Rechim demonstrates solid read-and-react skills to attack downhill against the run, utilizing solid angles to make a play in space. Rechim has the potential to have a breakout season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 3.3 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://twitter.com/rechim9129">https://twitter.com/rechim9129</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1632819"],"_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-67d05b2053fae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1632819' first='Clark' last='Wingfield'] is quick and athletic off the EDGE, displaying solid burst off the snap. He knows how to contain the edge and play with a high motor to chase down ball carriers from the weakside. Solid hand placmeent and pad level to create leverage, read the backfield and make plays at the line of scrimmage. Winfield is someone to watch this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Clark_Wingfield/status/1784343667416658006","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Clark_Wingfield/status/1784343667416658006 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->