DE Season Preview : Committed 2026 Prospects (2/2)

Here's the other half of the committed prospects from the First State:    Overview: Rodgers is a slippery slot WR with good size for the position. Mainly lining up off the line, he instantly gains separation out of his release. He has the hands and patience to be a possession receiver due to how well he sits down versus zone and how effective he runs shallow crossers and other in-breaking routes. Rodgers is also an offensive weapon in general. His OC lines him up any/everywhere and brings him in motion to scheme him open. Down the field, he tracks the ball well and can make plays in the air when opportunities present themselves. At the next level, Rodgers primarily projects to the slot where he can exploit mismatches inside, but he has the fluidity as a route runner to get touches on the outside too.     Overview: Rutledge is a toolsy defensive back full of traits. A fixture at cornerback for the Cavs, he blankets whoever he's guarding in man-to-man coverage. Despite being a bigger athlete at the position, he has the feet and hips to matchup with smaller wideouts, even in the slot. And when QBs test him, Rutledge is a safe bet to get his hands on the ball for an interception or deflection. With some patience and fine-tuning at University of Delaware, Rutledge has the raw ingredients to be a high level corner who is able to fit into various systems. Or, he can roam the deep third a bit sooner as a safety with almost as much upside.     Overview: Smith is a brawler in the trenches. Starting at offensive tackle, he mashes defenders whether he's pulling outside or he's climbing to the second level up the middle. Once engaged, he uses his powerful base to drive his man like a sled. Smith is pretty nimble in pass protection too.And he plays with the right amount of meanness to finish off blocks through the whistle. When he lines up at defensive tackle, Smith plays with good pad level as he pushes the pocket. He may have the athleticism and just enough height to play tackle, but Smith projects as an interior lineman at offensive guard in a zone or man scheme.     Overview: Stokes might be the state's most complete receiver and overall football player. “Open” or not, he high-points the ball over defenders or catches it over his shoulder, then makes a move to generate additional yards. His elusiveness stands out even more when he takes handoffs out of the backfield for long runs. And on defense, Thomas attacks the ball in the air like the pass was meant for him. So although he won offensive player of the year in his district and he could be an X receiver at the G5 (or even P4) level, Stokes's highest upside might be as a deep safety with his exceptional ball skills.     Overview: Thomas is a versatile and rangey defender in the Eagles secondary. He lines up in the deep middle, in the box, and/or in the nickel, ready to erase anything coming his way. His speed allows him to play sideline to sideline. By reading the QB's eyes from wherever he is, Thomas quickly diagnoses where the ball is going and either breaks up the pass or closes in on the ball-carrier. Of the many spots he can play, he projects best as a Free Safety where he can primarily patrol the backend and provide tough run support when necessary.

Here's the other half of the committed prospects from the First State: