A kid that instantly put himself at the top of the list of DL top performers was Deacon Ward Deacon Ward 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL/TE Greendale | 2026 State WI . The long DE ran a 5.06 40, 4.65 shuttle, and jumped 8’4″. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Deacon shined in drills, showing quick feet and the balance needed to be able to change direction quickly. His acceleration also shined in the drills as well as in the 1v1s where he could show off his explosive first step. Deacon gave OTs trouble all day with his length, quickness, and wide array of pass rush moves. I was pleasantly surprised by the power he could also play with. Especially in run battles where he had to show he could get underneath the OL and hold his ground despite being outweighed in most battles. Deacon is putting together a strong summer of camps.

A 2026 to know among edge athletes is Deacon Ward Deacon Ward 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL/TE Greendale | 2026 State WI out of Greendale. He has a fantastic frame at 6’4″ 220 lbs with nearly a 6’6″ wingspan and 11″ hands. Despite the 220 lbs on his frame, it is very clear that there is a lot of room to add onto that frame to make him even more of a force off the edge vs the run and controlling the line of scrimmage overall. During the showcase the junior dominated in 1 on 1s with his first step explosion and his overall flexibility. Ward got off the ball quickly to attack the edge, usually forcing OTs to reach and chase him. The 2026 also did a great job of showing his ability to dip or bend and make himself a smaller target to punch for OTs as he ran the loop to the QB. Very excited to watch more of Deacon this offseason at camps. Get this kid on your recruiting boards.

Our final standout is junior DE Deacon Ward. The 6’4″ 220 lbs DE has a long, very lean frame that will be able to hold plenty more size and strength over the coming years. Deacon did a nice job on the edge either forcing the runner back inside or working off blocks and making the tackle himself. Ward did a good job of setting the edge vs the run game. Deacon was able to show some strength as he took on blocks without giving ground. The junior also showed off his agility and balance as he would work through the trash on the edge to get to the ball while avoiding blocks. Ward is a name to know among the Class of 2026.