Our last evaluation of Monk happened after a rankings update midway through last year. It was a good time to check in on his advancements following a sophomore season of 2025. Monk produced, that’s for sure. Thirty two of his 48.5 tackles were solo stops. He piled up 10.0 tackles for loss and added 2.5 sacks. Monk has not yet posted a 10th-grade highlight video on his Hudl page, but there are clips from individual games during the fall. In them, we see a disruptive force on the D-Line. He’s a high-motor performer. Monk does well absorbing blocks, separating from them and exploding to the tackle. He’s physical and heavy hands also stand out as an asset.

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Sioux City East’s Landan Monk Landan Monk 6'1" | 235 lbs | DL/LB Sioux City East | 2028 State IA is an up-and-coming defensive lineman who was able to earn some early varsity reps last season. Monk put up solid production with 28.5 tackles, .5 TFLs, and a 23-yard interception returned for a touchdown. As a freshman, Monk proved to be a dominating presence on the interior defensive line, capable of playing the 5 or 3 technique and head-up on the center, with the ability to plug gaps and apply pressure to the pocket. Landan is a strong player who can eat up blockers and break down double teams with the power in his base to anchor down and not give up ground. Landan uses his hands very well, wins the leverage battle, and keeps his feet moving while engaged with blockers. Big season in store for Landan this fall!

Monk forced his way into the defensive line rotation as a freshman on a 5A playoff team. It likely foreshadowed big things to come for a guy that racked up 19 solo tackles and delivered a Pick-6 as a ninth-grader. College scouts watching his freshman film can appreciate the physicality with which he already plays. Monk is a high-motor guy with burst, usually getting blockers on their heels before they have a chance to fully engage. He plays with his head up and his eyes on the ball.

It’s eye-opening when we see a freshman get run at defensive tackle for a 5A playoff team, but that’s exactly what Monk pulled off. He shows explosiveness off of the snap during his freshman highlights and holds his own physically, aided by active hands and quickness. As he adds strength to his lower half, Monk will be able to drive through blocks while continuing to get around them whenever possible.