Stats: 11 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 Sack

West Salem was a big surprise when it came to the debut of their seeding for the playoffs, but the team clearly didn’t care and was willing to take on anybody. Landon and the rest of the team dominated from start to finish. Landon is one of the best DL/Edge available in the state. Long, filling out his frame with good weight, active hands that maintain separation, and then explosive violence to get past the OL and close on the ball quickly. I love that Landon can rush the passer on third and long, but also set the edge on third and short. The kid is powerful, explosive, and has the frame to continue to win at the next level. Massive steal in the Class of 2026.

It was a great showing for the West Salem DE right from the start. He checked in at 6’4″ 230 lbs with a 6’8″ wingspan. No question, Landon looks the part of a collegiate defensive end with all that length. It didn’t take long for him to show that he plays the part as well. In the run game reps Landon showed off how useful that length can be when you also utilize leverage. He was able to stand up much bigger OL in their tracks and control the line of scrimmage, giving a glimpse into his potential to be a three down DE recruit. Landon was at the top of his game when we got to the pass rush reps. The ’26 won with quick hands that kept himself clean. He won with sudden lateral agility that teleported him behind the OL. The long, lean DE also showed he could bull rush and then make a second move off the initial contact. Michlig is a need to know DE recruit in this Class.

In my opinion, the top defensive player in the La Crosse area is West Salem’s Landon Michlig Landon Michlig 6'4" | 240 lbs | EDGE/P West Salem | 2026 State WI . The junior DE/P has an outstanding frame for the DE position with his long and lean 6’5″ 225 lbs build. Landon put together a great 7 seven games before injury struck, making 31 tackles for 18 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. The kid is outstanding at creating pressure and disruption off the edge. He has shown he can use that length to create separation with his power and quick shed blocks, or he can flash that explosive first step to shoot clean through gaps to blow up plays. Landon also shows a really good closing burst that gives the ball carrier no chance to try and make him miss. Length, disruptive burst and power make him an intriguing prospect who is only going to be better this coming summer/fall. Get this kid on your radars if he isn’t there already.

Rankings Jump: 66 Spots

During the preseason we ranked Landon as a punter who also played some DE. Fast forward to today and Landon is now ranked as an impressive DE with a heck of a leg as a bonus. The 6’5″ 225 lbs DE was living in offensive backfields in 2024. He was as disruptive as you could hope for. Landon was able to use his length and power to leverage his way into the backfield. Plus any time he got a chance to use his speed Landon would burst into the backfield and close quickly on the ball. The big man is building up a great base of strength too. You will see him shrug off attempted blocks from TEs when teams try to collapse him down the line. I’m very excited to watch Landon continue to develop this summer and perform in front of coaches.