One of my favorite defenders Salem’s Markus Mccoy just picked up another offer from Norfolk State and Coach Vick would be wise to keep this talent in state. Mccoy has a plethora of pass rush moves and is stout linebacker in both coverage or against the run. He really can play both defensive end or outside linebacker at the nextl level in my opinion.

Big fan of this young man’s game, Salem’s Markus McCoy Markus McCoy 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Salem-Virginia Beach | 2026 State VA gets after the quarterback and makes play all over the defense. Playing in a very talented Tidewater Region, Mccoy made all district as a junior, the young man has a nose for the football. Not sure why his recruiting hasn’t blown up yet but I am confident before next month it will. Regardless the young man can play and has a few suitors at the next level already.

Salem’s Markus McCoy Markus McCoy 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Salem-Virginia Beach | 2026 State VA had a season for the ages in Virginia Beach, the tweet below is not a misprint, McCoy recorded 26 sacks this fall! Incredibly beyond that he is so much more than just a Von Miller pass rushing specialist. He recorded 96 solo tackles and 29 of them were tackles for losses, just insane numbers all around. McCoy is sure to skyrocket up our next rankings post, he boasts a 3.3 GPA as well. The young man is all over the field at 6’0 and 210 lbs., cannot wait to see how his final season with the Sundevils.

Another piece of the defensive puzzle. A well-ranked OLB/Edge Rusher, Markus McCoy Markus McCoy 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Salem-Virginia Beach | 2026 State VA will be expected to play the disruptor role with his hand off the dirt. Said role McCoy excelled in last Fall, firing off the edge around tackles who were too slow out of their stance to potentially throttle McCoy’s rush. McCoy isn’t 6’3, 225, yet he rushes the passer with phenomenal pace. McCoy is often unblocked off the LOS, often on purpose. McCoy has the discipline and lateral agility to not be fooled by opposing play-calling or flow. McCoy has an understanding of how to take pursuit angles that lead to sacks and TFLs, not angles that have him whiffing in the backfield. Athleticism, burst, and explosion are key traits McCoy relies on to wreak havoc in an offensive backfield. Can’t go without mentioning the energy boost McCoy provides the defense. Every sack or TFL is followed by juice to get the rest of his teammates going. Likely a perennial Top 250 prospect moving forward. Great tape for a sophomore.