Neeko is a monster in the middle of the defensive line. He has legitimate D1 talent and projects best in pass rushing situations. The 270 lbs athlete is so explosive and can turn that explosive athleticism into power. Power that allows him to be disrupt the pocket or burst into the backfield and get after the QB. Neeko’s nimble feet and balance allow him to maximize his ability to change pad level on his path to the QB. I can’t stress enough how impressive the senior DT is coming off the line. He is so quick through the line and has elite range to chase down the ball in the backfield. This kid has so much potential as a rotational guy to give a defensive front extra explosive athleticism.

A team is going to get a massive steal here, and with where we are at now it could be a National Champion that gets the steal. NDSU is the only offer currently extended to the Catholic Memorial mismatch in the defensive trenches. Hard to believe that when you watch through the tape. Neeko has a big, strong, filled-out frame and it is supported by an explosive lower body. A lower body that allows Neeko to fly off the ball and win with speed or turn that speed into power and he collapses the pocket from the interior. His active hands are able to create space his athleticism can capitalize so quickly with the extra room to make a play and defeat a block. The All-State DL with a 3.0 GPA is a need to watch athlete who is going to have a monster senior season.

Another standout DL who caught my attention while making my rounds from group to group was Neeko Rodgers Neeko Rodgers 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Catholic Memorial | 2026 State WI out of Catholic Memorial. Neeko checked in at 6’2″ 270 lbs and still was able to run a 4.99 40, 5.07 pro agility, broad 8.7′, and hit a really impressive 32.8″ vertical. Big and explosive is how Rodgers tested, and it is how he played with the pads on during the live battles. Neeko is an explosive athlete out of his stance and stands out from the crowd with how sudden, agile, and nimble his feet are. He is a DL that can win in a variety of ways. We saw him get into the chest of his man and bull rush. I watched him use hand fighting moves to quickly clean himself off and get to the heels of the OL. Everything he did was violent, whether it was with power or with quickness. The stud has an offer from NDSU, so far. I expect plenty of other schools to join them.

When it comes to creating mismatches in the trenches you won’t find a better prospect in WI than Neeko Rodgers Neeko Rodgers 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Catholic Memorial | 2026 State WI of Catholic Memorial. Neeko is building a legitimate, high-end frame at 6’1″ 270 lbs, but it is the way that he plays at that size that is different and sets him apart from the crowd. Neeko can win in so many ways. He has a solid initial burst out of his stance and quick hands to battle guards and centers. You will see him show quick feet and hips to slip past a lineman or get skinny between two OL. The big fella also brings a closing burst that catches ball carriers off guard and range to chase down plays outside of the pocket. The combination of size, quickness, and power packed into this 2026 DT is hard to find. Give his highlights a look.

WI is known for growing some impactful defensive linemen throughout the HS landscape, but we don’t see them like Neeko Rodgers Neeko Rodgers 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Catholic Memorial | 2026 State WI very often. The 6’1″ 265 lbs DT brings a skill set that a kid has to be born with. Neeko’s body control is great and it pairs perfect with his elite foot quickness giving him the ability to play so suddenly and agile. The junior explodes off the line, can change direction or slide laterally in a flash. Neeko also is great at turning that quickness into instant power when he engages with the OL. Watching the highlights you see how disruptive he is as he flies through gaps before the guard can put a hand on him. That much mass, moving that fast and playing with the power he can create is tough to find. You need to get eyes on this kid.

Stats: 7 Tackles, 1 TFL

Neeko is a fun recruit to watch. He has a huge frame, but makes so many plays with his quick, nimble, agile feet. Feet that get him off the ball and also get him around block attempts. Neeko’s athleticism gives him surprising range outside the pocket as well. His hands are equally quick too and help him consistently stay clean and disengage from blocks. He is quickly becoming a legitimate mismatch in the trenches and a top prospect in his Class at his position.