The American Bowl Prospects Guide: Defense

The American Bowl kicks off on Thursday night, with several highly touted prospects showcasing their skills for scouts and fans alike. Who are the defensive prospects to keep an eye on in this American Bowl preview on defense? There are several under-the-radar names that could make big noise during the draft process and beyond. We took a look at the offensive prospects earlier this week. Who are the best prospects put in charge of stopping them?

Note all statistics courtesy of team websites and College Football Reference

Defensive Line

EDGE

Guardians

1. Daniel Rickert | Virginia

2. Isaiah Smith | SMU

3. Malick Sylla | Mississippi State

4. Eddie Walls | Houston

Name to Watch

Isaiah Smith

Smith increased his production in every season of his career, culminating with 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 2025 as the primary pass rusher. According to PFF, he was around the quarterback a whopping 83 times over two seasons, with 48 of those being hurries. He has the answers to the size questions, being listed at 6’4 248, which is pretty solid for EDGEs in the modern era. Teams will love his increasing productivity and toolbox enough to consider him an early-to-mid-Day 3 selection if the background checks out.

Sleeper

Daniel Rickert

Rickert started his career at Tennessee Tech before transferring to Virginia for his final college season. He’s a bit undersized for an EDGE, listed at 6’2 232, but he makes it work. The Virginia defensive lineman led the team in sacks with 6.5 and was productive at TTU with 16 sacks in the two seasons prior. His productivity jumped tremendously in three seasons with 122 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles in that frame. He’s an under-the-radar draftable candidate if the measureables and testing check out. Teams will enjoy his production across the FBS and FCS levels. If teams can get past his size limitations, he could project as a designated pass rusher type in the league.

Warhawks

1. Sabastian Harsh | NC State

2. TJ Guy | Michigan

3. Dayon Hayes | Texas A&M

4. Khordae Sydnor | Vanderbilt

Name to Watch

Sabastian Harsh

Harsh transferred to NC State after a four-year career at Wyoming. While the sack numbers won’t jump out initially with just seven to his name, he’s produced 87 pressures in three seasons, including 49 in 2025. He will have to perform well to move up the draft boards even further. PFF ranked him as the 31st-best EDGE rusher with an overall score of 86.6, and he scored well into the 80s across their metrics. The Wolfpack pass rusher was consistently in the backfield, producing 25 tackles for loss in three seasons. He projects as a steady rotational EDGE that teams look for to shore up their depth charts. The physical tools are available for a mid- to late-Day 3 selection. Can he harness the tools and production to become something more?

IDL

Guardians

1. Cole Brevard | Texas

2. Jahmeer Carter | Virginia

3. Jacobian Guillory | LSU

4. Rene Konga | Utah

5. Anterio Thompson | Washington

Name to Watch

Rene Konga

Konga transferred from Rutgers to Louisville before the 2024 season, and it proved to be the right move as he grew into a trench king. He’s a serviceable athlete for an interior lineman and has a motor that doesn’t stop. Contextually, his production is top-notch with 49 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks in two seasons. 2025 was a great season for him as PFF ranked him as the tenth-best IDL with an overall score of 86.4. He’s a monster in the middle for the Cardinals and doesn’t have a lot of size questions.

Sleeper

Jahmeer Carter

Carter is an underrated interior prospect who stuck through the lean times at Virginia to see the Hoos contend for an ACC title in his final season. He was a consistent, reliable player who recorded 164 tackles, 8.5 tackles, and 2.5 sacks in various roles along the defensive line. The Cavaliers’ steadying defensive anchor is a versatile athlete who played nose and defensive tackle, which is why teams love his skill set. While not the flashiest tackle, he provides depth to an IDL room for any team that needs it. PFF ranked him as the 69th best IDL with an overall score of 78.3. If he can have a good process, there’s a chance that he makes it to Late Day 3.

Warhawks

1. Aaron Graves | Iowa

2. Kody Huisman | Virginia Tech

3. Damon Payne | Michigan

4. Tyre West | Tennessee

5. Payton Zdroik | Air Force

Name to Watch

Payton Zdroik

The USAFA product primarily played on the interior for the Falcons. He doesn’t have the prerequisite size to play inside in the NFL, like many of his service academy counterparts. Zdroik was a productive player for his position, racking up 116 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks over his career. Teams will question his size in various schemes, but he’ll likely find a home as a rotational piece. He would fit better as a “bigger” defensive end in a 3-4 system. PFF thought very highly of the prospect, ranking him as the second-highest IDL with an overall score of 90.4. The organization gave him 90+ grades in consecutive seasons. If teams can get over his size limitations, he should be an intriguing candidate to go in the middle of Day 3.

Linebacker

Guardians

1. James Jackson | Virginia

2. Cole Kozlowski | UCF

3. Keli Lawson | UCF

4. Namdi Obiazor | TCU

5. TJ Quinn | Louisville

6. Javin Wright | Nebraska

Name to Watch

TJ Quinn

Quinn exploded onto the scene as a junior and hasn’t stopped making plays since. He’s posted 269 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, and seven PBUs in that span. The Louisville linebacker was the leading tackler for the stout Cardinals defense last season. Quinn is a Cardinals legacy as his father played for the program and left behind quite the shoes to fill. The son filled those shoes admirably with a stellar career as Jeff Brohm’s key defensive player. He’s a playmaking linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline very adeptly. Watch for him to continue his ascension as the process moves along. He profiles like an early-to-mid-Day 3 selection at this point, with room to improve.

Warhawks

1. Shad Banks | UTSA

2. Jack Dingle | Cincinnati

3. Erick Hunter | Morgan State

4. Langston Patterson | Vanderbilt

5. Quinn Urwiler | Northern Illinois

6. Mason Woods | Kent State

Name to Watch

Mason Woods

Woods started his career at FCS Towson before transferring to Kent State for his final two seasons of college. He was an extremely productive linebacker at both stops, with over 280 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and six PBUs. The 2025 season was his most productive, with 94 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Woods aligned as an outside linebacker but has the athleticism and versatility to play inside on occasion. He’s listed at 6’0 220, so teams will likely use him on the outside rather than inside to scheme for his size.

Hidden Gem

Erick Hunter

Hunter proved to be an astute addition to the American Bowl, posting an impressive 2025 season with 102 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 PBUs, and 3 forced fumbles. He was all over the field for HBCU Morgan State as a playmaking linebacker. Hunter is a rangy cover linebacker with the physical tools and mental makeup to get to where he needs to be on the field. His outstanding play merited a selection to the All-MEAC first team in 2025. The MSU linebacker should be one of those fan favorite Day 3 linebackers who wouldn’t surprise anyone to make a successful career. He’s a cerebral backer with the know-how and experience to make some noise depending on the system.

Cornerback

Guardians

1. Channing Canada | TCU

2. Michael Dansby | Arizona

3. Ayden Garnes | Arizona

4. DJ Harvey | USC

5. Jalen Jones | William & Mary

6. Latrell McCutchin, Sr | Houston

Name to Watch

Latrell McCutchin, Sr

McCutchin transferred to Houston before the 2023 season after stops at Oklahoma and USC. He blossomed in his final collegiate season, becoming a key member of the surging Cougars under Willie Fritz. The talented cornerback has the size to remain at outside corner, but a move to a big nickel role could unlock his talent. While he doesn’t have elite speed, it’s serviceable enough to keep up with faster receivers. He has the awareness to match his height and length to defend the tighter windows in the NFL. Diagnoses and processes the offense quickly to make a play, as evidenced by his 10 PBUs in 2025. Teams will also love his special teams’ ability. Currently, he projects as a middle Day 3 prospect.

Sleeper

Jalen Jones

Jones starred for William & Mary during his five-year stay at the program, producing an impressive 128 tackles, eight interceptions, and 51 PBUs. The ballhawking cornerback posted 34 PBUs in the past two seasons alone, baiting quarterbacks into throwing in his direction. He possesses excellent ball skills and a knack for timing his hands just right to bat the ball away. He’s one of the best cornerbacks in FCS. Football IQ is another major plus for him, as he quickly diagnoses plays and attacks. The W&M star has the physical profile and talent to get consideration as a late Day 3 selection. Teams will be intrigued by his ball production and overall makeup. The athletic testing will provide a lot of insight for his stock.

Warhawks

1. Rashad Battle | Pittsburgh

2. Nasir Bowers | Toledo

3. Elijah Culp | James Madison

4. Ricardo Hallman | Wisconsin

5. AZ Hamilton | Fresno State

6. De’Shawn Rucker | South Florida

Name to Watch

AZ Hamilton

Hamilton started the final three years of his career with the Bulldogs, posting 121 tackles, eight interceptions, and 26 PBUs. The ball skills are evident with the immense production. PFF graded him consistently in the high 70s during the past two seasons in overall defensive score. His experience is vast, so he’s seen just about everything that opposing offenses can throw at a cornerback. He possesses good size and athleticism to stick at the outside corner and has the potential to play slot as well. Lateral athleticism is a plus to his game. If he can test well and have a good week, he has a chance to get selected during the latter stages of the draft.

Safety

Guardians

1. Daylan Carnell | Missouri

2. Brylan Green | Liberty

3. Kapena Gushiken | Ole Miss

4. Clayton Powell-Lee | Georgia Tech

5. Jalen Stroman | Notre Dame

Name to Watch

Brylan Green

Green was nothing if not consistent, logging at least 32 tackles in every season. He finished his collegiate career with 141 combined tackles, six interceptions, and 16 PBUs. The four-year starter is a solid athlete and a willing tackler, but with size issues at just 5’9 174. He’s a corner by trade, but he plays some safety. It will be interesting to see how teams view him at the next level. Is he athletic enough to play nickel, or is he an undersized safety that offenses target relentlessly?

Sleeper

Jalen Stroman

If the name sounds familiar, Stroman is the younger brother of former Virginia Tech star Greg, who last played professionally for the Giants in 2024. Jalen transferred to Notre Dame after four middling seasons at Virginia Tech, marked by injuries and unfulfilled potential. Notre Dame made a run at the playoffs but fell short of the dance in 2025. The safety played a dual threat role, logging snaps as a free and box safety. His production was minimal given the pedigree, with just one interception. He has three relatively productive seasons on his CV, mixed with two subpar ones. There are physical tools to work with, but he profiles more as a box safety at the next level. Teams will question why his ball skills only netted one interception. He could end up as a middle- to late-Day 3 selection.

Warhawks

1. Nick Andersen | Wake Forest

2. Eli Blakely – Miami (OH)

3. Skyler Thomas | Oregon State

4. Silas Walters | Miami (OH)

5. Lardarius Webb, Jr | Wake Forest

Name to Watch

Nick Andersen

Andersen was part of a dynamic safety duo that earned an invitation to the American Bowl after an outstanding career at Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons’ safety was highly productive during the past two seasons, logging over 220 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, eight PBUs, and two interceptions. He produced ten interceptions in his career at Wake. PFF graded him as one of the best safeties in the country, scoring 87.4 in overall defense. Andersen burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2020 and never left the radar. He’s a capable athlete who can play both safety roles in any defense, but profiles better as a box safety at the next level. There’s a good chance that he sneaks into the middle of Day 3 with a good process.

Sleeper

Eli Blakey

Blakey played his entire career at Miami (OH), where he increased his statistical production every season. The Warhawks’ safety is among the bigger safeties in the class at a listed 6’2 208. He graded out as one of the best safeties in the class, according to PFF metrics, with an overall score of 84.7. Blakey is adept at covering both the run and the pass, grading in the 80s in each category. The versatile athlete finished his last two seasons with 207 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 PBUs, and 2 forced fumbles. Given his size and athleticism, a few teams could view him as a big nickel or a dime linebacker in specific packages. Teams will love that he maximized his production as he gained more reps. If he tests well, there’s a chance he’ll be selected in the middle stages of Day 3.

Hidden Gem

Lardarius Webb, Jr

The three-time FBS transfer is the son of Ravens legend Lardarius Webb. Much like his father, the son is a versatile defensive back who played both cornerback and safety. Teams will love his versatility. Still, safety could be his future home, as indicated by the American Bowl assignments. His three-year FBS career resulted in 76 total tackles, two interceptions, and ten PBUs. PFF rated him with a solid overall grade of 77.7. The Demon Deacons competed hard under first-year head coach Jake Diekert despite some quarterback inconsistency. Webb played a large part in the defensive resurgence, but he’s a smaller cornerback at 5’9 168. He’ll have to add some weight to compete against bigger receivers and tight ends. The bloodline is impressive, however. If he can have a good week, he’ll definitely get looks on Day 3.