4-Star Friday is again with six gamers who lately joined the elite ranks of four-star prospects. The nationwide analyst crew highlighted some recruits who got a four-star ranking just a bit whereas again.
“It’s changing into clear that one of many scorching spots to search out elite defensive linemen is Illinois. Nation Membership Hills (Ailing.) Hillcrest four-star defensive finish McHale Blade is the following one up. The 2026 defender has the sport to again up his excellent title for a defensive lineman.
“He’s fast off the ball and performs with good leverage as a move rusher. The way in which he makes use of his palms can also be superior for his age. His body is spectacular and he’s received room to proceed filling out. Blade additionally participates in monitor, displaying off his explosiveness. He’s already collected 20-plus scholarship provides from across the nation and extra are on the way in which as he strikes by means of his highschool profession.” – Greg Smith, nationwide recruiting analyst
*****
“There’s lots to love about what Kemajou brings to the sphere. The versatile, explosive defensive lineman could be a move dashing specialist as a defensive finish when wanted however he has the body and power to play additional contained in the defensive position. Kemajou has a quickness and aggressiveness on the snap that many different defensive linemen don’t possess.
“Though he doesn’t play nice competitors all through the autumn, Kemajou does a extremely good job constantly pushing round opposing offensive linemen.
“If he’s capable of preserve his explosiveness and quickness as he provides mass on the subsequent degree, no matter crew will get his dedication may very well be a distinction maker on the defensive position.” – Adam Friedman, rankings director and switch portal analyst
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“As Mulitalo loaded up on provides this offseason, I used to be actually excited to see him in individual. He was glorious on movie however that would generally be deceiving so getting him to the Rivals Camp Sequence in Southern California was huge – and he undoubtedly confirmed effectively.
“The 2026 defensive finish from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak has nice go off the sting, a relentless motor and a variety of energy to overwhelm good offensive tackles as effectively. He can get to the sting however he is most likely higher with the within transfer and there may be undoubtedly a relentlessness to his sport.
“Over time, it is going to be fascinating to see if Mulitalo stays on the surface or has the flexibility to go inside and out of doors however both means he ought to make a big effect on the defensive position. Oregon, Utah, Washington, Auburn, Michigan and a few others are undoubtedly making an impression amongst others.” – Adam Gorney, nationwide recruiting director
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“The very first thing that stands out with Orogbo, a current Texas commit, is the size and measurables. He has a 6-foot-4 body with 33 7/8-inch arms and close to 10-inch palms, and it definitely exhibits up on tape. Orogbo additionally has a fast get off and has proven the power to simply get off blocks. He’s a large disruptor within the backfield, which was showcased in his junior season by which he racked up over 100 tackles and 9 sacks.
“He didn’t make many appearances at camps to get an actual look this offseason, so his senior season shall be a fantastic analysis time to see the development he has made. Both means, Orogbo has some tremendous tuning to do in his sport, primarily counting on pure capacity proper now. The athleticism offers a implausible start line to work with. Will certainly see his capacity blossom when he will get coached up and developed on the subsequent degree.” – Marshall Levenson, nationwide recruiting analyst
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“Samuel was highly-regarded as a sophomore as a do-it-all athlete within the fall. It led to robust provides within the spring, together with one from Syracuse that he would finally settle for as an early pledge. Extra applications and evaluators received eyes on the physically-impressive prospect this yr and his inventory has continued to rise since.
“After a number of in-person observations, Rivals not solely pushed a fourth star on Samuel, however thrusted him into the Rivals250 as an athlete after seeing him work within the secondary. Competing towards high-level huge receivers at occasions like OT7, Samuel was capable of work at cornerback efficiently towards a number of blue-chippers, profitable each on the line of scrimmage and on the catch level.
“Whereas he appears to be like like he’ll develop into a security in due time, the cornerback and athletic basis Samuel continues to showcase makes him one of the crucial versatile secondary projections within the nation for 2026.” – John Garcia Jr., nationwide recruiting analyst
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“Soccer runs within the Weeks’ household DNA, and the youngest brother of West and Whit is already catching our eye in a giant means after a stellar sophomore season at Watkinsville (Ga.) Oconee County Excessive.
“Weeks, who measured in at 6-foot-2 and 220 kilos this summer season, is likely to be essentially the most athletic backer in his household. As a sophomore final fall, Weeks thrived at sniffing out the run and flying to the soccer on each runs inside and out of doors. Weeks performs downhill and there is room for him to additionally play exterior and put some stress on the quarterback.
“Throughout camp this summer season, the newly minted four-star prospect confirmed his vary from the linebacker place and skill to drop again in protection, too. He is one of many extra versatile, sound linebackers within the 2026 class.
“Florida, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Ohio State and others have all provided, however it could be onerous to carry off LSU in reuniting the Weeks brothers long-term.” – Sam Spiegelman, nationwide recruiting analyst