There are a number of talented defensive linemen in the Sarasota-Manatee area to pick from entering the 2026 high school football season.
Here’s the Herald-Tribune’s selection of the 12 best defensive linemen in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
And now is the chance to have your say. Vote in our poll today for the player you think is the best defensive lineman in the area. Scroll to the bottom or click here to make your pick. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.
The nominees for best defensive lineman in Sarasota and Manatee counties are:
Carlos Barrera, Saint Stephen’s
Barrera had 58 tackles and a team-high 6.5 sacks last season.
Jake Beasley, Out-of-Door Academy
Beasley plays multiple positions, including defensive end. He had 54 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 34 quarterback hurries and nine sacks in 2025.
Davion Bryant, Manatee
In 2025, Bryant had 43 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven quarterback hurries and one pass deflection. He’s a 6-foot-1, 255-pound defensive end.
Alex Falu, Out-of-Door Academy
In 2025, the 6-foot, 180 pounder had 30 total tackles, five solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, playing at defensive end and linebacker.
Kaleb Exume, Cardinal Mooney
Exume is a three-star senior who is committed to Boston College. Before transferring to Cardinal Mooney, Exume tallied 78 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, adding three forced fumbles and three pass breakups, helping Parrish to a 9-2 finish. In June, Exume committed to Boston College after decommitting rom Louisville.
Jeremiah Garner, Cardinal Mooney
Garner is a freshman 6-foot-1 defensive end/linebacker.
Cooper Kolbe, Manatee
Kolbe is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound tackle/defensive end.
Maleek Lee, Palmetto
Lee is a four-star senior who is 6-foot-3, 270 pounds. In 2025, Lee finished his junior season with 62 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hurries and seven sacks, adding two forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception returned for a touchdown at Booker. He transferred to Palmetto in the offseason. Lee committed to Georgia Tech in June of his 29 offers, and is ranked the 36th best prospect in Florida, according to 247Sports.
Jacob Murray, Sarasota Christian
Murray is a 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive tackle.
Reece Poole, Lakewood Ranch
Poole is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound defensive end. Poole tallied 26 total tackles, 17 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries and two pass deflections last season.
Isaiah Tyson, Palmetto
Tyson is a 6-foot-1 defensive end. Tyson recorded 34 total tackles, 17 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss and four sacks in eight games last season.
Julian Williams, Cardinal Mooney
Williams is a sophomore defensive end/edge. He’s 6-foot-3, 205 pounds.
Editor’s Note: We reserve the right to disqualify a candidate or declare a vote “no contest” if tampering such as bots or offering to pay for voting is evident. Please respect the integrity of the vote the way these athletes respect the integrity of the game.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: The top 12 Sarasota, Manatee area DL entering 2026. Vote for No. 1
Reporting by Emma Moon, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Emma Moon, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
