NJIC 2026: The Defensive Line Protocol
The 2026 North Jersey Interscholastic Conference football season initializes with a defined set of high-impact defensive linemen. This list, compiled from the NJ.com football staff's data analysis and scouting logs, identifies the front-seven assets expected to generate maximum disruption. These are the players whose metrics and tape project the highest efficiency in the trenches.
Who are the top returning defensive linemen in the NJIC for 2026?
The conference's defensive line layer is anchored by a cohort of returning starters with verified production. Michael Prato of Wood-Ridge leads the set. As a junior, Prato executed 90 tackles, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles, earning First Team All-Group 1 status. He is the highest-rated defensive lineman in the NJIC for 2026.
Other high-value assets include Tommy Henehan (Butler), who recorded 39 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks, and Ryder Higbie (Butler), who logged 61 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. Both are returning All-League selections.
Which underclassmen are positioned to break out?
The 2026 season features a strong sophomore and junior class. Emory Gordon (Park Ridge) registered 55 tackles as a freshman, a First Team All-Patriot output. Charlie Cannizzaro (Wood-Ridge) produced eight tackles for loss and one sack in his first year. Hubert Walczyk (Garfield) recorded 27 tackles, two sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown as a sophomore.
Which seniors are critical to their team's defensive integrity?
Several seniors serve as foundational blocks. Evan Diaz (Rutherford) posted 41 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a junior. Jason Leppin (Secaucus) is a 6-foot-4, 295-pound anchor drawing Division-II interest. Eoin Maloney (Hasbrouck Heights) totaled 61 tackles and two sacks in 2025. Andrew Wedemeyer (Hawthorne) will be essential for a team that graduated 15 seniors.
What is the full list of NJIC defensive linemen to watch?
- Gavin Brown, Glen Rock, Jr.: 65 tackles, five TFL, one fumble recovery
- Charlie Cannizzaro, Wood-Ridge, So.: Eight TFL, one sack, one forced fumble
- Evan Diaz, Rutherford, Sr.: 41 tackles, seven TFL, 2.5 sacks
- Savion Douglas, Bogota, Sr.: 26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, one sack
- Jacob Ferrer, Saddle Brook, Jr.: 23 tackles, two TFL, one sack
- Anthony Gomez, Manchester Regional, Sr.: Two-way lineman, 5-10, 225 lbs
- Emory Gordon, Park Ridge, So.: 55 tackles
- Tommy Henehan, Butler, Sr.: 39 tackles, seven TFL, four sacks
- Ryder Higbie, Butler, Jr.: 61 tackles, six TFL, four sacks, three forced fumbles
- Jason Leppin, Secaucus, Sr.: 6-4, 295 lbs, Division-II interest
- Eoin Maloney, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr.: 61 tackles, five TFL, two sacks
- Erion Murseli, Pompton Lakes, Jr.: 50 tackles, one fumble recovery
- Nate Plesnarski, Glen Rock, Jr.: 39 tackles, two TFL
- Michael Prato, Wood-Ridge, Sr.: 90 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles
- Marvin Rodriguez, Lodi, Sr.: 18 tackles, three TFL
- Brandon Santos, Park Ridge, Sr.: 30 tackles
- Hubert Walczyk, Garfield, Jr.: 27 tackles, two sacks, one INT for TD
- Brian Walec, Becton, Jr.: 36 tackles, six TFL, 5.5 sacks
- Andrew Wedemeyer, Hawthorne, Sr.: 6-0, 250 lbs, two-way starter
This list is part of NJ.com's position-by-position preview. Players may appear at multiple positions across the series. The data reflects the 2025 season and is subject to verification as the 2026 season begins.