Jamarion Carlton

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-5, 280 lbs. Taller than 87% and heavier than 51% of 2026 Defensive Line prospects in the SEC Scouts database (227 with a listed size).

Play Style

In high school Carlton was a long, high-effort end who got off the ball quickly, used his arm length to keep the tackle off him, and chased plays sideline to sideline. His junior and senior tackle totals are high for an edge rusher, which suggests he took on run plays rather than rushing on every snap. Film evaluators pointed to his length and burst. His hand combinations and counter moves were still developing. The weight gain at Texas should move his game from speed-to-power rushing toward setting the edge against the run and rushing with power, with room to slide inside in pass-rush packages.

Strengths

• Length and frame: at 6-5 with long arms he keeps blockers off his chest and gets his hands into passing lanes. His frame looks built to carry 275-285 pounds without losing much movement.
• Steady production over three varsity seasons: 29 tackles, 4 TFL and 3 sacks as a sophomore; 57 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks and a forced fumble as a junior; 68 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a senior (11 games). That adds up to about 154 tackles, 27 TFL and 13 sacks. The high tackle totals point to effort in chasing ball carriers and stopping the run, not just rushing the passer.
• Validated against top competition: he played in the Navy All-American Bowl and was a finalist for the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award. He was rated a four-star by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, On3 rated him 97, and he collected roughly 25-30 offers, including Ohio State, LSU, USC, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
• Ahead of schedule on development: as an early enrollee he got a spring practice and a full summer strength program. That is why he could already play in a September game as a true freshman.

Areas to Improve

• Pass-rush plan: his high school sacks came mostly from length and burst. At 280 he needs a reliable power move (long-arm, bull rush) paired with a counter inside or back across the tackle. At this weight he probably can't keep winning around the corner with speed alone against SEC tackles.
• Pad level and anchor: tall defensive ends who add weight fast tend to play too upright. Staying low against double teams and down blocks is what earns snaps on the strong side or at the 4i spot.
• Converting sacks: 5 sacks with 12 TFL as a senior suggests he got into the backfield more often than he finished. Closing speed and tackling in space need work, especially if the extra weight costs him some quickness.

College Projection

In 2026 he is a rotational reserve. He opened fall camp around third team at defensive end behind Lance Jackson and Zina Umeozulu. Through Week 2 he had appeared in one game with one tackle, and all we have is roster-bio stats through that point. Under the four-game redshirt rule, playing in the Texas State opener does not cost him the redshirt year. Expect special teams work and snaps in games that are already decided in 2026. He projects as a regular in the defensive line rotation in 2027 and could compete to start in 2028 at the strong-side end or 4i spot, depending on how his movement holds up at 280-plus.

NFL Outlook

It's a legitimate but long-range draft profile. NFL teams value 6-5, 280-pound ends with long arms who can set the edge and move inside on passing downs, and that is the body Carlton is growing into. His draft range depends on (1) keeping his first-step quickness at his new weight and (2) turning length into dependable pass-rush wins against SEC competition. If both develop, he projects as a Day 2 base end or strong-side end, most likely after his redshirt-junior or senior season. If his pass rush levels off, he is a Day 3 run-defending end or a depth defensive lineman who can move between positions.

Best Fit

An aggressive, multiple front that uses big ends at both the strong-side DE and 4i spots. That describes Texas's current scheme under Pete Kwiatkowski, where length matters more than pure speed. Carlton fits best where he isn't asked to be a wide speed rusher and can move inside in sub-package pass-rush looks. Staff who can refine his hand work at 280 will get the most out of his frame.