Class of 2026 Spotlight: 
Jordyn Crites

Patrick Harkness • July 31, 2026

DE


Jordyn Crites- @JordynCrites26

6-7/274

Friendswood, TX



Jordyn Crites is a towering defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Friendswood, Texas, class of 2026. 



Standing at 6-7 and weighing 274 pounds, Crites combines exceptional length with athleticism, making him a disruptive force on the edge or interior. 



He signed with Tulane on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 14, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over 16 FBS offers, including Power 4 programs like Baylor, TCU, Oregon State, Texas Tech, and others such as Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, North Texas, Rice, San Diego State, Tulsa, UNLV, and UTEP.     



Crites transferred to Friendswood after attending Edmond Memorial in Oklahoma for his freshman and sophomore years, where he began building his profile.   



He also played tight end, showcasing versatility, but his future is on defense. Crites was noted as a “riser” in recruiting circles.   



His recruitment heated up with official visits to TCU, Tulane, and Baylor in June 2025.  Crites was praised for his potential as one of the top defensive linemen from Texas, with Power 4 interest. 



Scouting Report:

  • 
Frame and Length: 
  • Enormous wingspan and height make him a mismatch nightmare, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and engulf ball carriers. His reach helps in shedding blocks and maintaining leverage.   
  • 
Power and Hand Usage: 
  • Violent, heavy hands at the point of attack; primary move is a pure power rush that overwhelms offensive linemen. He can swim and dodge as counters, showing developing technique. 
  • 
Athleticism and Bend: 
  • Exceptional bend for his size, allowing him to break down in the backfield and pursue with speed. His 4.8 40 and vertical translate to explosive get-off and closing burst. 
  • 
Motor and Production: 
  • High-motor player who lives in the backfield, generating sacks, hurries, and numerous tackles for loss (TFLs). Effective against both run and pass, with a dynamic presence that wrecks games. 
  • 
Versatility and Upside: 
  • Two-way experience (DE/TE), with unreal potential due to size, power, and athleticism. He’s come into his own recently, suggesting continued growth. 
  • 
Intangibles: 
  • Strong academics, track background, and resilience shown in transferring schools.


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