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Class of 2026 defensive lineman Elijah Peake has established himself as one of Alabama’s rising defenders after a dominant junior campaign at Wetumpka High School.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect was named to the 2024 6A-7A All-River Region Team after finishing the season with 9.0 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 101 total tackles. Peake’s ability to anchor the line and disrupt plays in the backfield hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning him a growing list of Division I offers and interest from college programs.

Western Kentucky, Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, Alabama State, East Carolina and Charlotte, just to name a few.

Among those offers, Georgia State is one of the most recent. Peake said he’s been in touch with the coaching staff and is planning an upcoming visit.

“We’ve been talking on the phone. I’m going to visit the school soon so I can meet everyone,” he said. “Coach Stacey is the one who offered me. He told me the staff watched my film, everyone loved what they saw and said I was a great fit for the program.”

Western Kentucky and Louisiana also believe that Peake would be a great fit for their program and have already scheduled official visits with the prospect. Peake will be on campus with the Ragin’ Cajuns on June 5th through the 7th, and the Hilltoppers on June 13th through the 15th.

More visits are in the works as additional schools try to get him on campus, and as he evaluates schools, Peake has a clear set of priorities in mind.

“First thing is academics. I want to major in sports management, so they have to offer the program,” Peake said. “Second, atmosphere. It has to feel like home to me. Third, coaches. I believe in having a good, strong relationship with my coaches. And lastly, the team, how they interact with each other, the bond and the brotherhood.”

Known for his motor and physicality, Peake prides himself on his relentless approach to the game.

“Aggressive. You’ve got to be physical to play defensive line,” he said of his playing style. “I think what separates me is always getting to the ball or being around the ball. That’s something I just want to do. I feel like if I can get to the ball, something good will happen.”