Under the Radar 2026 Defensive Linemen to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of some talented 2026 offensive linemen, here's my list of some intriguing 2026 defensive linemen in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283966"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='283966' first='Donnez' last='Marshall'], a defensive lineman at Shelby County High School. Marshall stands out with his explosiveness at the line of scrimmage, proving he can use his size and strength to blast the opposition and create chaos for the offense in the pocket. I also like Marshall's ability to slip past openings in the offensive line to apply pressure on and sack the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Nf7kSu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674abf81"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401699"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='401699' first='Damontre' last='Barnett'], a defensive lineman at Warren East High School. What I like about Barnett is his ability to quickly adapt in the pocket, showcasing his speed and ability to stop the rush. Barnett has also shown his ability to read the handoff and make stops in the pocket. I also like Barnett's ability to use his arms to create pushback and open up room to make stops.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLqxgu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674abfe9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["357914"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='357914' first='Gabriel' last='Blackburn'], a defensive lineman at Johnson Central High School. Blackburn impresses me with his quick execution off the snap as well as his ability to utilize his strength in the pocket. Blackburn can easily breach the offensive line and take down the quarterback, proving to be a challenge to contain for the offense with his physical edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2M94hQu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674ac03d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283981"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='283981' first='Zac' last='Carter'], a defensive lineman at Somerset High School. What impresses me about Carter's playstyle is his quick execution and his ability to utilize his height and wingspan to stun the offense in the pocket. I also like Carter's ability to read the offense like a book and slip past openings in the line to both apply pressure on and sack the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15819083/650c6cc423529d092ce5524fu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674ac08e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175818"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1175818' first='Colton' last='Graham'], a defensive lineman at Cooper High School. Graham makes a considerable difference at the line of scrimmage due to his ability to quickly exert his core strength off the snap, proving he can create chaos in the pocket and shut down the running game. I also like Graham's ability to pick up speed and cause problems for receivers in the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MF7hhu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674ac0de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175819"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1175819' first='Zane' last='Biever'], a defensive lineman at Owensboro High School. Biever makes a difference with his defensive explosiveness and ability to read the handoff. I also like Biever's ability to maneuver the pocket and pounce on playmakers in crucial situations. Biever also proved he could easily slip past openings to apply pressure and force the quarterback to throw the ball away.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15199671/65171c88664b0c098c65f03du0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674ac12d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212331"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another playmaker to know about is [player_tooltip player_id='212331' first='Calen' last='Higgins'], a defensive lineman at Western Hills High School. Higgins stands out with his ability to use his wingspan to wrap up the offensive line in the pocket and quickly pull away at opportune moments to take down the running back. Higgins also impresses me with his deceptive footwork, quickness off the snap and his ability to read the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MxvuQu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0e674ac17b"} /-->