Hoosier State Hidden Gems: 2026 Defensive Linemen
Who says Indiana is a basketball state? When I think of the state of Indiana, I think of guys like Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, or Dwight Freeney, football superstars who spent the bulk of their careers in the great state…
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Continue ReadingWho says Indiana is a basketball state? When I think of the state of Indiana, I think of guys like Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, or Dwight Freeney, football superstars who spent the bulk of their careers in the great state of Indiana.
Shifting our focus a bit, today I’m analyzing some rising junior hidden gems on the defensive line. Most are flying under the radar at the moment but were steady contributors at the varsity level as sophomores. Look for them to take big strides as they enter their first season as upperclassmen.
As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
CJ Sanchez CJ Sanchez DL North Judson-San Pierre | 2026 State IN 6’5″ 245, North Judson-San Pierre
Sanchez has a great first step, he rockets off the snap with his pads low and is strong as an ox at the point of attack. He’s a high-effort prospect who still has room to grow physically. He can easily disengage from interior blocks and has shown he can get skinny through opposing double teams. His vertical stature and movement ability should make him an intriguing prospect for the next level.
Blake Smythe, 6’3″ 275, Franklin Community
Smythe shows terrific closing speed for a big man, he’s slippery through twists & stunts and is extremely violent at the point of attack. This young man loves contact, he retraces in his rush lane if too far up the field, and can put a tackle on skates using a long arm technique. He could potentially play nose or defensive tackle at the next level.
Lucas Del Rio, 6’2″ 220, LaPorte
This young man can get after the passer, he plays with polished hands, is physical taking on pullers, and can bend around the edge. He fights off cut-blocks with relative ease, he’s constantly chasing the football through the echo of the whistle, and has an extremely effective push-pull move in his back pocket. He’s on the shorter side, so he probably projects more as an edge at the next level.
Aaden Aytch, 6’3″ 195, Lafayette Jefferson
Aytch is raw from a technical standpoint, but man is he gifted athletically. He’s twitchy with natural body control and plays like a banshee. His quickness gives tackles problems and he’s pretty productive against the run. He’s another prospect who probably will play as a stand-up edge rusher rather than put his hand in the dirt.