Top 2027 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 continue to highlight some of the most impactful prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of some intriguing freshman linebackers, here's my list of the top 2027 defensive linemen in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200573"],"_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='1200573' first='Elijah' last='Luna'], a defensive lineman at John Hardin High School. What impresses me about Luna is his ability to suffocate the rush in the pocket, utilizing his size and speed to quickly shut down the running game. I also like Luna's ability to adapt and pick up speed on the run to protect the backfield. Luna also stands out with his ability to apply pressure on the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MduRju0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53bf9e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855755"],"_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='855755' first='LaMonte' last='Brown Jr.'], a defensive lineman at Frederick Douglass High School. Brown makes a considerable difference with his size and core strength, showcasing his ability to breach the pocket and attack the running back. Brown's ability to quickly overwhelm the offensive line and force the quarterback to throw the ball away is another facet of his game that impresses me.rnrnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/20411874/656fd7bfbd74400bbc8ef1f1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c00c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200563"],"_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='1200563' first='Griffin' last='Benke'], a defensive lineman at Highlands High School. Benke impresses me with his explosiveness and ability to blast past the offensive line and sack the gunslinger. I also like Benke's footwork and shiftiness in the pocket, proving he can slip past the offensive line and make crucial stops. Benke also proved he can read the handoff and quickly stop the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18791032/65691b02578d5d038c116190u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c05c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378838"],"_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 watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='378838' first='Braylon' last='Thomas'], a defensive lineman at Breathitt County High School. Thomas stands out with his size and physical edge, proving he can bully the offensive line and stun the quarterback with his ability to quickly apply pressure off the snap. I also like how Thomas can maneuver the pocket with ease, using his footwork and core strength to overpower the offense.rnrnrnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MYPCcu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c0d0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200702"],"_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='1200702' first='Ty' last='Brooks'], a defensive lineman at Lawrence County High School. Brooks stands out with his ability to use his arms to quickly pushoff his opponent and catch the rush from along the edge. I also like how Brooks can blast the offensive line and force the gunslinger to panic. Brooks can also read the handoff and use bursts of speed to catch the running back.rnrnrnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16530281/6552616dda50b80a305c133du0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c121"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["514005"],"_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='514005' first='Jaquise' last='Smith'], a defensive lineman at South Warren High School. In addition to excellent size and speed off the snap, Smith impresses me with his ability to use his arms and core strength to overpower the offensive line and create chaos for the offense. I also like how Smith can efficiently lock down the edge and utilize his physicality to quickly tackle the running back.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MM3J8u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c168"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["415770"],"_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 keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='415770' first='Nolan' last='Flores'], a defensive lineman at Ballard High School. Flores makes a considerable difference defensively with his ability to be deceptively quick in the pocket to shut down the running game. I also like how Flores can calculate his movement off the snap and pick up speed to become a major threat to the quarterback and shut down the passing game.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16414775/6374f76964df160a0cd92fb4u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661008d53c1ad"} /-->