2026 Under the Radar: Interior Defensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interior defensive linemen are the unsung workhorses of every defense, responsible for eating blocks and filling gaps to keep the opposition's offense at bay. In this edition of our "Under the Radar" series, we're focusing on the Class of 2026 interior defensive lineman prospects. These big, quiet players may not grab the flashy headlines, but their relentless effort in the trenches forms the backbone of a strong defense. Join us as we highlight these dedicated athletes—future defensive anchors whose grit and determination are set to leave a lasting impact on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1341253"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac19242fbf9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Calvert is a 5A powerhouse at Mountain View, serving as a big nose tackle in the trenches. His solid frame makes him an excellent run-stopper at the high school level. He is a strong kid who won't be easily pushed back and shows great potential. Like many young defensive linemen, if Calvert can refine his technique and hand usage, he would be an impressive prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110925"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac19242fc56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Esuk has developed impressively at Sunset and received a First-Team Defensive Line selection for the Metro League. What stands out most about Esuk is his athleticism as an interior player; he shows impressive pass-rush ability while being strong and big enough to stop the run. Another off-season of development could be what Esuk needs to earn some impressive offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569377"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac19242fc9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dahme has some truly impressive film. Explosiveness is the term that comes to mind when watching Dahme on the line. I was also very impressed with his technique, as he uses his hands effectively and is aggressive at the point of attack. Although Dahme is somewhat undersized for an interior defensive lineman, the advantages of that are evident at the high school level, where his athleticism and effort shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1585706"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac19242fce3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">De La Torre was a pleasant surprise for me while watching the film. He isn't the biggest guy around, as he stands under 6 feet, but I really enjoyed the coordinated athleticism he brings for an IDL. He manages his weight well and is light on his feet, showcasing impressive pass-rush ability and being quite slippery for high school guards and centers. De La Torre may not be heading to D1 due to his size, but he could be a real steal for a smaller program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137591"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac19242fd27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brusasco was a big piece on both sides of the line for Springfield and will look to be even better for his senior season. He has the size to be a big recruit for many schools out there, as everyone needs big, run-stopping linemen. Adding more strength to his frame, working on his technique, and being more comfortable playing violently with his hands will take Brusasco to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->