DLs on the Move: 2026 Upward Trenders By Summer

We move to the defensive trenches and take a look in my book, defensive linemen that are upward trenders by camp season which is about as right around the corner as we can be right now.    The two-time 1st team All-State defensive linement from Minot Bishop Ryan, is a sure force to be reckoned with in the defensive trenches. He shows some of the swiftest and softest hands off his sheds amongst defensive tackles in this 2026 ND class and wastes no time showing that off. He also shows a high engagement level and his athletic movement processes more like the speed of a defensive end vs. defensive tackle at 6'3 265 pounds. He shows off consistent penetration operating off the edge of the IOL and one of the most sound pass-rushers in the defensive tackle group in this class. No offers as of yet, but that should change quickly this summer. <a href="https://x.com/cade_okeson">Twitter</a>     A 2026 defensive end out of Fargo Davies that grew a good amount of traction after our winter Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase is [player_tooltip player_id='674709' first='Alex' last='Meece']. He surely developed from his sophomore to junior campaign, showing off more twitch with his first step and the agile movement you want see getting off blocks off the edge. The 6'2 240 pounder also has the ideal body type to add some good frame to in the coming years at the next-level which is another bright spot upcoming for this young man. He was one of the bright spots for the Eagles when I watched live inside the Fargo Dome as his shed speed and huge stood out well during the live eval. He is one that I can see moving up some spots ahead of summer already. <a href="https://x.com/Alex_Meece">Twitter</a>     Layton was a second team All-Stater last year for the Mandan Braves, as another ND defensive linemen trending up on my 2026 ND board. I came away impressed with Layton's development when it comes to his speed getting off blocks as you can see the progression he made from our last live eval. By playing on both sides of the ball, I feel Layton shows off a sound football IQ based on what I see on tape and one thing I still recall from my memory at the Minot State Big Man Camp last summer, this young man brings the competitive edge from start to finish of his reps which I am sure will corelate well at camps this summer.     If you are hunting for a defensive tackle in the 2026 class that is under the radar, meet [player_tooltip player_id='1592108' first='Jacob' last='Johnson'] from McCook Central-Montrose. I was really impressed watching on tape how well-versed he appears to be with his short-area vision. Not only did the short area vision pop out, but I could gauge quicker instincts than I expected based on the timing and consistency of when Jacob got off blocks and was right in the wheelhouse of the ball carrier just about every time. I could also gauge that young man's vision and quickness amps up faster once he meets the ball carrier at the point of attack. Another one on this list that has the body type for growth in the weight room over the next couple of years as the 6'0 250 pounder for the Fighting Kougars, shows off another prospect in back to back to back years that I like for playing on Saturdays. <a href="https://x.com/jacobjohnso8225">Twitter</a>     Yet again today, we find another trench monster this time in the defensive trenches for Sioux Falls O'Gorman in [player_tooltip player_id='1422289' first='Rip' last='Siemonsma']. Rip is one that got on my radar at the USF prospect camp last season, and shows off one that I think will trend upwards at camps this summer based on the growth from last summer to now. He shows off as one of the more agile defensive tackles in South Dakota and that agile sense doesn't just lock in with his footwork either. Rip also has shown off more agility with his hands since my last live eval and brings a fluidness that I like in his ripping off ability with his sheds. Our DL5 is another one that I expect college coaches to be intrigued with this summer especially in the NSIC. <a href="https://x.com/ripsiemonsma">Twitter </a>     Another small town DL prospect I am pumped up about in this 2026 SD class, is [player_tooltip player_id='1592358' first='Grady' last='Gran'] from WWSSC. The 6'4 270 pound defensive tackle, brings boulder-like strength getting into the backfield, as the first clip shows off manuevering a double-team with ease, getting front and center with the ball carrier in the backfield. He also shows off more versatility than I expected to see with his run-rush moves he showed off a swim move that caught me off guard in a good way which gave him penetration to find the ball carrier faster and at a better pursuit angle. He already possesses an ideal DT frame at the next-level and in my eyes, I think the upside is worth the look as a hidden gem that I still can't find on Twitter yet.

We move to the defensive trenches and take a look in my book, defensive linemen that are upward trenders by camp season which is about as right around the corner as we can be right now.