2026 Rankings: Defensive Lineman Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2026 Rankings being expanded to 375 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in <strong>2026 Rankings: Defensive Lineman Stock Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401608' first='Ian' last='Campbell'] (Joliet Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell is a 6'3" 225 pound defensive end that is a nice combination of speed and power on the edge.&nbsp; Physical at the point of attack vs the run.&nbsp; Has an array of pass rush moves with up and over, spins, bull rush, along with speed to power.&nbsp; Burst to the ball, relentless pursuit, and uses his powerful hands to get lineman off him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585123' first='DeAndre' last='Smith'] (Morgan Park)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a 6'2" explosive defensive end that can also stand up and rush the passer which is probably what he is most comfortable at.&nbsp; Bends edge very well as a pass rusher getting around the tackle and back to the QB. Mixes in counter moves and keeps the lineman guessing.&nbsp; Explodes to the ball and plays with a mean streak.&nbsp; Can hold the edge containing QB in pocket when asked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669566' first='Daniel' last='Howard'] (Lane Tech)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really liked what we saw on tape out of this 6'3" 270 pound defensive tackle.&nbsp; He is a man when bull rushing the QB as he pushes the center or guard or both back with no regard.&nbsp; Likes the up and over move getting to to the passer as well.&nbsp; Physical vs the run and is able to hold up at the point taking on the block while still making the tackle.&nbsp; Intriguing interior defensive lineman!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585157' first='Jacory' last='Brown'] (Belleville East)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is a long and lean 6'6" 215 pound true edge player.&nbsp; He plays most of the time standing up.&nbsp; Crashes well vs the run bending the edge around the offensive lineman to make the tackle.&nbsp; Like how he uses his length to corral the quarterback or running back.&nbsp; Does a nice job setting the edge.&nbsp; Explodes to the football with his long strides.&nbsp; Lot of untapped upside here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401618' first='Kingston' last='Dunagan'] (Joliet Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunagan is a 6'0" 210 pound explosive edge player.&nbsp; He extremely physical and athletic.&nbsp; Excellent pass rusher that plays with a ton of violence in his hands.&nbsp; Hits with authority.&nbsp; Converts speed to power about as well as anyone in this class.&nbsp; Most comfortable standing up and can definitely transition into an OLB role if needed.&nbsp; Diagnoses and pursues vs the run.&nbsp; Like how he impacts on special teams blocking kicks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224224' first='Gavin' last='Neil'] (Marian Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neil is a 6'3" 220 pound versatile defensive lineman that can line up as a three technique, five, or seven.&nbsp; He plays with a lot of power and violence.&nbsp; Bull rush is one of his best moves.&nbsp; Also shows bend getting around the edge to the quarterback.&nbsp; Quickness vs the run on the interior doing a nice job of hitting the hole and slanting getting in the backfield to make impactful plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1523615' first='Khalan' last='Clemens'] (Bradley Bourbonnais)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clemens is a 6'2" 243 pound defensive tackle that had a very good junior campaign.&nbsp; Nice combination of size, strength and length on the interior of the defensive line.&nbsp; Powerful player inside that is insanely quick off the snap consistently making plays in the backfield vs the run for TFL.&nbsp; Has pass rush ability as well from his three technique spot up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1184797' first='Tanner' last='Jacobs'] (Maroa-Forsyth)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This defensive tackle stands at 6'1" 205 pounds.&nbsp; He is a monster against the run where he does a tremendous job of getting off blocks.&nbsp; Very physical with his hands shedding blocks along with using his arms to maneuver offensive lineman getting to the back.&nbsp; He always keeps his eyes in the backfield and has a nose for finding the back in traffic.&nbsp; Forces fumbles and makes impactful tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1244520' first='Joshua' last='Madison'] (Rich Township)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison is a 6'0" 215 pound edge that can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up.&nbsp; Quick off the snap and is very good vs the run.&nbsp; Crashes down the line and knifes through the line to make plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Solid pass rusher that shows upside in that area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590152' first='Alex' last='Henry'] (Marion)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>Henry is a 6'2" 235 pound defensive end who racked up 7 sacks, 20 TFL, and 85 total tackles during his junior season. He is a physical attacker that hits with authority.&nbsp; Runs well in space pursuing the ball.&nbsp; Like how he uses his hands and does a nice job of getting through traffic.&nbsp; Spins off blocks getting tackles.&nbsp; Solid pass rusher that can get after the QB with combination of strength, technique, and burst.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310366' first='Moussa' last='Mbengue'] (Moline)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Intriguing 6'3" 255 pound defensive tackle that brings plus athleticism to the table. Good size and length allows him to shed blocks in the run game and flash as a pass rusher.&nbsp; The upside with his fluidity is going to catch coaches' attention!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1096669' first='Pharell' last='Hart'] (Urban Prep Bronzeville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart is a defensive tackle who stands at 6'0" 260 pounds.&nbsp; Stocky dude that plays with a good motor.&nbsp; Liked the quickness he showed getting up the field particularly against the run getting tackles for loss.&nbsp; Slices in between the lineman before they can block him.&nbsp; Solid pass rusher that has some explosiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->