Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Canada
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • 7 on 7 7 on 7
    Showcases
    • Combine Series Combine Series
    About Our Events
  • Prep Redzone for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Michigan
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

    • 2029 Rankings

  • Player Database
  • Team Database
  • Scores
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Canada
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Mississippi
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • 7 on 7 7 on 7
      Showcases
      • Combine Series Combine Series
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Redzone for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?

Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
Alex Pallone
Alex Pallone July 30, 2025 @ 02:00 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Lucas Pinder
Lucas Pinder 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL | 2027
MI
Chene Thompson
Chene Thompson 6'2" | 193 lbs | DL | 2027
MI
Tristan Hunter
Tristan Hunter 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL | 2027
MI
Connor Dienes
Connor Dienes 6'0" | 255 lbs | DL/OL | 2027
MI
Eli Chavez
Eli Chavez 6'1" | 255 lbs | DL/OL | 2027
MI
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a number of defensive linemen on the rankings who could have a much-improved Junior season. It's a massive accomplishment to play any Varsity football as a sophomore, and usually, it's just the beginning for those guys. Here are my very quick thoughts regarding five defensive linemen who could break out this season. Looking for a longer highlight tape and all-around improved strength + bend from these guys. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1613677"],"_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-6888ddb56cd9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Short but quality 2024 highlight tape</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid getoff; quite a few free-ish rides to the opposing backfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wide tackle radius</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Slower offensive lineman have a very hard time blocking Tristan</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to work on recovery. Struggles when linemen get hands cleanly on him</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A definite breakout candidate. Has the getoff. Good tackle radius. Just needs to work on his hands. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TristanHunterr/status/1943117490050969765","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TristanHunterr/status/1943117490050969765 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687601"],"_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-6888ddb56cdfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good motor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid testing numbers. A tad above-average across the board</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has been working throughout the offseason. Hard to imagine Chene not having an improved season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An all-around solid run-stopping DE. Has an excellent chance to improve on ranking this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688773"],"_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-6888ddb56ce46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If size is accurate, Lucas has a higher ceiling than most. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good quickness. Very decisive. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Very short tape but really good quality</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Promising getoff, IQ, physicality. Can improve ranking if highlight tape is longer and more varied</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Made it to Toledo early in the offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458374"],"_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-6888ddb56ce8e"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another dude with a short but quality highlight tape</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A rock-solid two-way lineman for the D3 State Champions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A mauler of a center. Knows how to move people.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can play just about anywhere on The Dux O-Line</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Less tape at DT. Can be an amazing high school football player on both sides of the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Should be a huge part of this 2025 Zeeland West squad</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157262"],"_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-6888ddb56ced4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A few fun high-motor plays on tape</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fought injury throughout the sesaon. Still managed to make some plays!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not a standout athlete, but effort is excellent. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great stuff on both sides of the ball. Should see all-around improvements this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Also an awesome baseball player. Very promising stats there!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

There are a number of defensive linemen on the rankings who could have a much-improved Junior season. It's a massive accomplishment to play any Varsity football as a sophomore, and usually, it's just the beginning for those guys. Here are my very quick thoughts regarding five defensive linemen who could break out this season. Looking for a longer highlight tape and all-around improved strength + bend from these guys.

Tristan Hunter

Tristan Hunter

MI
DL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 230
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Tristan
Hunter DL
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
230
HS
West Bloomfield
|
MI
Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
Short but quality 2024 highlight tape Solid getoff; quite a few free-ish rides to the opposing backfield Wide...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tristan Hunter

State: Michigan
School: West Bloomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chene Thompson

Chene Thompson

MI
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 193
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Chene
Thompson DL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
193
HS
Southfield A&T
|
MI
Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
Good motor Solid testing numbers. A tad above-average across the board Has been working throughout the offseason. Hard...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Chene Thompson

State: Michigan
School: Southfield A&T
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Lucas Pinder

Lucas Pinder

MI
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 230
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Lucas
Pinder DL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
230
HS
Portage Northern
|
MI
Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
If size is accurate, Lucas has a higher ceiling than most. Good quickness. Very decisive. Very short tape...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Lucas Pinder

State: Michigan
School: Portage Northern
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Eli Chavez

Eli Chavez

MI
DL/OL
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 255
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Eli
Chavez DL/OL
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
255
HS
Zeeland West
|
MI
Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
Another dude with a short but quality highlight tape A rock-solid two-way lineman for the D3 State Champions...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Eli Chavez

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Zeeland West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Connor Dienes

Connor Dienes

MI
DL/OL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 255
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Connor
Dienes DL/OL
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
255
HS
Detroit Country Day School
|
MI
Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?
A few fun high-motor plays on tape Fought injury throughout the sesaon. Still managed to make some plays!...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Connor Dienes

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Detroit Country Day School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Redzone

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

589 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Corey Sadler

    Corey Sadler

    Cass Tech

    UNC-Chapel Hill
  • 2
    Marcello Vitti

    Marcello Vitti

    Divine Child

    Iowa
  • 3
    Lincoln Keyes

    Lincoln Keyes

    Saline

    Georgia
  • 4
    Gregory Patrick

    Gregory Patrick

    Portage Northern

    Notre Dame (IN)
  • 5
    Khalief Canty

    Khalief Canty

    Cass Tech

    Missouri
View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Mid Week Scouting Report

    Mid Week Scouting Report

    Tyler Graham • September 5

  • Phenomenal Week 1 Performances

    Phenomenal Week 1 Performances

    Tyler Graham • September 4

  • Top 2027 Prospects off to Hot Starts

    Top 2027 Prospects off to Hot Starts

    Alex Pallone • September 4

  • Top Senior Prospects off to Hot Starts

    Top Senior Prospects off to Hot Starts

    Alex Pallone • September 4

  • Pallone’s Week 1 QB Rundown

    Pallone’s Week 1 QB Rundown

    Alex Pallone • September 2

Follow Us

  • Alex Pallone

    Alex Pallone

    @alex_pallone

Loading...
Home Michigan Which 2027 D-Lineman will Break Out?

Prep Network

  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Redzone. All rights reserved.