2027 IDL Report: August Rankings Update

<p>We're flying through the 2027 class content in our August rankings update, and we've reached the defensive side of the ball. As we examine the interior defensive linemen, we want to highlight both the new players to the rankings and the guys who moved up the rankings. Which interior defensive linemen do you need to know ahead of the season?</p>   <p>Find out in our 2027 IDL report.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 IDL Stock-Risers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Fields played as an undersized interior pass-rusher last year, so this offseason, he reshaped his body, adding good weight. He's explosive off the snap and can win with speed or power. This offseason, he showcased those skills at several high-profile Power Four camps, showing he's not just a product of a lower classification.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">McKoy burst onto the scene with several SEC offers in the spring, and the fall could give us a good indication on just how high his ceiling could be. McKoy somehow had one of the quieter 10-sack seasons you'll ever see, even if he racked up 60 tackles in the process. Maybe that's an effect of playing in an underrecruiting and under-recognized part of the state, but people should take notice of one of the best defensive tackles in the state.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New 2027 IDLs</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">When we looked at some lower-classification players for our 3A/4A series, we came away impressed with Williams, a massive and long interior defender who is just scratching the surface of his potential. He barely missed our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/prep-redzone-3a-preseason-all-state-team/">3A All-State Team</a>, and we wouldn't be surprised if he ended up as one of the more productive interior linemen in the 3A class this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Walker plays a lot off the edge for Cedar Ridge, but projects best as a quicker three-technique at the next level. He popped up during my RDU Deep Dives series, and to be honest, I was a bit surprised at how impressive he was last year during a forgettable team season for Cedar Ridge. He's a guy who can succeed even when the offense keys on him.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Grier popped up on the radar as we looked at NCISAA <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-rankings-update-2026-idl-new-additions/">defensive linemen a few weeks ago</a> as a guy who has both flashed excellent potential and who has already grown as a player. He holds an early Hampden-Sydney offer, a testament to his upside, and I think he will have an improved statistical season as a junior.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">When <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/union-pines-vikings-2025-season-preview/">previewing Union Pines</a>, I saw that the coaching staff is high on Obst, a Pinecrest transfer, and we were impressed enough with his scant film to go ahead and preemptively rank him. He didn't play a ton as a sophomore, but it looks like he'll have an increased role after transferring. He's a bit light for the interior, but he is strong enough to hold up in the running game and offers some pass-rushing upside.</p>

We're flying through the 2027 class content in our August rankings update, and we've reached the defensive side of the ball. As we examine the interior defensive linemen, we want to highlight both the new players to the rankings and the guys who moved up the rankings. Which interior defensive linemen do you need to know ahead of the season?