Rankings Dive: 2027 Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1129052"],"_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-688deacc07e28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129052' first='Owen' last='Reilly']: Two-Way Enforcer with Elite Leverage, Athleticism, and Physicality</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1129052' first='Owen' last='Reilly'] continues to prove he's one of the most well-rounded and physically dominant players on the field, excelling on both sides of the ball. His wrestling background is evident in every snap, showing up in his balance, hand placement, leverage, and relentless motor. That foundation gives him a rare combination of strength, power, and refined technique that translates seamlessly to the gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recruiting momentum continues to build for Reilly, who recently picked up his third Division I offer from Old Dominion University, adding to previous offers from Liberty and Marshall. With his rare blend of toughness, technique, and athleticism, Reilly is firmly on the radar as a rising two-way standout in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/OwenReilly86/status/1923459303626690963","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/OwenReilly86/status/1923459303626690963 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1628786"],"_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-688deacc07e84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628786' first='Xzaiver' last='Whittington']: Defensive Lineman with Power, Burst, and Run-Stopping Ability</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1628786' first='Xzaiver' last='Whittington'] is an imposing presence on the defensive front, combining size, strength, and relentless effort to consistently impact the line of scrimmage. Known primarily for his ability to stop the run, Whittington plays with controlled power and showcases a polished bull rush that routinely collapses pockets and disrupts blocking schemes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Whittington even more dangerous is his finesse. In addition to overpowering linemen, he flashes the agility to sidestep blockers and shoot gaps, quickly getting into the backfield to make plays on ball carriers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of his most impressive moments on film came when he tracked down a play 25 yards downfield, highlighting not only his athleticism but also his motor, hustle, and commitment to finishing plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whittington earned his first Division I offer from Temple University in November, and with a strong 2025 season ahead, expect more programs to take notice of his physical tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Xzaiverw29/status/1854373258365157735","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/Xzaiverw29/status/1854373258365157735 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631128"],"_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-688deacc07ed1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631128' first='Tyson' last='Wallace']: Disruptive Defender with Elite Block Control and Pursuit Ability</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1631128' first='Tyson' last='Wallace'] is a defensive lineman with a natural ability to locate and pursue the football at the line of scrimmage. Wallace excels at creating separation from blockers, holding them at bay while maintaining clear vision of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wallace establishes leverage quickly and uses his hand strength to control engagements, consistently setting himself up to shed blocks and make plays. Once he locates the ball, his pursuit is immediate and efficient.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wallace's ability to combine technique, strength, and awareness has already begun to attract college attention. He landed his first Division I offer this past July from Old Dominion University, and with continued development, more programs are likely to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TysonWallace27/status/1920957205345378594","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/TysonWallace27/status/1920957205345378594 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1629027"],"_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-688deacc07f16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Jahiem Bond: Athletic, Powerful Defensive Tackle Anchoring a Championship Defense</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jahiem Bond is a disruptive interior defensive lineman who blends strength, athleticism, and technique to win at the point of attack. A key piece of Quince Orchard's dominant 13-0 state championship run in the trenches, Bond's impact was undeniable, and his recruitment is beginning to reflect it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bond plays with impressive hand strength. On film, he shows the ability to execute rip moves with authority and demonstrates one-arm strength, literally driving a blocker aside with a single push. His agility and get off allows him to beat offensive linemen with finesse as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whether collapsing the pocket or penetrating gaps in the run game, Bond brings a constant threat to the defensive interior. In May, he picked up his first Division I offer from the University of Toledo, and with his combination of size, strength, and skill, that list is expected to grow quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Lul_Jb8/status/1872697887332942066","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/Lul_Jb8/status/1872697887332942066 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735105"],"_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-688deacc07f59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735105' first='Rey' last='Urquilla Jr.']: Powerful Interior Force with Strength, Leverage, and Disruptive Quickness</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='735105' first='Rey' last='Urquilla Jr.'] is a dominant presence on the interior defensive line, blending raw strength with surprising quickness to consistently impact plays at the line of scrimmage. Known for his powerful bull rush, Urquilla can collapse the pocket and reset the line of scrimmage with ease—disrupting both run and pass plays before they fully develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He plays with a strong anchor, holding his ground against single and double teams while keeping his eyes on the ball carrier. In short-yardage situations, he excels at fighting through traffic to make critical stops, showcasing his physicality and toughness in high-leverage moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What sets Urquilla apart is his ability to pair that power with lateral quickness. On film, he flashes the ability to beat blockers on stunts and slants, using sharp angles and fast hands to shoot gaps and finish plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a skill set built for interior disruption and scheme versatility, Urquilla is a name to watch closely as he continues to develop and anchor the defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/dcjrrr/status/1857919956089725041","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/dcjrrr/status/1857919956089725041 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->