January New Additions: 2027 DL

We're in the midst of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and we're looking at every new player in the group. So, we're going position by position to tell fans everything they need to know about the newly-ranked players. Here, we have a talented lineup of new additions to the 2027 defensive line group.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New 2027 Defensive Linemen</h2>    Dickerson is one of the key players, regardless of position, in this update because he not only joined the rankings, but he also became one of the highest-ranked new additions in the state. He checked in at No. 40 in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/top-50-of-2025/">Top 50 of 2025</a>, after a stellar season anchoring the middle of Hunt's ferocious defense. En route to a state championship appearance, Dickerson led the team in tackles as a defensive lineman, living in the backfield, both as a pass-rusher and run-stuffer.     A talented wrestler, Wakefield uses his hands well, and those athletes tend to have the ability to add some more healthy weight when and if they focus on football. He has an excellent motor and has flashed some skill moves that allow him to beat blockers and get into the backfield. He projects best as a strong run-blocker capable of providing occasional interior pressure.     Blair is a powerful run-stuffer who occasionally moves outside over the tackle to stretch the offense. There's some untapped pass-rushing potential as he repeatedly hurried quarterbacks, even if the sack numbers aren't there yet. He's probably not a 10-sack interior defender, but he's capable of displacing offensive linemen and disrupting the timing of pass concepts with quick interior pressure.     Harris' athletic upside is off the charts, with the size, length, and quickness that college coaches dream about. His film is excellent, if short, and there's some projection needed as he's expected to move from limited reps as a backup to more consistent playing time as a senior. He doesn't have a ton of underclassman production, but his athletic profile and effectiveness in limited reps suggest a big step forward is coming.     It's easy to get overshadowed playing with so many talented defenders on Providence Day's defense, but even as an undersized interior defender, Ahmadivarji thrived for the Chargers in 2025. He has excellent quickness to shoot gaps and holds his own at the point of attack. We're excited to see how he can continue to improve this offseason and into next year.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Want to be evaluated? Send me your film! <a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a> on Twitter/X.

We're in the midst of our 2027 Rankings Update, and we're looking at every new player in the group. So, we're going position by position to tell fans everything they need to know about the newly-ranked players. Here, we have a talented lineup of new additions to the 2027 defensive line group.