Underrated Upperclassmen Defensive Linemen to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Next in this series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated defensive linemen who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/jpittman-crop-365x240-1769107726.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111078" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA DL [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman']. Photo by BGA Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] is arguably the most underrated player in the state of Tennessee. As a junior, he totaled 32 tackles, 11 for a loss, a team-high 11 sacks and a fumble recovery while dealing with an injury in the back half of the season.   He's highly productive for an interior lineman, with good size, elite athleticism for his position, a strong work ethic and top-tier character.   Pittman can stop the run, but he is one of the best pass rushers in his class. The 2027 prospect moves very well, has sound technique, is relatively explosive for his position and is very strong in the middle.   The production speaks for itself, while he has good size as well. He was left off the all-state list this past season, which shows how criminally underrated this rising senior is.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-26-2025-10-15-47-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1911152" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA DL [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal']. Taken by Shayne Pickering, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] – Franklin Road Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] is another Division II-AA defensive lineman who is one of the best players in the state but doesn't get the recognition that he deserves.   He's a true game-changer on both sides of the ball, specifically on the defensive front. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman totaled 65 tackles, 14 for a loss, eight sacks and forced two fumbles in 12 games played.   Neal is a nightmare for offenses to game-plan against, as he's a big dude but is also explosive and moves well. The 2027 prospect dominated nearly everyone that he faced this past season with his ability to shut down the run and rush the quarterback.   He's primarily a defensive end but has the physical tools and technique to play anywhere at the next level, making him a dangerous and valuable player for colleges.   Neal holds eight Division I offers, but could blow up this upcoming season with another impressive campaign.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-22-2026-12-56-04-PM-1-crop-912x599-1769108466.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111087" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Germantown DL [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] – Germantown High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] is an exciting defensive prospect from Germantown who has shown the ability to be a premier player and produce at a high level for a top program in Tennessee.   As a junior, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end totaled double-digit sacks while being a solid run stuffer. He has the versatility to be a true hand-in-the-dirt D-end or an edge rusher due to his explosiveness and quick first step.   Harris is an athletic freak, notching 4.89 in the 40-yard dash and 4.82 in the shuttle run, while being extremely strong for a relatively lean body.   He's shown to be solid against the run, but rushing the passer is really where he excels. The 2027 prospect is speedy off the snap and is often in the backfield before the opposing tackles have a chance to touch him.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-22-2026-12-56-04-PM-1-1-crop-700x460-1769108566.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111090" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Memphis Central DL [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] – Memphis Central High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] is an intriguing prospect who's somewhat raw, but showed a lot of good stuff on tape this past season for Memphis Central. He's a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end with outstanding strength, a good first step, quick hands and is explosive off the line.   He needs to work on his technique and tweak a few other things, but I believe he can become an elite in-state defender with his pass-rush ability. The rising senior has also shown that he can stop the run at a high clip.   Lane is flying under the radar, but is an athletic freak with the potential to be a premier player at the next level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-22-2026-12-56-04-PM-1-2-crop-699x459-1769108674.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111092" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nolensville DL/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] – Nolensville High School   Nolensville's [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] is an exciting defensive player I recently came across. He had an excellent junior season, totaling 58 tackles, 20 for a loss and seven sacks while earning TSWA All-State honors.   Even with his success, the rising senior is being overlooked, but he is a promising talent who's due for some college offers.   He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 235 pounds as a defensive end, but could play edge rusher. Either way, he's a good player who will make an impact at whatever he plays.   Sentell has an elite motor and a great get-off, allowing him to make offensive linemen look silly. The 2027 prospect also showcases good technique and strength, making him a threat throughout the defensive line. He is outstanding at both rushing the passer and stopping the run.   Sentell has no offers at the moment, but is a guy who people really need to pay attention to. He's an electric player who has Division I written all over his game.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.