2027 In The Trenches: Top Returning Risers Among DLs

The Missouri 2027 class of defensive lineman looks like it is shaking out to be a very strong one, with a good amount of future D1 talent that is really starting to see colleges come in and extend offers as of late. Here is a look at some of the top returning risers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1567627' first='Jonathan' last='Ibeawuchi'] | 6'2" 250 | Rock Bridge | - An explosive, high‑motor edge defender who wins with first‑step quickness, natural leverage, and disruptive intent. He consistently plays behind the line of scrimmage, diagnoses blocking schemes quickly, and finishes plays with physicality. He projects as a hybrid DE/EDGE who fires off the ball with a with an incredibly quick first step. Has a very high motor and relentless pursuit. Shows great strength and power. Puts the work in the weight room. Has an early offer from Missouri State. Had 61 tackles, with 7.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss as a junior.   [player_tooltip player_id='1726900' first='Andrew' last='Oldham'] | 6'5" 230 | Marquette | - A long, athletic defensive end who wins with range, motor, and disciplined edge play. He understands leverage, maintains contain responsibilities, and uses his length to disrupt both run and pass plays. Besides his obvious athleticism, Andrew plays with a very good understanding of his assignments and defensive structure. His combination of length, motor, and technique gives him a lot of upside, and he has a good frame to add weight and strength. Shows a quick first step. Accelerates well through contact top help win the edge. He's a long‑armed defender who uses reach to control blockers. His recruitment continues to pick up and he's recently added multiple D1 offers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590167' first='Antonio' last='Pinkston'] | 6'2" 230 | Festus | -A powerful, high‑motor defensive end who plays with physicality, leverage, and a disruptive mindset. Strong at the point of attack, disciplined against the run , and can generate consistent pressure with his effort and strength. Tough, aggressive, and fundamentally sound. Quick off the ball with a compact, powerful first step. Converts speed to power effectively when rushing the passer. Can anchor vs. bigger offensive linemen and hold ground in the run game. Plays low and consistently wins leverage battles. Antonio is another recent riser with his recruitment and has picked up offers from Lindenwood University and Northern Iowa. He had 55 tackles and 7 sacks as a junior.   [player_tooltip player_id='1726903' first='D'Anton' last='Berry'] | 6'4" 305 | Kirkwood | - A high‑motor defensive lineman with the versatility to play multiple spots across the front. A versatile DL who can play a 5-tech or inside as an interior hybrid including a 3-tech. Played DE as a junior. A defensive lineman who wins with leverage, strength, and a relentless play style. Berry is at his best when he's allowed to attack vertically — shooting gaps, penetrating backfields, and forcing offensive linemen to adjust and try to recover. He brings a combination of power, quickness, and effort that makes him a difficult assignment for high school blockers. Impact defensive lineman who can control the line of scrimmage, produce TFLs, and anchor a front. Always physical and shows great toughness. Holds an early offer from Missouri State. Very good upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590175' first='DeAbriion' last='Porchia'] | 6'3" 240 | Raytown | - An explosive, high‑ceiling edge defender with the athletic traits and natural playmaking ability to develop into one of the more intriguing defensive end/edge rushers in the state in 2026. He is still developing technically, but the raw tools are there. DeAbriion is twitchy, with very good quickness, a strong frame, fluid movement, and a relentless motor. Displays good speed (4.7 40) on the field and in testing, and uses his explosive first step and natural edge quickness to his advantage. Has good strength and flashes violent hands at times. Once his technique matches his athleticism he will live up to his high potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='749581' first='Darron' last='Boone Jr.'] | 6'3" 220| | Cardinal Ritter | -Combines burst, and motor in a way that gives him one of the higher ceilings among the state's 2026 defensive ends. A defensive end/edge who plays fast, violent, and confident. A true playmaker off the edge who can wreck drives with sudden penetration and relentless pursuit. He is still raw technically, but his first‑step quickness, bend, lateral agility, and ability to play with violence make him a D1 prospect. Still scratching the surface of his potential. Explosive first step and jumps off the ball with real twitch. Has seen his recruitment start to take off with D1 schools as we head into spring. This playmaker finished his junior season with 60 tackles and 3 sacks.

The Missouri 2027 class of defensive lineman looks like it is shaking out to be a very strong one, with a good amount of future D1 talent that is really starting to see colleges come in and extend offers as of late. Here is a look at some of the top returning risers.