2028 Sleeper Defensive Tackles to Know in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class continues to show strength in the trenches, and while some of the top defensive linemen are already drawing early attention, there is a solid group of interior defenders flying under the radar across the state. As these players continue to add strength and gain varsity reps, expect several of these names to make a move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1883430' first='Bryce' last='Baxa'] – Yorkville (6'2”, 240)</strong><br>Baxa has a strong frame for the interior and still plenty of room to continue developing physically. He projects as a disruptive presence inside with the ability to impact both the run and pass game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1682060' first='Enzo' last='LoCoco'] – Lemont (6'1”, 235)</strong><br>LoCoco brings a physical build and the type of leverage that plays well on the interior. He has the tools to develop into a dependable run-stopper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358237' first='Gabriel' last='Lisowiec'] – IC Catholic (6'2”, 220)</strong><br>Still developing physically, Lisowiec has a solid frame and room to add strength. He is a name that could continue trending upward with more exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1623489' first='Jeremiah' last='Christian'] – Brother Rice (6'0”, 240)</strong><br>Christian already has solid size and strength for the position. He fits the mold of a tough, physical interior lineman who can anchor a defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dajuan Hester – Neuqua Valley (6'0”, 260)</strong><br>Hester brings good mass and looks the part of a true defensive tackle prospect. His size makes him a player to keep an eye on moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140275' first='Jacob' last='White'] – St. Patrick (6'1”, 265)</strong><br>White has strong size for his class and projects well as an interior defensive lineman. He has the frame to continue developing into a force inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braedan McHugh – Loyola (6'1”, 230)</strong><br>McHugh has a balanced frame with room to continue adding strength. Another interior prospect that could take a jump as he gains experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140277' first='Emmanuel' last='Sylvestre'] – Prospect (6'1”, 235)</strong><br>Sylvestre brings a solid build and physical upside. Players with his frame often continue to climb as they develop strength and technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140278' first='Liam' last='Pagan'] – Willowbrook (6'4”, 300)</strong><br>Pagan stands out immediately with his size. At 6'4”, 300 pounds, he already has the look of a true interior defensive lineman and could be one of the bigger risers in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140335' first='Trey' last='Sutton'] – Springfield (5'11”, 275)</strong><br>Sutton brings a stout build and low center of gravity that fits well inside. Tough to move and built for trench play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->