2027 Illinois Defensive Linemen to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class in Illinois continues to build serious depth in the trenches, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This group features a strong mix of size, physicality, motor, and upside with several prospects beginning to emerge as names college programs should start tracking closely heading into the offseason. Here are several defensive linemen in the 2027 class that continue to trend upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1471275' first='Dylan' last='Jackson'] | O'Fallon | 6-foot, 305 pounds</strong><br>Jackson brings impressive size to the interior and already looks the part physically. The O'Fallon standout is difficult to move at the point of attack and can clog rushing lanes with his strength and frame. As his overall technique and conditioning continue to improve, Jackson has the potential to become one of the more disruptive interior defenders in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @dylanjacks88563</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Thornton | Elmwood | 6-foot-6, 245 pounds</strong><br>Thornton immediately stands out because of his length and frame. At 6-foot-6, he possesses the type of build college coaches covet coming off the edge. He still has plenty of room to continue developing physically, but the combination of size and upside makes him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Judah Gregg | Affton | 6-foot-5, 230 pounds</strong><br>Gregg is another lineman with excellent length and developmental upside. He flashes the ability to create problems with his reach and athleticism while continuing to grow into his frame. Prospects with his measurables are always worth paying attention to, especially as they continue to gain strength and polish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @JudahGregg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Omari Christian | Collinsville | 6-foot-1, 235 pounds</strong><br>Christian plays with a physical style and has the size to hold up well against the run. He shows good power at the point of attack and continues to develop into a strong defensive front presence for Collinsville. His toughness and motor stand out on film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @OmariC54</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2144783' first='Nate' last='Fenton'] | Naperville Central | 6-foot-3, 215 pounds</strong><br>Fenton brings an athletic frame with room for continued growth. At 6-foot-3, he has the length to become a disruptive edge defender and flashes good movement ability for his size. As he continues to add strength, his upside will continue rising.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @nate_fenton18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zeke Langan | Carbondale | 6-foot-2, 240 pounds</strong><br>Langan is a strong, compact defensive lineman who plays with good power and physicality. He has a sturdy build and does a nice job holding his ground in the trenches. His combination of strength and effort makes him a player opposing offensive lines have to account for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @ZekeLangan44</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shawndrick Williams-Funches | Manual | 6-foot-2, 265 pounds</strong><br>Williams-Funches possesses one of the more college-ready frames in the group. He carries his weight well and has the size to be effective inside. Big-bodied defensive linemen with his dimensions are always valuable pieces along the defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nick Ontiveros | Lockport | 6-foot-1, 245 pounds</strong><br>Ontiveros is a heavy, physical interior lineman who embraces contact and brings toughness to the trenches. He plays with a strong base and has the ability to create problems against the run. His physical style fits well at the nose tackle position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @Nick_Ontiveros_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->