Newly-Ranked 2028 IDLs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We just dropped our updated 2028 rankings, and we're starting our positional breakdowns by looking at the newest players in the rankings. After going&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a>&nbsp;of the 2028 class update, we're looking at the five newly-ranked interior defensive linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Interior Defensive Linemen Were Added to the 2028 Rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other newly-ranked position pieces:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-qbs/">QBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-rbs/">RBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-ol/">OL</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-wrs/">WRs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-edge-rushers/">Edge Rushers</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2172185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1738a16e926"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Overby first showed up on our ranking of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-6-interior-defensive-linemen-in-guilford-county/">Guilford County interior defensive linemen</a> earlier this offseason, but we mentioned there that he could play edge as well. His strength and hand usage allow him to scrap on the interior, but he could ultimately find a home at edge rusher. Either way, he put up great numbers—both as a run-stopper and pass-rusher—despite playing primarily as an undersized nose tackle for Southern Guilford. We think he'll move around some at Dudley, and he could be deployed with a versatile skill set that naturally leads to splash plays on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2148679"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1738a16e99c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An excellent run-stuffer, Hopkins made our list of the top <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/deep-dive-top-5-idls-in-durham-orange-county/">interior defenders in Orange County</a>. He hasn't yet made much of a box score impact as a pass-rusher in terms of sacks, but his quickness and hand usage suggest those numbers could come with more experience. As it stands, he's a high-level run defender who can both tie up offensive linemen for others to make plays and make stops himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2175503"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1738a16e9ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm not sure if I just wasn't paying attention or if I simply missed Daye when we looked at the top interior linemen in Alamance County, but in retrospect, he thoroughly deserves inclusion. He's a massive body on the interior with a high motor and the reach to get to running backs on zone handoffs. Partly because of his size and partly because of his strength and quickness, Daye is a high-upside prospect who could blow up on the recruiting trail if he flashes as a pass-rusher this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2151239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1738a16ea3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I honestly didn't expect Frieary to end up in the top six of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/deep-dive-top-6-idls-in-wake-county/">Wake County IDL Deep Dive</a>, but after looking at his film, it was obvious that he belongs there. The rising junior has excellent size, strength, and quickness. I'm particularly impressed with his willingness to be the steady interior presence that opens things up for his teammates, and that selfless play shows up on his tape. He should continue to improve as he grows, and we wouldn't be surprised to see college coaches fall in love with him while making their rounds next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2172001"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a1738a16ea88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Imes popped up on our radar when we were scouting <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-6-interior-defensive-linemen-in-forsyth-county/">Forsyth County defensive linemen</a>. He's a versatile defender who can play inside or outside, with the ability to set the edge or hold up the interior against the run. He's a blossoming pass-rusher with the potential to continue improving in that department as he gains experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 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.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->