1A/2A Interior Defensive Linemen To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. Here, we'll look at five interior defensive linemen to know in North Carolina's 1A and 2A classifications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A IDLs to Know in 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other 1A/2A pieces:</em><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-rbs-to-know-cameron-clem-leads-strong-class/">RBs</a></strong><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-wide-receivers-to-know/"><strong>WRs</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/small-school-offensive-linemen-to-know/">Small-School OL</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps surprisingly, the 1A and 2A classes are loaded with top talent on the defensive line. Here, we'll look at just a few of several elite defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607751' first='Nathanael' last='Kamba']</strong> | Corvian Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kamba, a recent Auburn commit, is a high-level defensive tackle prospect who could grow into an elite college three-technique in time. There's some projection required here for a guy who still hasn't really broken out as a pass-rusher at the high school level, but his size, strength, and quickness make him one of the most talented players in the state. I think we could see a huge year from the senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis']</strong> | Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chavis is one of the most productive defensive linemen in the 2027 class. He's versatile, able to play inside and outside, but we like him best inside. His first step is excellent, and the three-year starter is the best player on one of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-2a-top-10/">2A's top teams</a>. What impresses me is that he doesn't just win by being bigger, stronger, and faster at the 2A level, but with true pass-rushing moves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Qua'Dreiz Neville</strong> | Southeast Collegiate Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neville may ultimately move outside in the next two years, as he has the length and quickness to play there. For now, he's a budding star for 1A Southeast Collegiate Prep (Formerly Southeast Halifax). He's an excellent run defender, adept at keeping offensive linemen away from his body before shedding blocks to make plays. Given his athletic profile, we think this could be a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141098' first='Wyatt' last='Collins']</strong> | North Stokes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins is one of our favorite "late adds" to the 2026 rankings, a guy who jumped <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-dl-overview/">straight to the top half</a> when added earlier this spring. The huge interior defender was highly productive last season as one of North Stokes' top tacklers. He also had 12 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and even an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1853840' first='Zalik' last='Cannady']</strong> | Wilson Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cannady erupted onto the scene as a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/freshman-all-state-team/">top freshman in 2026</a> at Wilson Prep. He can play both inside and outside and racked up 13 sacks as a freshman. He's quick off the line and has plenty of raw power. He's still developing physically, and could be even better as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A/2A Defensive Linemen To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2160219' first='ZyMir' last='Nixon']</strong> | Northside-Pinetown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2204952' first='Luke' last='Hampton']</strong> | Corvian Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1696871' first='Emmanuel' last='DeBerry']</strong> | Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. 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