3A/4A Interior Defensive Linemen To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June is one of my favorite months of the Prep Redzone Calendar because we get to start preseason content. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, so we want to make sure to properly cover those classes. Here, we'll look at five interior defensive linemen to know in North Carolina's 3A and 4A classifications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 3A/4A IDLs to Know in 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other 3A/4A Breakdowns</em><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3a-4a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3a-4a-running-backs-to-know/">RBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3a-4a-wrs-to-know-2/">WRs</a></strong><br><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>The 3A and 4A classes are loaded with productive interior defensive linemen. Here are just a few of many talented guys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717095' first='Mekkhei' last='Williams']</strong> | Northeastern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams was one of the most productive interior defensive linemen in the 3A class last year, with nine tackles for loss and seven sacks. He's a massive interior pocket mover who can collapse the interior of the line in both the run and the pass game. He's much taller than you typically see a guy who plays 0-technique, and his unique skill set should make him a popular recruit on the trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206477' first='Foster' last='Calloway']</strong> | Mountain Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he's played some as an edge rusher, Calloway has added weight this offseason and looks fully dedicated to playing on the interior of the defensive line. He's an excellent run defender with a strong first step and hand usage. He knows how to keep offensive linemen off his body, which allows him to make plays rather than just eat up space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2162078' first='Malachi' last='Hopper']</strong> | Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopper is a high-upside pass-rushing specialist for the reigning 3A champions. He didn't have a ton of consistent snaps last year, but still had 3.5 sacks. This offseason, he's put in the work in the weight room, and we think he'll play more on an every-down basis next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2175701' first='Tylen' last='Gorham']</strong> | SouthWest Edgecomb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gorham is a recent addition to the rankings after a strong junior season. He racked up 39 tackles while aligning in a variety of ways for the Cougars. He has excellent quickness and a strong punch to help him in the running game. As a senior, look for him to break out as a pass-rusher, and if he does so, he should start to pick up a few more offers on the recruiting trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078495' first='Amari' last='Broome']</strong> | Stuart Cramer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It feels like we've been writing about Broome for years, as he joined the rankings early in the 2024 season. Since then, he's gotten steadily better, finishing his junior season with eight tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. He's an excellent athlete and contributed to three takeaways last season, including a rare defensive tackle interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 3A/4A IDLs To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2004008' first='Hosea' last='Robinson']</strong> | Thomasville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666512' first='Nolan' last='Martinez']</strong> | West Iredell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220047' first='Dalton' last='East']</strong> | West Stokes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. 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