Newly-Ranked 2029 Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're in the middle of our 2029 rankings content after publishing our&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">late spring rankings update</a>&nbsp;earlier this week. While we've covered some&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">big-picture topics</a>&nbsp;surrounding the class, and we've broken down the new faces on offense. Let's move to the defensive side of the ball, where we're looking at the newly-ranked defensive linemen, both interior and edge rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Defensive Linemen Joined the 2029 Rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out the rest of our 2029 rankings coverage:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-skill-position-stock-risers/"><strong>Skill Position Stock-Risers</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-big-men-in-the-trenches/">Trenches Stock-Risers</a></strong><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-back-seven-defenders/"><strong>Back Seven Stock-Risers</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-qbs-and-rbs/">Newly-Ranked QBs/RBs</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">Behind the Scenes</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-wrs/">Newly-Ranked WRs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-ol/">Newly-Ranked OL</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-athletes-and-tight-ends/">Newly-Ranked TE/Athletes</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124203"],"_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-6a231d9c76bb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pooley popped up on the radar <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/look-ahead-future-2029-newcomers/"><em>just</em> after</a> our February rankings update, and since then, he's been a mainstay in our coverage. He's on the thinner side, but will likely add weight this offseason, and has the frame to play much bigger than he did as a freshman. Pooley spent most of his time on the JV squad, but he's a high-impact edge rusher who can get after the quarterback and could play consistent snaps on varsity this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124734"],"_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-6a231d9c76c19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williamson might be the highest upside edge rusher added to the 209 rankings. He has length, speed, power, and raw athleticism, all of which he can use to hound opposing quarterbacks. It doesn't look like he's finished growing, and he may slide down all the way to a 1-technique. Wherever he lines up, he has the raw power to create havoc, both as a run stopper and pass rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2160219"],"_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-6a231d9c76c64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nixon has the raw ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line, and while we thought he might end up as more of an edge type, his measurements and technique at the Carolinas Coaches Combine show he's probably best suited as an interior guy. He has a 79-inch wingspan and plenty of early experience. I'm excited to see him on Northside-Pinetown's talented front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2204952"],"_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-6a231d9c76ca7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hampton didn't play much varsity ball last year behind two future Power Four defensive tackles, but he has tremendous upside and earned a South Carolina offer earlier this offseason. His size and speed should allow him to dominate at the 2A level once he cracks the rotation. That said, there's no rush to get him on the varsity field. As he progresses, look for Hampton to become a productive defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2199074"],"_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-6a231d9c76ce7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had not heard of Freeman before he came to our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-dl-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a> (though he'd come highly recommended by his DL trainer). He had a great showing, and though he's inexperienced, he looks like a guy who could be the next great one out of Rolesville. He moves well, and his massive wingspan and hands help him get around—and through—blockers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2148890"],"_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-6a231d9c76d25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holmes quietly has a few excellent underclassmen. Lindsey might be the best of the bunch. A multi-sport athlete, Lindsey is twitchy and had four sacks as a freshman. With several graduating defensive linemen in front of him, Lindsey should get more run on a s<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-2a-top-10/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-2a-top-10/">trong Holmes squad</a>.</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 2029 rankings. 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. Team preview season is beginning soon! Coaches, fill out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">team preview info sheet</a> so we can properly cover your athletes.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->