2026 Defensive Line Check-in: Week 5

<p>All this week, I'v ebeen checking in on theclass of 2026. I've looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-quarterbacks-check-in-week-5/">quarterbacks</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-running-back-check-in-week-5/">running backs</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-wide-receiver-check-in-week-5/">receivers</a> inthe junior class. Now I'm jumping over to the defensive side of the ball to look at the defensive linemen. Like the other check ins, I'm looking at the top three, and then a few others who could move up the rankings. </p>   <p>Here's our midseason 2026 defensive line check-in.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midseason 2026 Defensive Line Check-In</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Griffin-Haynes has always been an extremely toolsy prospect who is still growing into the position and that is tracking so far in 2024. The recent North Carolina commit has excelled at setting the edge and has been excellent as a run defender for Rolesville. He's getting after the passer, but hasn't yet converted any of those pressures to sacks. That will come. He's long and explosive and has all the traits to be an elite pass-rusher.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Weddington has run a lot of three-man and even two-man fronts because the staff has so much confidence in Harris' ability. As the top interior defensive lineman in the class, he has not disappointed early. He's always been a high-level pass rusher, but he's excelled against the run and in the screen game this season. He's so physically gifted and a terrifying matchup for any high school team.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A two-sport athlete, Dunham is really growing as a pass rusher off the edge. He already has four sacks this season, many of them off of speed-to-power moves. He's added some weight and that's really coming across on film. He's a prospect we were initially higher on than a lot of schools, but Power Fours have caught up as he's really starting to become a priority for several SEC schools.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Defensive Linemen Impressing Early</h3>   <p>Obviously, we're paying attention to what prospects outside of the top three are doing. Here are a few guys further down the rankings who are really impressing.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tarboro once again looks like the favorite in 1A, but this is about the individual accomplishments of Powell, who has been spectacular on both sides of the ball. Earlier this season, we highlighted his feats as a quarterback at a school that rarely throws, but whhhat he's done defensively has been just as impressive. He's growing as a pass rusher and needs some recruiting attention due to his excellent athleticism and production/</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Odems is quick off the edge, but also has the power and strength to take tackles head on. He has an excellent motor, so even plays that go away from his side of the field aren't safe from being blown up from the backside. He's gotten better with his hand usage every game this year, evidence that he's growing as a pass rusher and edge defender.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">We've had Hilliard in our rankings for a while, but he's taken his game to another level this year. When our South Carolina colleague Ian Guerin covered the Hough-Carolina Forest game, he said Hilliard popped immediately. He's always been able to take on double teams and do the dirty work, but this year, he's improved his production and racked up some sacks as well.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 Defensive Linemen Who Have Impressed</h2>   <p>Here are some more guys we've liked early. Myabe we'll break them down with full scouting reports later this season.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1165700' first='Manny' last='Lewis'], Marvin Ridge</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1130290' first='Rob' last='Lange'], Northwest Guilford</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1159997' first='Jace' last='McCallum'], Hickory Ridge</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='858648' first='Trashawn' last='Ruffin'], North Duplin</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='648670' first='Keysaun' last='Eleazer'], Southeast Raleigh</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Keyshawn Stancil, Clayton</h3>

All this week, I'v ebeen checking in on theclass of 2026. I've looked at the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers inthe junior class. Now I'm jumping over to the defensive side of the ball to look at the defensive linemen. Like the other check ins, I'm looking at the top three, and then a few others who could move up the rankings.