The 20 best defensive linemen in Indiana high school football in 2024

We take a position-by-position look at some of the best players in Indiana high school football.

This list focuses on the top defensive linemen/edge rushers in the state.

There are many outstanding football players in Indiana and these lists are not exhaustive. Tag us on X or Instagram @SBLiveIN to talk about the other defensive linemen/edge rushers who deserve fans’ attention in 2024.

Adeoba II recorded 60 total tackles and 14 sacks as a junior, a Pike single-season school record. He is an explosive athlete who earned Class 6A junior all-state honors last year.

Atewogbola is a prototypical modern edge rusher who transferred to Minnesota in April. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior is also a standout basketball player for Avon.

The 1.90 meter tall and 100 kilogram Brooks is an all-rounder on defense for Delta. The Purdue team totaled 72 tackles (19.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries last season.

Burrus Jr., a Louisville product, is a ferocious edge rusher who recorded 16 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hurries a season ago. He teams up with Damien Shanklin to form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in Indiana.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Camphor is a defensive tackle with run-stuff abilities who totaled 56 tackles as a junior. Camphor made the Class 5A junior all-state team. He is committed to the southeastern state of Missouri.

Carter is an athletic senior who can play almost anywhere on Lawrence Central’s defensive line. He is committed to Western Michigan.

Dye, who is 1.90 meters tall and weighs 110 kilograms, can rush the passer and withstand the run. The four-star prospect committed to Tennessee over the summer.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Early Jr. is a disruptive defensive end who has offers from Cincinnati and several MAC schools. He recorded four sacks in an early-season win against Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran.

Finch Jr., the No. 1 prospect in Indiana, can play both inside and outside in Warren Central’s strengthened defensive front. He recorded 41 total tackles last season and holds early offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State and numerous others.

Holley recorded 15.5 tackles and seven sacks for Michigan City last season, making Class 5A junior all-state. The 6-foot-6 edge presence is committed to Kansas.

Keifer totaled 37 tackles en route to Class 6A junior all-state honors a season ago. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound lineman is committed to Indiana State.

Ludington was named to the Class 6A junior all-state team last year after totaling 56 tackles, 10 sacks and 27 quarterback hurries. In the summer he committed to Miami (Ohio).

Another standout on Elkhart’s defensive line, McFee is a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound senior is committed to Cincinnati.

Ojata, a pure edge rusher, totaled 27 tackles and four forced fumbles in his junior season for Carmel. He feels committed to Troy.

Oladipupo is an aggressive run stopper who is also good at getting to the quarterback. The versatile defender committed to Boston College over the summer.

Omotoso played alongside fellow Division I recruit Enoch Atewogbola and recorded five sacks last season. The defensive end is committed to Northern Illinois.

Patterson III can play the interior defensive line for Castle or slide out and rush the passer. The Cincinnati commit made the Class 5A junior all-state team last fall after racking up 70 total tackles (including 13 for losses) and four sacks.

Shanklin is also a standout track and field thrower, but his future lies on the gridiron. Shanklin is a four-star prospect from LSU and the top-rated senior prospect in Indiana. He is part of Warren Central’s defense that opened the 2024 season with four consecutive shutouts.

In eight games last season, Thacker recorded 60 total tackles (including 19 for losses), seven sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. The defensive tackle is committed to Ball State.

White, an Illinois player, totaled 69 tackles and 7.5 sacks for the Class 6A state champions last season. He is a disruptive force at nose tackle.

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