The interior defensive line position has been trending upward toward becoming a premium position in football.The resurgence of running to counter smaller, faster defenses has put pressure on teams to solidify the interior of their defense. While the primary focus of interior defensive linemen is to be stout against the run, being a functional pass rusher along the interior is a major plus to any defense.For the FCS, the interior defensive line has been successful in recent years. Since 2020, seven interior defensive linemen have been drafted, with two being selected in 2022-24.The most notable selection was Kobi Turner, who played four years at Richmond before spending one season at Wake Forest. He was selected 89th overall in 2023, going on to finish 3rd for Defensive Rookie of the Year and was selected to the NFL All-Rookie Team.The 2027 class is an intriguing group of prospects with traits that are favorable for teams at the next level.Isaiah Perez (Eastern Washington)Height: 6020Weight: 293 lbs2025 Stats: 51 total tackles, 19 solo, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 4 blocked kicks (12 games)StrengthsQuick first step out of his stanceExcellent short-area burstPenetrating playstyleGood timing on loops and stuntsHigh effort pass rusherLevi Little (Northern Colorado)Height: 6015Weight: 290 lbs2025 Stats: 23 total tackles, 6 solo, 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks (12 games)StrengthsVery good instincts and play recognitionFunctional lateral quicknessQuick diagnostic ability against combination blocksExcels on stunts and slantsFunctional bend as a pass rusherLogan Green (South Dakota State)Height: 6034Weight: 299 lbs2025 Stats: 23 total tackles, 12 solo, 10 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 2 FRs (14 games)StrengthsGood overall quickness and an explosive first stepViolent and active hand-fighterExcels as a linear penetratorPowerful punchHigh energy, high effort pass rusherJustis La'ulu (Eastern Washington)Height: 6007Weight: 332 lbs2025 Stats: 28 total tackles, 11 solo, 1.5 TFLs (12 games)StrengthsNatural leverage and lower body anchorPower lower half to absorb blocksGood punch timing at initial contactExcels as a linear penetratorQuick first step for his size and statureChris Dixon (South Dakota)Height: 6010Weight: 305 lbs2025 Stats: 69 total tackles, 15 solo, 4 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF (15 games)StrengthsGood play strength at the point of attackStout run defender and powerful block disengagerViolent, heavy hands to control defendersCreates knockback with powerful punchViolent block shedderBiggest Games To Watch In 2026:Chris Dixon vs Boise State (Sept. 19)Isaiah Perez/Justis La'ulu vs Washington (Sept. 19)Levi Little vs Wyoming (Sept. 12)Logan Green vs Northwestern (Sept. 5)Early FCS IDL Superlatives:Best Three-Tech: Levi Little (Northern Colorado)Best Nose Tackle: Chris Dixon (South Dakota)Best Pass Rusher: Levi Little (Northern Colorado)Best Run Defender: Chris Dixon (South Dakota)Best Hands: Logan Green (South Dakota State)Best First Step: Isaiah Perez (Eastern Washington)Most Powerful: Chris Dixon (South Dakota)Best Block Shedder: Chris Dixon (South Dakota)Most Versatile: Isaiah Perez (Eastern Washington)Highest Ceiling: Levi Little (Northern Colorado)Most NFL Ready: Logan Green (South Dakota State)Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow