High school football: Jahkeem Stewart, Elijah Griffin headline top 10 defensive linemen heading into 2024 season

The focus shifts to defense in our position-by-position breakdown of the 2024 high school football season. We already looked at the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. 

Up next, we go to the trenches and zone in on the top 10 defensive linemen.

Jahkeem Stewart of St. Augustine (New Orleans) headlines the list and takes home the No. 1 spot. The five-star prospect is the second-rated player in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports. Stewart is one of three players featured entering their junior year. James Carrington of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and Bryce Perry-Wright of Buford (Ga.) join the St. Augustine standout.

Elijah Griffin of Savannah Christian (Savannah, Ga.) is the first of seven seniors included. The five-star defensive lineman is the fourth-rated prospect in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. The Peach State has the most selections with four. Justus Terry of Manchester (Ga.) and Isaiah Gibson of Warner Robins (Ga.) join Griffin and Perry-Wright.

In total, seven different states are represented. Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada and Texas all have one selection. 2024 PREVIEW: Top 10 defensive linemen

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 280

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)

Racked up 85 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks as a sophomore.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 285

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2025)

Finished junior season with 97 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks for AAA state runner-up.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2025)

Has dominated against the best competition posting 88 tackles, 48.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks over the last two years.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200

Status: Committed to TCU | Class: Senior (2025)

The three-star EDGE has played a huge role for back-to-back 6A Division 2 state champs racking up 161 tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss and 34 sacks over the last two years.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 275

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2025)

The five-star defensive lineman finished last season with 78 tackles and 13 sacks while leading the Blue Devils to their first state championship game appearance in 26 years.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 270

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)

Dominated as a sophomore posting 22 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in nine games for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Rabun Gap, Ga.).

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 245

Status: Committed to Florida State | Class: Senior (2025)

Helped Tigers win second consecutive 2S state crown after accounting for 94 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 245

Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)

Posted 195 tackles, 59 tackles for loss and 33 sacks over the last two years at Charles Henderson (Troy, Ala.).

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250

Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2025)

The five-star EDGE racked up a team-high 17 sacks while leading Demons to AAAAA quarterfinals.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 260

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)

Has made a huge impact for Wolves since his freshman year and has landed 39 FBS offers.