<span style="font-weight: 400;">Everything starts with the big boys in the trenches, and there were plenty of defensive linemen standouts at the Jenkins Elite Camp in Highlands Ranch, CO. </span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Regardless of offense or defense, it’s next to impossible to get anything going if the line is unable to hold up. The defensive line is the foundation of any coordinator’s scheme, and what DB doesn’t love having at least one lineman who will always make sure his secondary won’t have to cover for longer than two seconds?</span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Here is a list of some of the top defensive linemen who showcased their talent at the camp:</span>
<b>Xavier Catalan - Cimarron Memorial HS, NV - 2021</b>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Catalan is a 5-foot-7, 200lbs defensive end/tackle who traveled from Las Vegas and had a very impressive camp. He’s quick off the ball with an explosive first step. Catalan has serious power in his hands, making his swim and rip techniques difficult to stop.</span>
[embed]https://twitter.com/XavierCatalan2/status/1282558637886472192?s=20[/embed]
<b>Kaden Dower - St. Stephens HS, WY - 2021</b>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Dower is a two-way player who showed great promise at the camp. The 6-foot-2, 195lbs defensive end also saw reps at linebacker and running back last year. Defensively, Dower finished last season with 30 tackles, three QB hurries, two interceptions, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and a field goal block.</span>
<b>Andrew Harris - Southeast Polk HS, IA - 2022</b>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Harris made the long journey all the way from Iowa for the opportunity to participate in this camp, an opportunity he did not squander. This defensive lineman showed impressive skills with his footwork, strength, and quickness that made him standout among all of the other highly talented players.</span>
<b>[player_tooltip player_id="22717" first="Justis" last="Laulu"] - Vista Ridge HS, CO - 2022</b>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This 6-foot-3, 290lbs defensive tackle is a dominating force in the trenches. Not only is he big and strong, but Laula is also fast enough to chase down ball carriers. His ability to lockout an offensive lineman and track the running back is next level. Laula finished last season with 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and six QB hurries. </span>
<b>Aiden Mikus - Desert Vista HS, AZ - 2022</b>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming up from Phoenix, Mikus succeeded in making an impression at the camp. The 6-foot-1, 235lbs defensive lineman showed his ability to quickly get off the ball. He also possesses the speed to get to the ball carrier or quarterback, and the strength to go through anyone in his way.</span>
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