Ottawa-Kent Conferences: Top Defensive Lineman, Part II

This is my eighth edition in which I breakdown the best players at each position group in the Ottawa-Kent Conferences. So far I’ve scouted the best <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/07/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-quarterbacks/">quarterbacks</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/07/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-running-backs/">running backs</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/07/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-wide-receivers-part-i/">wide receivers</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-athletes/">athletes</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-linebackers/">linebackers</a>, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/ottawa-kent-conferences-top-defensive-backs/">defensive backs</a>. Today, I’m breaking down the second group of the best defensive lineman in the OK. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30037" first="Jaquan" last="Johnson"], Godwin Heights 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9988164/5dc36f593453160cb4be912b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Jaquan is a physically dominant presence who does the majority of his work at the defensive end position. He has a great knack of knowing where the ball is and has a habit of breaking up pass attempts as well as stuffing the run behind the line of scrimmage. Jaquan has also shown impressive closing speed when tracking the ball carrier. Expect Jaquan to be a consistent asset for Godwin this season. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30810" first="Demetrius" last="Walker"], Muskegon 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12919930/5daf403902bc270e6065674d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Standing 6'5, 260 lbs., Demetrius has the prototypical frame you'd expect to see at the next level, as he's already earned scholarship offers from Michigan State, Kentucky, Minnesota, Syracuse, and others. He has a quick burst off the line of scrimmage and has the strength to power past most opposing lineman. Expect Demetrius to be a mainstay in opposing backfields throughout the season. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30292" first="Almarco" last="Fields"], Reeths-Puffer 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11708736/5dd6ce9e32e6d40c184bb755" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Checking in at 6'5", 300 lbs, Almarco is a load to handle at the nose guard and defensive tackle positions. He routinely requires a double team and often alludes failed chop and cut blocks on his way to ball carriers in the backfield. He has the strength to evade a double-team and the aggression to ensure the ball carrier goes down at first contact. Expect opposing teams to try to gameplan around the Rocket centerpiece all season long. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30298" first="Carter" last="Merritt"], Greenville 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14487873/5e9d1a1eda510908d0fbc890" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Carter is a lanky prospect who plays primarily defensive end for Greenville. He has displayed a level of patience in the run game that allows him to make plays when others would get sucked deep behind the play on misdirections. Carter also has a quick first step, which he uses to stop run plays and play-action passes before they materialize. Coming into his junior season, expect Carter to be a standout in Greenville's defense this season.