The Prolific Defensive Line Class in Western PA in the ’22 Class
In Western PA, the class of 2022 is fairly deep on the defensive line. These rising Juniors made an instant impact last year as sophomores, and should be on all watch lists moving forward. Here are the ones we like…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn Western PA, the class of 2022 is fairly deep on the defensive line. These rising Juniors made an instant impact last year as sophomores, and should be on all watch lists moving forward. Here are the ones we like the most right now.
P5) Sean FitzSimmons Sean FitzSimmons 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Central Valley | 2022 State PA – Central Valley – 6’2 – 275 – DT: Strong and highly productive DT. Has Rally good hands and plays with great leverage. Is a solid player that tries hard and finishes. Was an impact player last season and played a lot of good football on a state runner up team. With added strength and development he will be a nightmare for high school offenses. Exclusively interior guy, and shows the ability to take on ad beat a double team. He dominates the gap he lines up in. Will have a lot of colleges knocking on his door.
FCS) Connor Lenz Connor Lenz 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Pine-Richland | 2022 State PA – Pine-Richland – 6’2 – 230 – DE: Boundary DE, possibly a DT at the next level, he is long though so he probably stays outside. Not twitchy enough yet to play to the field. Good strong kid with a decent get off that gets after the QB. Has a lot of tools to work with and has the highest upside on the list. Pine Richland HS will continue to develop him, could become a monster.
FCS) Ben Bladel Ben Bladel 6'0" | 225 lbs | DL Moon | 2022 State PA – Moon – 5’11 – 215 – DL: Plays at end right now but probably projects to the interior in college. For a sophomore playing a strong schedule, he was very productive. Size limits him but his speed is well above average. Twitch is okay. Tough and strong kid that gets to the ball carrier and the QB when pass rushing. Uses his sped t his advantage. Has good burst and acceleration off the line. Needs to grow an inch or two and he will move up the list big time
FCS) Donovan Hinish Donovan Hinish 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2022 State PA – Pittsburgh Central Catholic – 6’0 – 250 – DT: High motor DT that is strong at the point of attack. Uses his hands well to get off blocks. Takes on a doubleteam well. Tough and gritty kid that loves contact. Hard working guy that would be good for a program.
D2) Paul Pearson – Serra Catholic – 6’0 – 200 – OLB/DE: Probably fits best as a 3-4 OLB. Good at getting to the QB. Good burst off the line and overall athleticism. Not very rangy. Solid tackler and has good strength. Twitchy enough to cause problems, and pretty well put together.
D2) Chris Copp Chris Copp 6'4" | 215 lbs | DL North Hills | 2022 PA – North Hills – 6’4 – 215 – DE: Very thin right now and didn’t play a lot of snaps but has good speed and get off and will be physical. Need to see consistency and more reps but he plays flat backed and goes.
D2) Dante Compagni Dante Compagni 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Ringgold | 2022 State PA – Ringgold – 6’2 – 270 – DT: Big DT prospect. Powerful guy that moves pretty well but is best suited at plugging up holes. Has the ability to take on a double team and stand his ground. Moves okay for a big guy. Not twitchy and needs better hands.