Best Available: 2021 Defensive Line

<em>The second and final signing day period is quickly approaching in the coming weeks and prospect are in the final stages of figuring out where they want to take their talents or are still looking to reel in their first few offers. With National Signing Day just over a month away, here is a look at some of the top defensive lineman that are still available and currently hold offers, are committed or are close to picking up their first. </em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87245" first="Aho" last="Makaafi"] 6'1" 270 Ibs., Puyallup HS</strong></em> Currently committed to Division 2 Adams State, Makaafi is a physically imposing interior defender with a stout and very solid frame with great overall lower body strength. On tape, he has an elite first step while playing with good initial pad level, strike and power at the point of attack. For his size, he moves very well laterally in the short area, and has a quick use of hands to disengage from blockers while defending the run. A very smart football player that is fundamentally sound and plays with a high motor, the Puyallup prospect could see a possible late FCS offer as we approach signing day. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/2937826/5faf39be478d9f0218a77b0b">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>John Tauoepeau 6'2" 290 Ibs., Eastside Catholic HS</strong></em> A very active defender that had 10+ TFL's during his Junior season while playing for one of the top teams in the state, Tauoepeau projects as an interior payer at the next level with enough athleticism to have two-gap ability. Still raw at the position and developing, he shows great natural strength and power and wins with a strong initial punch and creating immediate knock-back and resetting the LOS. Athletic enough to rush the passer from a 3-tech or 5-tech position and holding a few pass rush moves in his toolbox depending on his rush angle, Tauoepeau has the speed to chase down ball carriers from behind and brings a good thump and physicality upon contact. <em><strong></strong></em> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87190" first="Gabe" last="Johnson"] 6'4" 215 Ibs., Bothell HS</strong> Currently holding one offer from Nevada, Johnson has natural length and long arms while holding good upside at the next level. The rangy edge defender who is still developing as a pass rusher, is coming off of a huge Junior season in which he won with a quick first step, good bend around the edge and natural instincts to get to ball carriers and be disruptive in the backfield. Although currently a bit undersized he has the frame to put on another 25-30 pounds before taking snaps at the collegiate level. Johnson is an extremely tough defender that plays with great pad level, inside hand placement and brings his hips upon initial contact while defending the run. The high motor defensive end will once again make a big impact for one of the top teams in the state. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9848106/5e32268590f8fe071c441c8a">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87192" first="Antwan" last="Brown"] 6'2" 280 Ibs., Garfield HS</strong></em> Currently committed to Air Force, the Garfield product is a versatile defensive lineman that played defensive tackle and defensive end during his Junior season but will play in the interior at the next level. On tape, Brown plays with good power and initial strike, while athletic enough to work half-man pass rush moves from the 5-6-tech position which is rare for an athlete his size. Light on his feet and playing with a high motor and football IQ against the run, Brown rarely loses ground and displays a good use of hands at the point of attack while rushing the passer and has a few moves at his disposal. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9428819/5d7e759c1762370e5853be8c">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp;