Ohio’s Super Seven Defensive Linemen – 2021

The Ohio 2021 class is loaded with talented defensive lineman with four of the top seven going to Big Ten schools, two to the SEC, and one to the Big 12. These linemen have that combination of quickness and power which is essential to play at the D1 level. Here is the list of the top seven senior defensive linemen in the state. <strong>Michael Hall     6’3” 300     Streetsboro</strong> The Ohio State Buckeyes have a true gem in Michael Hall. He is developed beyond his years physically and technically as a defensive lineman. Powerful in the legs and strong in the upper body, Hall is impossible to block one-on-one. His quick hands and feet make him an outstanding pass rusher. It’s not uncommon for Hall to chase down quarterbacks from behind due to his speed and athleticism. Hall is a punishing tackler that wraps up opposing ball carriers and drives them into the turf. He could see the field early in his career at Ohio State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34177" first="Jack" last="Sawyer"]    6’5” 240     Pickerington North</strong> It’s easy to see why this guy was considered by many to be the number one recruit in the country going into the 2020 season. Even though he opted out of playing his senior year, Sawyer has the length and all the tools to be a great player at the next level. As an outside pass rusher, he is extremely quick off the ball and uses a variety of pass rush techniques in defeating opposing offensive tackles. He is a tough guy with speed, a complete athlete that also played quarterback. Sawyer will join Hall at Ohio State on the defensive front for the Buckeyes. <strong>Darryl Petersen       6’3” 240     Akron Hoban</strong> Peterson helped lead his high school to a state championship due to his quickness and power. He is a versatile athlete who can play anywhere on the defensive front. Darryl strikes and disengages instantly then pursues to the football.  He is an excellent pass rusher and should make his mark early at the next level. He is fast off the edge and, at the same time, uses great leverage as a power rusher. Darryl is committed to Wisconsin and can be an impact player for the Badgers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34218" first="Antoine" last="Campbell"] Jr     6’4” 245     Copley</strong> One of the most versatile players in the state, Campbell played defensive end, tight end, and H-Back. He can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme and be just as effective whether in a two-point or three-point stance. He has deceiving speed for a big man along with exceptional ball skills. Antoine can power rush an offensive tackle into the lap of the quarterback or use his quickness to speed rush around him. He has impressive closing speed in the openfield and really delivers on the opposition with force. Campbell will play his collegiate football in Nashville for Vanderbilt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34192" first="Najee" last="Story"]     6’3” 230     Solon</strong> Najee refuses to let offensive blockers into his body. He locks offensive linemen out with his long arms then disengages to the football. Story displays excellent balance and body control for a defensive lineman and takes great pursuit angles to the football. A very good pass rusher, he is instinctive in retracing once the quarterback steps up in the pocket. Najee is stout for his size and has played all positions on the defensive front but is destined to be a defensive end once he gets to his school of choice, Northwestern University. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34203" first="Hammond" last="Russell"] IV     6’2” 235     Dublin Coffman</strong> Hammond has a huge wingspan which he uses to his advantage as a pass rusher as opposing quarterbacks soon realize when they try to throw over his long arms. Hammond displays exceptional lateral mobility and quickness when making inside moves. He often destroys offensive blocking schemes with his penetration when executing line stunts. Currently, he is best suited to be a boundary side defensive end and has the frame to get bigger at the next level. Hammond is taking his talents to West Virginia. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34214" first="Jamarius" last="Dinkins"]     6’6” 265     Columbus Walnut Ridge</strong> Jamarius is a thick and powerful force on the defensive line. He has exceptional quickness for a big man and is a good knee bender for such a tall athlete. Dinkins often beats the offensive blocker out of his stance and simply powers through into the opposing backfield. When tackling ball carriers, he completely engulfs them as he smashes them to the ground. His quickness off the ball and his long arms makes him a real weapon in blocking kicks. Jamarius is headed to the University of Kentucky and has the potential to be a big time interior defensive lineman.