2021 Rankings Newcomers: Defensive Line

With the release of the final 2021 Player Rankings, we’ve launched a series of evaluations on the newcomers to the rankings based on position. We added over 50 players to the most recent update highlighting players that popped during the 2020 season and have seen their recruiting on the rise. Here’s an in-depth look at the new defensive lineman to the rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93283" first="Payson" last="Cardon"], Edge, 6’1” 195 lbs., Snowflake</strong> The three-sport athlete finished with a monster statistical year where he racked up 80 tackles, 20 TFL, and 13 sacks for the strong Snowflake defense. He’s extremely quick off the edge with an explosive first step that puts him in great position to makes play at or behind the LOS. His speed and quickness create a major mismatch for opposing OL that can’t beat him to the spot and gain leverage on him. Shows good lateral agility and short area acceleration in pursuit. Displays a high football IQ with his ability to read/react and diagnose plays quickly and efficiently. He’s undersized in terms of weight and length to play the edge position at the next level but could transition well to LB given his strong athleticism, speed, and mobility. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9628432/5f985015478e580234bb7695">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9628432/5f985015478e580234bb7695</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42710" first="Gavin" last="Guarino"], DT, 6’4” 240 lbs., Pinnacle</strong> At 6’4” 240 lbs. Guarino has a good long frame with growth potential at the college level. He possesses a good combination of natural strength, power, and athleticism that allows him to play the interior disruptor role well for the Pinnacle defense. He’s extremely strong at the POA, he drives his legs and finishes through contact to often times overpower opponents. Shows good technique, footwork, and efficiency with his hands to fight off blocks then locate and chase down the ball carrier. He has the versatility, movement, and frame to play multiple positions at the next level depending on how his game and body develops. In addition to his 8 college football offers, he also is a standout lacrosse player with a 4.6 GPA and scored a 1420 on his SAT. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9894397/5fc030b25b3d55098c45cd00">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9894397/5fc030b25b3d55098c45cd00</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93265" first="Anthony" last="Hanger"], DT, 6’3” 265 lbs., Chandler</strong> On a team loaded with top end talent, Hanger was one of the more under recruited impact players on the Chandler defense. He has good size and length for an interior DL at 6’3” 265 lbs. with good playing strength and balance. He shows a good ability to create and establish leverage on a blocker with his pad level and hand placement that allows him to hold his ground or beat a block. He’s physical at the POA and is capable of delivering hard contact while also being a solid wrap up open field tackler. Committed to play at D2 Augustana in the Fall. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9706413/5fdbe29f066b600cf0fc1eed">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9706413/5fdbe29f066b600cf0fc1eed</a> https://twitter.com/56anthony56/status/1311375846150606848 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93260" first="Chase" last="Randall"], DE/DT, 6’1” 260 lbs., Canyon Del Oro</strong> A strong and physical force, Randall is a throwback football player with the versatility to play multiple spots on the DL. At 6’2” 255 lbs. he possesses a powerful compact frame that he uses to overpower opponents and fight through double teams. He’s a high motor guy that is relentless in pursuit and holds a lot of intangibles that colleges look for at the DL position including that tough, aggressive, and competitive playing style. He shows a great ability to re-direct and use his plus athleticism and agility to chase down ball carriers from the backside or down the field. Committed to play at D2 Sioux Falls in September. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9940659/5fb97ccad2250e0600e01f6e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9940659/5fb97ccad2250e0600e01f6e</a> https://twitter.com/ChaseRandall20/status/1301312872245469184 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93262" first="RJ" last="Roberts"], DT, 6’2” 285 lbs., Desert Edge</strong> Roberts finished as one of the top DT’s in the state. He has solid 6’2” 285 lb. frame with length and a 6’10” wingspan. Tends to get a little high out of his stance but has a quick explosive first step off the ball. He’s extremely strong and powerful at the POA and finishes violently through the contact point. Flashes the ability to play with and sustain good leverage on opponents to neutralize or play through a block. Good overall athleticism and short area burst for his size, shows he can work down the line in pursuit to make a tackle. Committed to play at Coffeyville Community College, he has great ability and physical tools to build on with the potential to play D1 if he continues on the same upward trajectory. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11418713/5f999adcbee0b4118c037c8a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11418713/5f999adcbee0b4118c037c8a</a> https://twitter.com/RJ_Roberts99/status/1293375006458568704 &nbsp; &nbsp;