National Preps Showcase 2022 Top Performers Pt. II: DL

<em>Here’s an in-depth look at the top 2022 defensive lineman that that had impressive showings and caught the attention of collegiate scouts at the National Preps Showcase in Olympia. </em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87358" first="Kone" last="Aumua"] Uiagalelei, Auburn Riverside HS (WA)</strong></em> Coming off a very impressive Sophomore year, Uigalelei showed his ability to move well for his size and is extremely physical at the point of attack. Playing with a good first step explosion and quick initial strike, he also displayed the ability to take on and defeat double teams while agile enough to bend around the edge and rush the passer. Only a Junior, he will continue to grow as a pass rusher from the inside and has FBS ability. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11197325/5dce23d8066242058cc55e87">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87327" first="Hunter" last="Hill"] Graham-Kapowsin HS (WA)</strong></em> One of the most technically sound players in the group, Hill has great natural strength and is very technically sound, especially when playing the run and reading blockers. Playing with low pad level and a strong base while understanding pass rush responsibilities and lanes, he is athletic enough to play on the edge and strong enough to move inside. An extremely physical and tough prospect, Hill has good next level ability and projects as a 4-3 DE due to his frame and length. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8637705/5def32c7d2263c0df8ab0921">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87326" first="Curtis" last="Hill"] <em>Graham-Kapowsin HS (WA)</em></strong> Hill is an extremely high motor player that plays with relentless pursuit and wins with natural strength and converting speed to power. Playing mostly 3-5 tech, he does a good job at getting off blocks, playing with heavy hands and inside hand placement while taking good angles to ball carriers in the box and resetting the LOS. Not a flashy player, but a true anchor that can also bend from a shaded position, Hill will only continue to develop as he enters into the halfway mark of his high school career. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8666149/5db72d320dca7c0d6cfd2916">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87386" first="Gavin" last="James-Dues"] Mountain View HS (WA)</strong></em> A very versatile player that is a good athlete with plus length and frame, James-Dues has natural bend/ankle flexibility and does a nice job at keeping blockers away from his body while showing good hip mobility and snapping his hips upon contact. Projected as either a DE or OT at the next level, he is an interesting prospect that has a nice ceiling due to length and raw ability. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11569976/5e95cd3d9a916b0d38d4e0a8">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jaden Ketner Mount Si HS (WA)</strong></em> A still developing and young player, Ketner had a strong showing in Olympia and during his Junior season for one of the top teams in the state. On tape, he is a well balanced defender that understands his responsibilities and gets off blocks in a hurry while taking good angles to ball carriers in space and winning with pad level and a high motor. Able to defeat reach blocks and reset the LOS, he has FCS level ability and will only continue to grow.