Ohio’s Top Six Defensive Linemen 2022

The 2022 class of defensive linemen are impressive in stature, strength, and mobility in space. The all are stout at the point of attack while displaying quickness and agility as pass rushers. The top six defensive linemen come from excellent high school programs and are highly sought after by major universities as they enter their senior year of competition. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34380" first="Derrick" last="Shepard"]    6’4” 300     Kettering Alter</strong> Shepard has a quick get off on the snap and makes immediate penetration into the offensive backfield from his defensive tackle position. He possesses the power to drive offensive linemen into the lap of the quarterback. Derrick is just as quick laterally as straight ahead, disengages from the blocker and accelerates to make the tackle. Shepard a real workhorse doubling as an offensive lineman where he also dominates the opponent. He is especially athletic for his size. Shepard has already committed to the University of Cincinnati and should see playing time early for the Bearcats. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34390" first="Trey" last="Bixby"]    6’4” 250     Cleveland St. Edwards</strong> Trey is exceptional at the defensive end position whether from a two or three-point stance. He is stout at the point of attack and is able to keep offensive blockers off his body due to his long arms and extension. Bixby plays the read option to perfection making it difficult for the quarterback to get a good read as he closes with square shoulder playing both the run and quarterback keep. He displays the ability to run plays down from the backside due to his quickness and proper pursuit angles. Bixby is committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. <strong>CJ Doggette     6’2” 275     Pickerington Central</strong> One of the more versatile defensive linemen around, Doggette can play any position in a four-man front. Lightening fast off the football, he often beats the offensive lineman out of his stance. Powerful in both the upper body and core, Doggette intimidates the opposition with his ability to strike and disengage without stopping his feet. He uses his vice-grip hands to control then shed the blocker with ease. CJ is strong at the point of attack versus the double team and often splits the combo block. Doggette already has over a dozen D1 offers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34417" first="Tyler" last="Gillison"]     6’3” 250     Pickerington Central</strong> Gillison, the second of three top defensive linemen from Pickerington Central, is extremely athletic and mobile. As a defensive end, he can work equally as well from either a two or three point stance but is most impressive as a stand up outside pass rusher. He refuses to let offensive tackles block him when rushing the passer, Tyler uses his hands to control the blockers pads as he slides his hips outside to disengage and sack or pressure the quarterback. He displays a real burst in lateral pursuit. Gillison is committed to play his college football at West Virginia. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91502" first="Dakari" last="Frazier"]     6’4” 245     Pickerington Central</strong> Even though he isn’t as flashy as his teammates Doggette and Gillison, Frazier is just as effective making plays along the line of scrimmage and in the opposing offensive backfield. As a defensive end, Dakari can flip his hips in transition and has the speed to make tackles on the perimeter and in the openfield. He demonstrates the ability to play the read option without getting his body out of position to make a play on the football. Frazier has already received offers from Bowling Green and Toledo, with more surely to come in the near future. <strong>[[player_tooltip player_id="34425" first="Drew" last="Logan"]     6’4” 220     North Canton Hoover</strong> Drew is a raw talent that has the frame to put on bulk without losing his speed and quickness. Logan is a physical defensive end that can out leverage bigger offensive linemen along the line of scrimmage. He gets great push at the point of attack. His quickness is on display when rushing the passer and pursuing the football. Logan is a real competitor and doubles as a tight end where he is just as consistent at making plays. Drew has multiple offers due to his athletic talent and strong academics.