Class of 2022: Top Defensive Lineman

With the fourth quarter winding down and the game on the line, few players have an opportunity to change the outcome right as the ball is snapped. Those on the defensive line have the ability to create immediate destruction in the backfield. The explosive nature of these athletes is truly unique and as mentioned, can change the outcome of a game. It is also a position that can create a lot of excitement from sacks and pad crunching hits. Altogether, it's a position that takes a very specific skill set to play, which leads us to Oregon's list of top defensive lineman in the 2022 class. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="107623" first="Andrew" last="Savaiinaea"] - 6’3, 235 lbs, The Dalles High School (The Dalles, OR) Savaiinaea is listed on the depth chart as a defensive lineman, but this player is an athlete. He is someone the quarterback always needs to worry about when dropping back to pass. With excellent footwork and speed off the edge, Savaiinaea is a major threat to blow up a play. He also has the versatility to line up at the backer position. Current offers include: Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, and UCLA. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/84589/5db62fd2f326f80d54d7c1f9 &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="28835" first="Emar’rion" last="Winston"] - 6’3, 225 lbs, Central Catholic High School (Portland, OR) Already committed to the University of Oregon, Winston has made his mark on the 2022 class. He's also made his mark on the state of Oregon football scene, winning a state championship with Central Catholic in 2019. He has excellent speed and finds a way to make an impact on every play. He will continue to do so at the next level and should be an exciting player to watch. &nbsp; <span class="last-name">[player_tooltip player_id="28847" first="Kale" last="Paslay"] - 6’3, 270 lbs, Marist High School (Eugene, OR)</span> Paslay is the definition of disruptive. Each time the ball is snapped, he’s driving his man back and getting into the backfield. He does this with purpose, always keeping his eyes on the ball carrier to give himself the best position to make a play. No current offers for Paslay, but with another season or possibly two left to play for the defensive tackle, I expect that to change. https://www.hudl.com/profile/11810397/Kale-Paslay &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="28892" first="Kage" last="Casey"] - 6’5, 235 lbs, Clackamas High School (Clackamas, OR) Obviously, the size jumps out at you right away with Casey. His height is an asset that he uses effectively. With quality speed as well, Casey has tremendous upside on the defensive line. He also has found some success wrestling for the Clackamas Cavaliers. Look for Casey to continue to improve and grow as a player. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="28870" first="Kaden" last="Schell"] - 6’3, 235 lbs, Central Catholic High School (Portland, OR) Schell is excellent at shedding blocks and making tackles. He drives the ball carrier to the ground every time. He's also not one to give up on a play and with his speed, can make them on the opposite side of the field. Another player with a state championship under his belt, Schell has the ability to continue his success at the next level. https://www.hudl.com/profile/7975448/Kaden-Schell &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="28869" first="Leif" last="Beers"] - 6’4, 250 lbs, Tigard High School (Tigard, OR) Here is another athlete who uses his strength to shed blocks and make tackles. Beers often finds a way to clog up the hole and disrupt the play. No current offers for him as of yet, however, he has interest from: Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington. Beers keeps getting bigger and better, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if one of these schools gives him an offer in the coming year. https://www.hudl.com/profile/11110901/Leif-Beers &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="28861" first="Logan" last="Chastain"] - 6’0, 275 lbs, Clackamas High School (Clackamas, OR)</span> Chastain is fun to watch. He has outstanding technique and multiple moves to get around whomever he lines up against. It's his technique and his strength that make him such a dangerous player. Chastain has a lot to offer to any team at the next level and should receive some more interest with another season ahead. https://www.hudl.com/profile/2893686/Logan-Chastain &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="28883" first="Braden" last="Rohde"] - 6’3, 250 lbs, Churchill High School (Eugene, OR) The defensive tackle from Eugene plays with quickness and uses his vision effectively. Rohde's first step when the ball is snapped puts him in a great position to make a play. No current offers for him yet, however, this is another player with good size and strength who I'd expect to get more looks from more opportunities to play. https://www.hudl.com/profile/12704500/Braden-Rohde