Arkansas Defensive Lineman Part 1

In my opinion, Defensive Line is the best position to play in football. That is why I love coaching and studying this position. I have had the pleasure of coaching some great DL in the last three years and attended some knowledgeable coaching clinics that really turn the game of run stopper or pass rusher into an art. My favorite DL is someone who is coachable, willing to be aggressive, and no excuses. I have plans to write a two-part article on 2022 DL before moving onto other vital parts of the defense. My featured athlete has seen limited playing time but looks to break out of his brother’s shadow who played before him at Heber Springs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132370" first="Thad" last="Bray"]-</strong> 2022 DL Heber Springs Panthers I had the great opportunity of coaching Thad in 9th grade and watched him develop into a DL with great potential his senior year. Thad’s older brother who I coached his senior year left a legacy that I know Thad wants to honor but also wants to make his own. Thad’s Junior year was not bad. He made the most of his opportunities on the DL recording 18 solo tackles with 18 being his total tackle stat. He also recorded 2 TFL (Tackle for Loss) and 1 sack. Thad is all three of the things I look for in a DL being coachable number one and Thad is coachable. Thad always gave me his best and always listened trying to do what I wanted him to do on every play. College coaches should be at Panther’s Stadium this Fall to see Thad play. I will be! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132372" first="Jeremy" last="Parker"]-</strong> 2022 DL Greenbriar Panthers Jeremy is everything a DL coach looks for at any level. Standing 6’3 and 275 pounds is a tree at the DL position. Playing mostly Nose, Jeremy can play the 1 technique and 3 technique when needed. Jeremy recorded his Junior Season 22 total tackles 11 of those were solo tackles and a Forced fumble all why only playing in six games in 2020. Jeremy’s size often creates a need for all offenses to double team him. Jeremy stays in his gap assignment well and when his gap moves, Jeremy moves with it staying square. Aggressive, Jeremy also uses his quickness to chase any ball carrier running to the sideline before making it vertical. I am looking forward to what Jeremy gives us this fall. College coaches need to see Jeremy play in 2021. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132371" first="Eric" last="Masterson"]-</strong> 2022 DL Cabot Panthers Eric plays the DL position like a beast. Eric stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 250 pounds. What jumps out on film for me about Eric is his relentless chase of the ball carrier. Erik plays sideline to Sideline very well also staying in his assigned gap. Eric does not chase rabbits down rabbit holes that lead nowhere. Eric is excellent in the run game often acquiring multiple blockers, at least a double team, opens the Linebackers to make tackles. You might screen Eric, but the receiver better catch the ball and go because Eric will make the TFL in the backfield. Eric stems well and can play multiple spots on the DL but stays at his Nose guard position mostly. When rushing the QB Eric may miss the sack but will black the pass if possible. Eric only played in two games but recorded 3 sacks and 10 solo tackles. Colleges should be watching Eric’s senior year because the best is still to come. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130970" first="Jackson" last="Morse"]</strong>- 2022 DE Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs Jackson Broke onto the scene his Junior year as a DE. Jackson size might not be the labeled size a DL may have on paper, but Jackson proved to be a large asset for the Mustangs in 2020. Jackson recorded 45 TT, 24 solo, 33 QB hurries, 3 TFLs, and 5 sacks. Jackson’s long reach allowed him to get reach on Offensive Lineman and getting off his blocker. Jackson used his speed to chase from sideline to sideline and Jackson plays the 5 technique very well. Jackson was also good at collapsing a pocket and opening up the linebackers for tackles. Jackson is primed to have a great senior season and colleges should take notice. <strong>Chance Eldridge-</strong> 2022 DL Des Arc Eagles Chance has an opportunity to make life difficult for every 2A school the Eagles may face in 2021. Another DL whose size might fool some stands at 5’10 and weighs in at 185. Chance recorded 44 TT, 11 solo, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 sacks in his ten games during the 2020 season. Chance has great speed and uses his hands to create havoc for offensive lineman with a variety a pass rush moves. Chance plays his gap assignment well and moves sideline to sideline. DL coaches at the next level should check Chance out in 2021 season.