Hoosier State D-Linemen to Watch Part 1- 2022

The 2022 defensive line class in Indiana makes a strong case for having the most high-end talent of any position grouping in the state.  Below is part 1 of our film analysis on some of the top defensive ends and tackles and watch next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"]- 6’5” 250- Center Grove One of the top defensive players in the country and an All-American Bowl commit, Curry has already amassed 225 tackles, 59.5 for loss, and 21 sacks for his career.  Predominantly lining up as a nose, Curry has a rare ability to rush the passer from the interior, making use of an advanced spin move and elite quickness.  A great all-around athlete, he also lined up at fullback, long snapper, and other special teams units in addition to being a big contributor to their baseball team.  At his current size, Curry will likely start off as a strong-side defensive end at the next level and will transition to a 3-tech if he continues to add mass.  His offer list includes Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Florida, and Texas amongst many others.   [player_tooltip player_id="39042" first="Joe" last="Strickland"]- 6’4” 250- Brebeuf Jesuit Strickland is a long defensive end that has an excellent bend when coming off the edge.  He’s strong in the upper body and utilizes good hand technique, often disengaging from blocks.  He’s not the fastest but he has a nice first step and some short-area quickness.  Strickland will likely be a strong side end in college.  He currently has offers from Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Penn State, and Northwestern.   [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"]- 6’2” 225- Westfield Williams is on the smaller side, but his athleticism wows you on tape.  He explodes off the line of scrimmage and can easily chase down a play from the backside.  Despite not having a ton of mass, he still does a good job of getting inside the offensive tackle’s pads and has enough force and leverage to be disruptive on a bull rush.  Williams projects either as a weakside end in the 4-3 on the next level or could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 system.  He has offers from Alabama, Purdue, Louisville, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Cincinnati.   [player_tooltip player_id="39055" first="Kenneth" last="Grant"]- 6’4” 335- Merrillville Grant is a massive defensive tackle prospect, measuring in at 6’4” 335.  Surprisingly, he’s very quick for his size and can run in the open field as well, showing a nice motor and pursuit.  Grant has great strength and a nice swim move, but tends to play high at times and will need to improve his flexibility and lean out.  He’s an exciting prospect due to his already high athletic baseline, and if he makes the necessary changes then the sky could be the limit for him.  He reports offers from Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, and Cincinnati.   [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"]- 6’7” 230- Leo Allen is an extremely long defensive end and might have one of the highest ceilings in the state once he gets in a college weight room.  He has exceptional body control and explosion that you don’t often see in a player that’s 6’7”.  Allen plays with good pad level and is strong despite having a wiry frame.  He should be able to add significant mass as time goes on without losing a step.  Allen has offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Rutgers, and Vanderbilt in addition to a slew of MAC and Ivy Leagues.   Isaiah Street- 6’5” 225 Brownsburg Street is a very fundamentally sound player that has an active motor.  He is good with his hands and wins with a rip move.  Street has a solid frame at 6’5” 230 and will likely develop into a strong-side end.  A 3-sport athlete, he also plays rugby and was a state-qualifying wrestler.  Street has offers from Iowa State, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Illinois State.