South Dakota 2022 DL’s to Watch

We dive into my top five picks on the Defensive Line in South Dakota. When selecting these athletes, there is a discrepancy I tried to use between Linebackers that would walk up and play in the Defensive End position and actual Defensive Ends by the designed formation. A couple of these kids have had some D1 interest and the others will get some interest from some other big schools as well. #5 [player_tooltip player_id="93091" first="Ryan" last="Doll"]- Brandon Valley- Doll was a good edge rusher, coming off the perimeter, quick off the snap of the ball. He was also very aggressive when engaging blocks and quick to shake them as well. He created big pop when making tackles, he knew how to use his shoulder pad. He wrapped up well and drove the ballcarrier to the ground every play. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F3Wf9">Junior Film</a> #4 [player_tooltip player_id="56458" first="Chase" last="Kelly"]- Florence-Henry- Kelly's size was a big problem for the opposing offensive line, his size and strength alone was more than enough to get him in the backfield every play. He also had some quick feet, not taking any false steps on his stunts. His hand technique was good when he needed to use it, he engaged quickly and got his read, then shook him off to go make a play. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EMbZi">Junior Film</a> #3 [player_tooltip player_id="56460" first="Quinten" last="Christensen"]- Wessington Springs- Christensen takes the best tackling angles I've seen a defensive lineman take. He's good at stringing out the runs to the perimeter to either give his teammates time to help him, or make the tackle himself. He has good hands too when shedding blocks. He seals the edge well and plugs the run gaps on his side. He lastly has a good motor to keep running down plays from behind. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11351735/5fa36a952aa66507584ce945">Junior Film</a> #2 [player_tooltip player_id="56452" first="Kendis" last="Ledbetter"]- Sioux Falls Washington- Ledbetter has a good first step off the snap. He also has the power to fight through blocks when shooting the gaps quickly. He has pretty good speed when it comes to running plays down from behind, but can also string plays out on the perimeter. He is strong enough to make many jersey tackles. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EY6Mz">Junior Film</a> #1 [player_tooltip player_id="77449" first="Cam" last="Jones"]- Sioux Falls Roosevelt- Jones is the most athletic defensive end I've seen so far. Starting in a four-point stance and exploding off the ball to beat his blocker off the edge when rushing the QB. He is also a good edge setter, containing runs on the perimeter with his speed. He does not slow down until the whistle is blown, he runs through everyone with the use his shoulder pad. Junior Film