Top Kentucky Defensive Linemen 2022
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The defensive line class for 2022 is extremely talented, both at the defensive end and tackle positions. They are quick, athletic, mobile, and physical athletes. Here is a look at the five defensive linemen that made it to a spot…
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Continue ReadingThe defensive line class for 2022 is extremely talented, both at the defensive end and tackle positions. They are quick, athletic, mobile, and physical athletes. Here is a look at the five defensive linemen that made it to a spot in the top fifty of the rankings.
Selah Brown Selah Brown 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Louisville Male | 2022 State KY 6’2” 260 DE Louisville Male
Brown is the number two ranked player in the state and the best defensive lineman in the current rankings. Brown is quick off the snap and instantly disengages from blockers if they can touch him at all. He also possesses the strength and leverage to power rush when necessary. Brown is a one-man wrecking crew that destroys blocking schemes with his quickness and physicality.
Jadairion Smith Jadairion Smith 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Louisville Ballard | 2022 State KY 6’3” 230 DE Louisville Ballard
Powerful in the core and upper body, Smith can lock out bigger offensive linemen and hold his ground at the point of attack. He also is mobile along the line of scrimmage and has excellent balance and body control. He is a quick reactor and can retrace to make plays on the perimeter. Smith is tough to block when pass rushing by using his speed and long arms to pressure the quarterback into releasing the football early.
Jeremiah Lightfoot Jeremiah Lightfoot 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL Bowling Green | 2022 State KY 6’4” 285 DT Bowling Green
Lightfoot is a thick and powerful defensive lineman that can play a one or three technique at the next level. He has an impressive surge off the line of scrimmage, often knocking the offensive blocker into the backfield. Lightfoot lives up to his name by being light on his feet for such a big man. He can hold the point or shed the blocker, then pursue to the football. It’s tough for one man to take this guy on solo.
Landon Hammock Landon Hammock 6'4" | 270 lbs | DL Pikeville | 2022 State KY 6’4” 270 DT Pikeville
Hammock can play either defensive tackle or a zero technique noseguard. Few defensive linemen have as good of first strike ability as Hammock. He jars the offensive lineman across from him with his strong hands and upper body. Hammock has an arsenal of techniques like the push-pull, shrug, power rush, and short swim, to throw at the blocker then pursue to the football or rush the quarterback.
Brent Mckitric Brent Mckitric 6'0" | 285 lbs | DL Mercer County | 2022 State KY 6’0” 285 DT/DE Mercer County
McKitric can play tackle or defensive end but will probably lineup as a one or three technique at the next level. He uses his lack of height to his advantage by winning the leverage battle against taller offensive linemen. McKitric is impossible to drive off the ball even if being double teamed. He stuffs any blocker that tries to trap or kick him out. He has very good lateral quickness along with a great motor that goes till the whistle blows.