2022 Under-The-Radar Defensive Linemen: Part 1

Over the past few days, we have been discussing the underrated offensive linemen in Indiana’s Class of 2022. This week, we head over to the other side of the line, and take a look at some rising stars along the defensive line. These players can totally disrupt an offenses game plan. All three can shut down the run and give the quarterback nightmares. Expect these four elite student-athletes to make their presence felt this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="98024" first="Carl" last="Biddings"], 6’1, 280 pounds, Center Grove [player_tooltip player_id="98024" first="Carl" last="Biddings"] is a dominant defensive tackle. Biddings is a space-eater in the trenches. He makes any inside run plays difficult to have success with. Biddings is very quick off the ball. He does a great job getting across the face of either the center or the guard and shooting the gap. Biddings pursues very well on run plays. He does a great job of getting down the line and making the play. [player_tooltip player_id="98034" first="Jayden" last="Childers"], 6’2, 220 pounds, Brebeuf Jesuit [player_tooltip player_id="98034" first="Jayden" last="Childers"] is another force along the interior of the defensive line. Childers does a great job getting off blocks. He uses his hands very well, and he gets the offensive lineman off balance. Childers does a terrific job getting across the face of either the guard or the center. He cuts into the backfield very quickly. Childers can shut down the opposing offenses entire running game. [player_tooltip player_id="98019" first="Alex" last="Covey"], 6’6, 260 pounds, Tri-West Hendricks Covey excels on both offense and defense for Tri-West Hendricks. On offense, he is a very dependable receiver. Defensively, he is a premier defensive end. Covey has exceptional speed, something that serves him well at both defensive end and receiver. There is a great fluidity to Covey’s game. He has a great combination of balance and strength as a defensive end. Covey finds ways to get to the quarterback. He can either slant inside the C gap, or he can beat the tackle around the outside. Either way, he is going to make an impact on the play. [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"], 6’7, 230 pounds, Leo [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"] has the perfect blend of speed and strength at defensive end. Allen is incredibly fast, and he gets off the ball very well. Allen routinely fights off blocks. On his highlight tape, [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"] consistently shows relentless energy throughout the duration of the play. Allen shows outstanding pursuit on run plays. He gets down the line well, and he does not give up on the play. When he gets there, Allen is a great tackler. [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"] can also contribute on offense as well. In short yardage and goal-to-go situations, he is excellent in the backfield.