2022 Defensive Lineman To Watch Out For In Week 1

The preseason is finally just about over. High school football teams around the state are set to begin a march that they hope will culminate in a state championship. With the countdown almost complete, we will take a look at the top defensive line prospects who will face tough tests this week. The time for talking and hype is over. Football is back, and the best Indiana has to offer will be looking to prove themselves on the gridiron. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"], 6’5, 265 pounds, Center Grove [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] is the number four overall prospect, and top-ranked defensive lineman, in the Class of 2022. Curry plays on a Center Grove team that will enter the season as the favorite in Class 6A. However, the Trojans will have to be ready for a difficult road test right out the gate, as they get set to take on Warren Central. But Curry has the ability to help get his team off to the winning start that they are looking for. Curry is a dominant interior defensive lineman, who opposing offensive coordinators will have to predicate their entire game plan around. Curry is very quick off the ball and he uses his hands well. While most defensive lineman prefer one type of stance, Curry does well out of 2-, 3- and 4-point stances. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] practically lives in the backfield. Last year, he accumulated an incredible tally of 21.5 tackles for loss. [player_tooltip player_id="39042" first="Joe" last="Strickland"], 6’4, 255 pounds, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School [player_tooltip player_id="39042" first="Joe" last="Strickland"] is ranked third overall in the Class of 2022 and he is the second-ranked defensive line prospect in the class. Strickland is a dominant defensive end, giving offensive tackles fits every time he is on the field. Strickland is a premiere run defender. He sets the edge in the running game and he is often the one who makes the tackle. When the running back does manage to get outside, he pursues the play very well. On either inside runs, or runs the other way, Strickland does a great job of getting down the line and making the play. Strickland uses his long arms to his advantage when is being blocked. He routinely manages to drive back the offensive tackle. Strickland and Brebeuf Jesuit will start with a tough road contest against Bishop Chatard. [player_tooltip player_id="139774" first="Isaiah" last="Street"], 6’5, 225 pounds, Brownsburg [player_tooltip player_id="139774" first="Isaiah" last="Street"] enters his senior campaign at number 6 in the Class of 2022 defensive line rankings. Overall in the class, Street is ranked at number 21. Street and Brownsburg will have a battle on their hands in Week 1 when they travel to Brownsburg. Street is a sensational defensive end, capable of creating a consistent pass rush off the edge. He does a terrific job of getting underneath the offensive lineman’s block attempt and he gets right to the quarterback. Street has long arms, which is advantageous for him deflecting passes at the line-of-scrimmage. Street is a great run defender, setting the edge and limiting the running back’s options. Street also has a very good special teams presence. He contributes significantly on the field goal/extra point block unit, as well as on the punt return team. [player_tooltip player_id="175716" first="Trace" last="Holliday"], 6’3, 210 pounds, East Noble [player_tooltip player_id="175716" first="Trace" last="Holliday"], the tenth-rated defensive lineman in the Class of 2022, is set to lead the East Noble defense. The Knights begin their regular season slate with a road trip to Plymouth. Holliday gets consistent penetration, making life difficult for the quarterback. As a junior, Holliday totaled 10 tackles for loss to go along with 8 sacks. Even if he is not the one to make the play, Holliday still makes an impact. He racked up 11 quarterback hurries a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id="175716" first="Trace" last="Holliday"] is a disruptive player that I can see moving up the rankings, and that is a process that will begin on Friday.