8 Defensive Linemen to Follow in 2021

Photo: courtesy of Twitter Kaleb James taking the field.

Nathaniel Shivers

August 30, 2021 @ 04:22 PM

<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-190934" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/cropped-PRZIcon-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> I have compiled a list of Dlinemen from DE’s to DT’s that need more exposure! These are versatile lineman capable of stopping the run and pass game. CHRISTIAN SMITH 6’5" 236lbs DE SOUTHLAKE CARROLL Smith shows good quickness from the snap and hand technique that gets him off blockers and to the QB in a hurry. His length and bend make him a hassle to deal with for an unfortunate offensive tackles trying to block him and quaterbacks that attempt to throw over him. Sets his edge in the run game and wraps up for tackles. OLA FAKAILOATONGA 5’10" 245lbs DT EULESS TRINITY Ola is an athletic defensive tackle that wins his battles on a consistent basis. Able to split blocks and chase down the QB with relentlessness. Tremendous play awareness and field presence, Ola is a huge disruption on every play! Impressive speed to go along with the strength that allows him to take on the big boys in the middle of the line. Great leverage stuffing the run, Ola’s athleticism allows him to get off the line and into the backfield to disrupt plays! [player_tooltip player_id="60867" first="Kaleb" last="James"] 6’5" 245lbs DE/DT NOLAN CATHOLIC With his comination of size and speed James is an absolute monster on the defensive line. Terrorizing quaterbacks on every pass play. Sets his edge in the run game. Never gives up on plays, Kaleb is either chasing down running backs that run to the opposite side or quaterbacks attempting to escape a sack, his motor is just constantly running! [player_tooltip player_id="60778" first="Jack" last="Curtis"] DE 6’4" 236lbs HIGHLAND PARK Curtis has tremendous initial speed off the snap. His arm length makes him a problem for QBs, even when engaged with blockers. Goes for the strip sack. A very technical pass rushers with a high motor player that brings immense pressure off the edge, he regularly is in the QBs face. A brick wall in the run game, Curtis can keep up with running backs that try to escape his grasp. JEFF SHAVERS DE 6’3" 249lbs CREEK VIEW Shavers Shows magnificent power and leverage while defending the run. Has good Initial quickness that Often finds him tackling the ball carrier for a loss. Great pursuit to the football. [player_tooltip player_id="60724" first="Curlee" last="Thomas"] IV 6’4" 240lbs NOLAN CATHOLIC Good size and instinctive player. With great leverage and strength Thomas is always around the quaterback. If he doesnt get the sack then Curlee is forcing a throw away. Pressure on the QB will disrupt games. With being able to set the edge on run plays and wrap up ball carriers, he is a reliably solid End. BILLY WALTON 6’3" 230lbs DE SOUTHLAKE OAK CLIFF Walton can split double team blocks with ease. With good initial get off speed Walton is in the backfield as soon as the center snaps the ball. A relentless pass rusher that doesnt quit on plays, uses his hands and has a high motor. CADE PARKS 6’ 246lbs DE SOUTHLAKE CARROLL Parks has great hand skills and agility to get to the ball carrier. A productive edge rusher with Exceptional change of direction and closing speed for scrambling QBs trying to escape the pocket. Does a great job with lateral movement taking on blocks in the run game, getting to the ball carrier with precision.