Class of 2022 Top Early Season Defensive Linemen

The state’s top senior defensive lineman have played a big role so far. They will be needed by their teams to continue to step up. We will look back at the performances of Indiana’s top defensive linemen so far this season. These five players have made a huge difference so far. The impact that they have will be magnified as the season progresses. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"], 6’5, 265 pounds, Center Grove So far this year, [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] has solidified himself as the top defensive lineman in the Class of 2022. Curry has 2.5 tackles for loss for the Center Grove Trojans. In spite of playing against some tough opposition, Curry has 10 total tackles. He has also forced and recovered one fumble. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] continues to dominate in the trenches and Center Grove continues to dominate in the win column. [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"], 6’7, 230 pounds, Leo Leo has gotten off to a terrific start to the season. At the center of their great early season is the play of their defensive leader, [player_tooltip player_id="97817" first="DJ" last="Allen"]. In the season-opening road win at Woodlan, Allen forced a fumble that was returned for a scoop-and-score touchdown. Allen had a very impressive pass breakup. He was consistently applying pressure off the edge and he did very well setting the edge in the running game. Allen was sensational on both sides of the line, clearing out big running lanes on offense. [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"] has gotten his senior campaign off to an electric start. Strickland has recorder 1.5 sacks so far and he played a huge role in Brebeuf Jesuit’s Week 2 win over Central Indiana powerhouse New Palestine. Strickland is a menace off the edge. He consistently gets into the backfield, applying plenty of pressure off the right edge. Strickland is great off the ball and he finishes every play with authority. [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"], 6’3, 220 pounds, Westfield [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"] will be instrumental for Westfield’s chances of getting back to Lucas Oil Stadium this year. Williams is an outstanding run defender. He gets off the ball and attacks. Williams is great at shooting the gap. He has great reach, which he uses to discard the blocker. It is difficult for any offensive lineman to match the pure speed that [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"] possesses. He is somebody thay can disrupt the offense completely. [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"], 6’1, 270 pounds, Guerin Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"] gets off the ball quickly and demonstrates great pass rush instincts. Omonode uses his hands well, but he is outstanding at getting skinny and sliding through the gap. He consistently gets penetration and completely disrupts the opponents running game. He is a great tackler and he does not miss when he has an opportunity to make the play. Throughout the season, [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"] will be somebody who offensive coordinators will have to account for on every play.