Northern California: 2022 Best Available Defensive Tackles

Photo: Alekai Afoa Twitter

Paul Gregorian December 30, 2021 @ 12:50 PM

As we are fast approaching the second National Signing Day and schools are finalizing their 2022 recruiting classes, here are some of the best available unsigned interior defensive lineman across the region in the 2022 class. The fifth part of this series will be followed up with the best available edge defenders. <hr />   Perry Bailey, St. Bernards Academy-Eureka Bailey is one of the most dominant defenders across Norcal and did not disappoint in his Senior season for the Division 5 runner-up's in the North Coast Section. Bailey has the ideal body type and lower body strength for the defensive tackle position and also shows good athleticism, closing speed and change of direction, especially for his size. More of a power rush player, he strikes with heavy hands and a low pad level while creating immediate knock-back and is athletic enough to two-gap and play the 5-tech if needed. Bailey does not currently hold any offers but can definitely make a big impact at the next level.   Reggie Miles, Lincoln HS Miles can play the 3-tech position and even kick outside if needed and has elite first step quickness. He is explosive and shows nice twitch in the short area while flashing quick hands at the POA. A very high motor and tough player, he does a good job at pursuing ball carriers backside and is very stout against the run due to leverage and immediate hand placement.   Alekai Afoa, California HS Afoa is a violent player that can rush the passer from the inside and shows good movement ability laterally while closing quickly. A very solid tackler, he plays with good strength and power when anchoring against the run and has a number of pass rush moves that combine his speed/twitch and power. Although not holding any offers, he is part of a very good defensive line group in the Bay Area that remains unsigned.   Other Top Interior Players... Angelo Gay, Antelope HS Tyher Howard, Lincoln HS Mone langi, Menlo Atherton HS Joshua Nisa, San Leandro HS Tau Latu, Woodside HS [player_tooltip player_id="187276" first="Nelson" last="Hemmert"], Jesuit HS Isoa Takeifanga, Grant Union HS