2023 Rankings Newcomers: DL Part I

<em><strong>Below is a list of some defensive line newcomers that came into our 2023 rankings. This is Part I of this II part series. </strong></em> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145257" first="Vaka" last="Hansen"], Servite HS</strong> A true plug at nose guard, Hansen is a dominant force inside and a big time mismatch against slower interior offensive lineman. On film he shows a quick first step while also having impressive twitch for someone his size and does a good job at flipping his hips and having a quick use of hands at the POA when pass rushing. Very versatile in his rushing ability, he can win with both speed and power and does an excellent job at resetting the LOS with a heavy strike and aggression. He is another very high motor player that will make a big impact at the FCS or FBS level. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="261718" first="Wesley" last="Ekpo"], John Muir HS</strong> The dominant interior defender who holds a offer from Arizona should start to see more FBS offers roll in as we move through the Spring as he is coming off a huge Junior season. Having ideal size for the position at the Power Five level, he moves well in the short area and shows nice twitch off the ball while doing a good job at using heavy inside hands upon contact and locking out blockers with his long arms. Still developing his technical abilities and working on pad level, he plays with tremendous strength and wins with lower body power and is very tough to move when two-gapping. He will continue to develop into a top interior defensive lineman across the state as he enters into his Senior season. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="261744" first="Roger" last="Alderman"], Sonora HS</strong> Alderman is one of the most athletic lineman in the entire state and can play multiple positions at the FBS level such as inside on the defensive line or out at offensive tackle as well. Holding one offer from Fresno State, it won't be long until others follow with offers of their own. During his Junior season, he put his hand in the dirt for Sonora but also was used to cover the flat and was forced to play and tackle in space, which he does well. Explosive out of his stance and showing good bend in his knees and ankles, he plays with a tremendous motor and movement abilities while showing nice aggression and physicality. Due to his versatility and athleticism especially for his size, Alderman is a very intriguing prospect and offers a nice ceiling at the next level. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="261778" first="Connor" last="Panapa"], Servite HS</strong> Panapa holds one offer from UNC Charlotte and should find his home inside on the defensive line in college. On film, he shows that he is strong at the POA and can hold multiple gaps while able to close backside and pursue with a high motor and some open field tackling ability. Out of his stance, he plays with good leverage and hand usage to get under blockers while showing he can shed blocks quickly and reset the line of scrimmage without giving up ground. Playing his first three years at Culver City, he has since transferred to California Power Servite to finish off his college career.