2023 Rankings Newcomers: DL Part II

Paul Gregorian January 20, 2022 @ 01:33 PM

Here is the final part of this II part series in which we will look at and breakdown some film on 2023 rankings newcomers along the defensive line. <hr />   6'5 225 [player_tooltip player_id="261721" first="Carson" last="Mott"], Simi Valley HS Mott is a freaky athlete that just got offered by Cal and is a no brainer power five caliber kid. Having ideal length and a long frame for the position, he passes the eye test and will only continue to add muscle as he moves through his collegiate career. Although still raw and developing, he is a long strider with elite first step quickness off the line and does a good job at using his length to defeat blocks and close on quarterbacks. A natural bender and pass rusher, he wins with a quick and precise use of hands at the POA and counters back into the pocket very well. Also physical against the run, he holds his gaps while locking out blockers and shedding without giving up ground and playing with tremendous effort and a high motor. He should start to see other Pac-12 offers roll in as he enters into his Senior season.   6'1 250 [player_tooltip player_id="261796" first="Ezra" last="Funa"], Mater Dei HS Funa is a big bodied defensive end that can either play as a strong side defensive end in college or kick inside and play a 3-tech. Having a nice build, he has a very strong lower body and packs a punch upon contact. Athletic for his size, he moves well when collapsing the pocket and flashes good closing speed and has a few speed to power pass rush moves at his disposal which he uses well and mixes up. Playing on an absolutely loaded mater Dei defense, he should continue to see more playing time and establish himself as a top interior defensive lineman across the region this Fall.   6'0 250 [player_tooltip player_id="261801" first="Jailen" last="Perkins"], St. John Bosco HS Perkins can play multiple positions along the defensive front and offers very nice versatility, athleticism and twitch. A well put together compact player, he plays with heavy hands out of his stance and locks out blockers while showing strong lateral movement and good open field speed when chasing ball carriers backside. When rushing the passer, he can flip his hips to his target and displays a strong understanding of when to counter or use his leverage to get underneath blockers. Through out the Spring season and Fall, he will no doubt be one to watch.   6'1 240 [player_tooltip player_id="190438" first="Taj" last="Tavale"], El Camino HS Tavale is a jumbo athlete that offers positional versatility across the line and is a mismatch inside when playing defensive tackle. Having a nice high school career through his first three seasons, he is poised for a big Senior season. Although more of a run stopper, he can effectively rush the passer from various angles and uses his low pad level and short area burst to win at the POA while closing fast and able to tackle in the open field and key his reads correctly. Tavale has a good floor at the next level and can make an impact for a college program.