Dominant Defensive Linemen From the Class of 2025

Great defensive linemen are game-wreckers and game-changers. They can shut down the running-game and have an impact on the passing-game. The Class of 2025 has a group of defensive linemen who have the ability to make their presence felt throughout the game. This group found ways to contribute in their freshman season, showcasing just why they can be big-time players in the seasons ahead. Look out for this class of defensive linemen to take over next season. [player_tooltip player_id="196672" first="Gavin" last="Myers"], 5’11, North Posey [player_tooltip player_id="196672" first="Gavin" last="Myers"] made five appearances for the North Posey varsity team this past season. In those five games, he was ever-present around the football and in the backfield as well. Myers recorded 35 tackles, 12 of those being solo tackles. He also came up with three tackles-for-loss as well as one sack. Myers can play both offensive and defensive tackle, giving him more of an opportunity to help the team. [player_tooltip player_id="196672" first="Gavin" last="Myers"] can be a force on both sides of the line in the coming years. [player_tooltip player_id="196670" first="Michael" last="Thacker"], 6’0, New Palestine [player_tooltip player_id="196670" first="Michael" last="Thacker"] has already made himself a key part of the New Palestine defense. Thacker can play both offensive and defensive line. When on the defensive side, Thacker can take on blocks. He is difficult to move, and he can disengage from the block and make the play. Thacker gets great penetration, and he is an elite run defender. All year long, Thacker was a tackling machine. He recorded 50 solo tackles and 89 total stops. Thacker accumulated an unbelievable tally of 22 tackles-for-loss. On top of that, he had five-and-a-half sacks and ten quarterback hurries. Thacker also had one pass defense, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and one blocked punt. [player_tooltip player_id="196670" first="Michael" last="Thacker"] has the ability to be one of the state’s top defensive players for years to come. [player_tooltip player_id="196646" first="Charlie" last="Riddle"], Heritage [player_tooltip player_id="196646" first="Charlie" last="Riddle"] established himself as a physical player, who can be tough to deal with on the defensive line for the Heritage Patriots. He can be a disruptive player, capable of winning at the line-of-scrimmage and getting into the backfield. Riddle made four varsity appearances where he had a pair of tackles-for-loss. Riddle also had half-a-dozen tackles and three solo tackles. He added one sack to his resume. [player_tooltip player_id="196646" first="Charlie" last="Riddle"] has a lot of potential, expect him to be a stalwart on the Heritage defense heading into next season.