Indiana All-State Top 50 Team: Defensive Linemen- Part 1

For any defense, success begins up front. A dominant defensive line is the building block of a top-tier defense. The Indiana All-State Top 50 Team includes eight dominant defensive linemen, the first four will be discussed today. These four players controlled the trenches all season. The four prospects have the potential to make a significant impact on the college game. The four players on this list left a significant impact this past season. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"], 6’5, 265 pounds, Center Grove, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] played a central role in Center Grove’s state championship story, justifying why he is one of the highest-rated players in Indiana’s Class of 2022. Curry recorded 35 solo tackles and 65 total tackles. Curry was a backfield menace all year, piling-up 24 tackles-for-loss and 7 sacks, costing opponents 150 yards in the process. Curry defended against seven passes. Curry also made an impact in certain offensive packages. He carried the ball 13 times for 50 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He hauled-in three passes for 16 yards and a pair of touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] is a name that we will be hearing for years to come. [player_tooltip player_id="98035" first="DeJuan" last="Echoles"], 6’2, 220 pounds, Warren Central, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98035" first="DeJuan" last="Echoles"] was impressive at multiple spots on the Warren Central defense. The Ball State commit plays primarily as a 3-4 defensive tackle and as an outside linebacker. He also has experience playing at middle linebacker. Echoles is an outstanding run defender. He sets the edge and does not allow the ball-carrier to get outside. He pursues well and does not miss tackles. Echoles accumulated an impressive 104 total tackles, with 60 of those being solo stops. Echoles was terrific at getting penetration. He posted an astounding 14 sacks, with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. [player_tooltip player_id="39055" first="Kenneth" last="Grant"], 6’5, 300 pounds, Merrillville, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39055" first="Kenneth" last="Grant"] can be a highly effective defensive lineman at both defensive tackle and nose guard. Grant is extremely quick off the ball. He has great power and can drive the opposing offensive lineman back right at the snap. He gives terrific effort, and even when playing along the interior of the defensive line, he hustles and pursues well to the outside. He fights off the block, allowing him to either make the tackle or get into the backfield. Any team that is looking for someone who can shut down the running-game and get after the quarterback consistently, should look no further than [player_tooltip player_id="39055" first="Kenneth" last="Grant"]. On the year, Grant totaled 38 total tackles, 32 of which were solo. He had six-and-a-half sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. [player_tooltip player_id="106986" first="Joshua" last="Mickens"], 6’5, 230 pounds, Lawrence Central, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="106986" first="Joshua" last="Mickens"] was one of the premiere defensive ends in Indiana this past season. When defending against the run, he gets down the line well and makes the play. Mickens can consistently apply pressure on the quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id="106986" first="Joshua" last="Mickens"] is already one of the top prospects in the Class of 2023. Mickens recorded 78 tackles, 52 solo, while coming up with an incredible 23 tackles-for-loss. He posted a dozen sacks while hurrying the quarterback an additional five times. Mickens also made his mark defending against the pass. He recorded seven passes defensed while causing five fumbles. He recovered a fumble this year and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown.