Indiana All-State Top 50 Team: Defensive Linemen- Part 2

Yesterday, we began the evaluation of the defensive linemen who were named to the All-State Top 50 Team. Today, that process continues with four more dominant players. Today’s quartet possesses the intangibles necessary to succeed. These are four tough prospects who can shut down an opposing offense. Each of these four can be big time players at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"], 6’1, 270 pounds, West Lafayette, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"] is a force on both the offensive and defensive lines. Omonode is quick off the ball, and he has a knack for getting into the backfield. Omonode gets skinny through the gap, allowing him to slip between two offensive linemen. He then gets square and makes the play. Omonode has great power, allowing him to drive back the player given the unenviable task of trying to block him. Omonode gets hits on the quarterback regularly. Omonode totaled 65 tackles this year, with 19 of those stops being for losses. He brought down the quarterback eight times. Omonode also had 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="98057" first="Mariere" last="Omonode"] has the skillset to be successful for years to come. [player_tooltip player_id="39057" first="James" last="Schott"], 6’4, 220 pounds, Center Grove, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39057" first="James" last="Schott"] had a major presence at defensive end this past year for the Center Grove Trojans as they won a state title. Schott has the long arms that allow him to initiate contact and to get his hands on passes. Schott is a disruptive player who does not give up on run plays, no matter where they run the ball. Impressive is how he uses instincts and reads the eyes of the quarterback to break up passes. Schott came up with 51 total tackles. He had 11 tackles-for-loss with four sacks. Schott defended against eight passes- a very impressive number for a defensive end. He forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles as well. [player_tooltip player_id="39042" first="Joe" last="Strickland"], 6’4, 285 pounds, Brebeuf Jesuit, Senior Purdue commit, [player_tooltip player_id="39042" first="Joe" last="Strickland"], was one of the big reasons why Brebeuf Jesuit made a run to the state championship game. The disruptiveness that Strickland plays with at defensive end will fit in well in the Big Ten. Trying to chip Strickland with a running back or tight end is still not enough. He has the speed to be able to go around them, turn the corner and still make the play or the power to go right through them. He uses his hands very well. With 23 solo and 62 total tackles, Strickland was a force to be reckoned with on every play. He had 15 tackles-for-loss with nine-and-a-half sacks. Strickland’s 27 quarterback hurries are an insane amount. He also chipped-in four passes defensed and he recovered two fumbles. [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"], 6’3, 220 pounds, Westfield, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"] is on his way to the ACC to play for the Louisville Cardinals. His game-wrecking ability makes him a great prospect for the Cardinals. At defensive end, Williams has good speed, and he is excellent at getting down the line when pursuing run plays. He uses his hands well to shed the block. Williams can shut down the opposing running-game. Williams accumulated 90 tackles, 25 of which were solo tackles. He recorded 20.5 tackles-for-loss, and he forced one fumble. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="39044" first="Popeye" last="Williams"] to make significant contributions to the Louisville defense in the years ahead.