2024 Rankings: 5 Elite Defensive Linemen from the DMV

Let’s take a closer look at some of the elite defensive line prospects from around the DMV. Every single player on this list has elite power five conference potential, and, going into their Junior seasons, they should all be very proud of their accomplishments up to this point. Now, let’s find out more about the prospects. &nbsp; <strong>2024 6’5 225 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="193213" first="Ernest" last="Willor Jr"] – St. Paul’s </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="193213" first="Ernest" last="Willor Jr"] is the #3 overall ranked player in Maryland’s 2024 class. He is also the top ranked defensive lineman, and there’s a plethora of great reasons for that. One is the fact that he cannot be contained by any offensive lineman at the high school level, and another is that his skills will translate very well at the next level. He’s particularly effective as an edge rusher, and that’s because he’s able to utilize his high level speed and quickness in pursuit of ball carriers and quarterbacks. It’s tough to dispute the contention that [player_tooltip player_id="193213" first="Ernest" last="Willor Jr"] has the highest ceiling of any of the defensive linemen on this list. He already has power five conference offers from Ohio State, Pitt, Penn State, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that [player_tooltip player_id="193213" first="Ernest" last="Willor Jr"] will thrive at the D1 level, and it’s clear that elite level scouts think so as well. <strong><a href="https://t.co/JhxGRNbQYv">https://t.co/JhxGRNbQYv</a></strong> <strong> </strong> <strong>2024 6’5 200 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="172819" first="Dylan" last="Stewart"] – Friendship Collegiate Academy </strong> If you’re looking for a supremely athletic defensive lineman who thrives in rush attack situations then look no further than [player_tooltip player_id="172819" first="Dylan" last="Stewart"]. At 6’5 200, it’s mind-blowing how fast [player_tooltip player_id="172819" first="Dylan" last="Stewart"] closes the distance on running backs. He’s relentless on every single play, and he always gives 110%. He also possesses an incredible attitude on and off the field, which is a characteristic that coaches everywhere value. He already has elite power five conference offers from programs like Alabama, Ole Miss, Washington, and Penn State. There’s simply no denying Stewart’s potential, and there’s no question that 2022 will be another dominant season for him. Scouts nationwide must know the name [player_tooltip player_id="172819" first="Dylan" last="Stewart"]. <strong><a href="https://t.co/JEDaTJMxWn">https://t.co/JEDaTJMxWn</a></strong> <strong> </strong> <strong>2024 6’2 265 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="249993" first="Emmett" last="Laws"] – DeMatha </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="249993" first="Emmett" last="Laws"] earned WCAC All-Conference honors this past season, and he cemented himself as one of the top defensive players in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="249993" first="Emmett" last="Laws"] is the most powerful tackler on this list, and because of that he creates a lot of turnovers. With his elite level anticipation skills, he’s always in prime position to make a play on the ball, and he consistently makes key stops with force. Laws really had a breakout season in 2021, and, as a Sophomore, he has already proven himself as one of DeMatha’s defensive leaders. The Stags are going to be a tough team to beat in 2022, and [player_tooltip player_id="249993" first="Emmett" last="Laws"] has a lot to do with that fact. He has offers from Penn State and Toledo, and he is without question a player that must be on every scout’s radar. Laws has big time D1 potential. <strong><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GQdNc">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GQdNc</a></strong> <strong> </strong> <strong>2024 6’2 190 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="249389" first="Jaylen" last="Harvey"] – Quince Orchard </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="249389" first="Jaylen" last="Harvey"] played an integral role in Quince Orchard’s undefeated season this year, and he led their defense to four shutout victories on the way. His build makes him extremely difficult to block because he maneuvers so easily around linemen, and his speed makes blocking him a near impossibility. He puts a ton of pressure on opposing backfields, but he’s also an equally talented pass defender. He’s absolutely the best defender of the pass on this list, and he even takes snaps at linebacker. If the question is related to elite defensive linemen in Maryland then the answer is [player_tooltip player_id="249389" first="Jaylen" last="Harvey"]. Scouts must take his recruitment very seriously. <strong><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYvUy">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYvUy</a> </strong> <strong> </strong> <strong>2024 6’1 250 DL – [player_tooltip player_id="172221" first="Santana" last="Williams"] – DeMatha </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="172221" first="Santana" last="Williams"] is one of most exciting defensive line prospects in the state, and he’s a member of the dominant DeMatha Stags defense that competes in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. Williams has an unbelievably high ceiling that is only second to Ernest Willor, and there’s zero doubt in my mind that he is going to do special things at the division one level. DeMatha is primed for a huge season in 2022, and I have a feeling that it will be yet another All-Conference season for [player_tooltip player_id="172221" first="Santana" last="Williams"]. He’s an elite prospect with offers from Toledo and Pitt, and scouts everywhere must know about him. <strong><a href="https://t.co/eHunbfPlHu">https://t.co/eHunbfPlHu</a></strong>