Class of 2023 Under-the-Radar Defensive Linemen

Matthew Klingenberger

February 18, 2022 @ 04:25 PM

The Class of 2023 is replete with prospects who can dominate the line-of-scrimmage. Here are some of the classes under-the-radar defensive line stars. [player_tooltip player_id="185227" first="Jordan" last="Cree"], 6’1, 230 pounds, Rensselaer Central [player_tooltip player_id="185227" first="Jordan" last="Cree"] is a force coming off the edge. Cree wreaks havoc in the backfield. Last season, he recorded 25 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks. In total, Cree registered 82 tackles to go along with two forced fumbles. Cree’s influence on the game does not stop with defense as he can also get in the backfield on the punt return unit. As a junior, Cree came up with one punt block. [player_tooltip player_id="185227" first="Jordan" last="Cree"] needs to be on teams’ radars this season. [player_tooltip player_id="185539" first="Luke" last="Swartz"], 6’1, 280 pounds, Roncalli [player_tooltip player_id="185539" first="Luke" last="Swartz"] is a dominant interior defensive lineman. Playing at the nose guard position, Swartz has a really good get-off, allowing him to get out of his stance and get right to work. Swartz is excellent at taking on blocks while holding his ground in the middle. He can take up space in the running-game, and he can find ways to get penetration. [player_tooltip player_id="185539" first="Luke" last="Swartz"] is a gritty prospect who can fit in well in any defense. [player_tooltip player_id="185239" first="Jackson" last="New"], 6’2, 220 pounds, Yorktown [player_tooltip player_id="185239" first="Jackson" last="New"] gives relentless effort and has proven himself to be a problem for opposing offensive linemen. He is a top-tier run defender. New pursues the ball very well. He is an outstanding tackler who can also get penetration. New can get in the backfield by coming around the edge, or he can beat his opponent across their face and shoot the gap. [player_tooltip player_id="185239" first="Jackson" last="New"] can be impactful in the front seven.