City Series: Top 5 Defensive Linemen in Albuquerque Metro Region
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We continue with our City Series by taking a look at the top 5 defensive linemen in the Albuquerque Metro Region. Mason Posa (La Cueva): As we speak, Posa is still a freshman at La Cueva but he has the…
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Continue ReadingWe continue with our City Series by taking a look at the top 5 defensive linemen in the Albuquerque Metro Region.
Mason Posa (La Cueva): As we speak, Posa is still a freshman at La Cueva but he has the potential to become a major college DE/OLB prospect by the time he’s a senior in 2024. Posa was overshadowed last season by a pair of FBS signees (Hunter Haemker signed with UNM; Deven Dyer Deven Dyer 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL La Cueva | 2022 State NM with NM State) but he finished fourth on La Cueva in tackles. The top three tacklers were seniors, so this will be Posa’s defense for the next three seasons. He’s already listed at 6-foot-4. Another inch or two – and 30 or 40 pounds – and you could see Power 5 coaches finding their way to northeast Albuquerque. In today’s college football, defensive ends with size and speed are highly coveted. Posa is also a state champion wrestler. He brings elite athleticism to the gridiron.
Daylen Chosa Daylen Chosa 6'1" | DL Bernalillo | 2023 State NM (Bernalillo): Chosa and Michael Ash Michael Ash 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Bernalillo | 2023 State NM (see below) will form one of the top defensive line duos in Class 4A this season. Either one could have been in this spot. Chosa gets the nod because of his 9 sacks and 6 QB hurries. The Bernalillo defense could be downright nasty in 2022 with several key contributors from last season returning. If the Spartans find some offense, they’ll be dangerous.
Michael Ash Michael Ash 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Bernalillo | 2023 State NM (Bernalillo): Here’s the most amazing stat about Ash in 2021. Twenty-four (24) of his 61 tackles were for loss, including 5 sacks. So he spent a lot of time in the opponents backfield, and not be accident either. He has tremendous speed and get-off when the ball is snapped. Ash is also an outstanding offensive linemen, making him one of the best two-way players in Class 4A.
Celestino Reyes Celestino Reyes 6'0" | 255 lbs | OL La Cueva | 2023 State NM (La Cueva): A rising senior, Reyes looks ready for a sensational senior season. He was impressive at a recent linemen camp in Denver. He’s also a very strong guy. He squats 500 pounds, benches 315 and deadlifts 500. Western New Mexico is showing interest and Reyes made the trip to Silver City for WNMU’s Spring game and Junior Day on Saturday.
Brendan Johnson Brendan Johnson 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Eldorado | 2023 State NM (Eldorado): With a 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, Johnson has the size to do a lot of good things as a senior for Eldorado in 2022 and then at the next level. He had 22 tackles, 8 TFL and 2 fumble recoveries while showing he’s tough for offensive linemen to handle on the edge. Good pass rusher.
Honorable Mention:; Latrell Treadwell (Volcano Vista); Nathaniel Perry (Cleveland); Anthony McCullough Anthony McCullough 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL Valencia | 2023 State NM (Valencia).
STATE CHAMP!! This is a dream come true I’m very thankful for everyone that has helped me on this journey. https://t.co/5GHD8Y7DDe
— Mason Posa (@MasonPosa) February 21, 2022
2021 season highlights @Coach_Stelter @DavidHowes5 https://t.co/1YLdFA0Wgn
— Daylen Chosa (@daylen_chosa) March 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/TinoReyes19/status/1518007284000903168
https://twitter.com/brendan_j_27/status/1458868916432752646