2022 Spring Defensive Preview: Defensive Line

<strong><em>This group of talented defensive lineman has a good mix of pure pass rushers and more balanced players that can also anchor down and play the run inside. There is some good length along the defensive line unit within the state including some prospects that are raw and still developing but hold nice upside at the next level due to length and range/pure athleticism. </em></strong> <hr /> <strong> </strong> <strong><em>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336934" first="Camden" last="DeGraw"], Coeur d’Alene HS </em></strong> The 2024 prospect is one of the best kept secrets across the state but that should not last long as he has the ideal frame for the next level. He is a very balanced defensive end that is explosive out of his stance and plays with heavy hands while creating immediate knock-back. When pass rushing he can shed blocks quickly without giving up ground and closes well while collapsing the pocket. On tape, he shows he can track down quarterbacks backside by showing good closing speed and open field tackling ability, especially for someone his size. It won’t be long until power five schools start showing interest and he collects his first offer. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336848" first="Payton" last="Gunter"], Nampa HS</em></strong> Gunter is another long and very physical 2023 prospect that had a stellar Junior season and boasts some really nice tape. He is still raw at the position but makes up for it with good toughness at the point of attack and a relentless motor. He quickly establishes leverage on bigger blockers and violently sheds while showing good change of direction and is a natural bender off the edge while speed rushing. At 6’3" and some change, he has a frame to possibly even kick inside in college or be a 4 down defensive end with his hand in the dirt at the next level. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336864" first="James" last="White"], Lewiston HS</em></strong> White does a lot of his damage playing tight end but is a very active edge player as well. He is a high motor kid that has a quick first step and uses pure athleticism, explosion and strength at the POA to hold the LOS and collapse the pocket. Against the run, he does a good job at using his length to keep blockers away from his chest and brings a good thump upon contact while able to make open field tackles and quickly recognizes different blocks in the run game. Although a very effective edge player, he will most likely find his home at tight end in college. Currently, he holds an offer from Idaho. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336858" first="Kade" last="Steadman"], Rocky Mountain HS</em></strong> Steadman is a bully in the trenches that could also find his home inside at the next level and is extremely explosive off the ball while playing with a heavy punch and quickly establishes inside hand placement when creating knock-back with good pad level. He is a very physical player that can split double teams and shoot the gap quickly while understanding his gap responsibility and athletic enough to two gap and throw blockers aside. A balanced but power centered pass rusher, he will be a problem for opposing offenses this Fall and should draw FCS+ interest. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336852" first="Tucker" last="French"], Capital HS</em></strong> French is a very polished edge defender that plays with great leverage and power at the POA. He displays a quick initial step and can get underneath blockers quickly while locking them out and collapsing the pocket quickly. For his size, he displays good speed and plays with a high motor while showing a high football IQ when recognizing screens/draws and reacting to his reads at the LOS. Going into 2022, he will be one of the more disruptive and well balanced defensive ends in the state. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><em>Other Top Defensive Lineman To Note....</em></strong></span> <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336856" first="Beau" last="Jaques"], Owyhee HS</em></strong> <em><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336880" first="Dalin" last="Walker"], Bonneville HS</strong></em> <strong><em>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336938" first="Jack" last="Young"], Owyhee HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2023 Matyus McLane, Priest River HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336884" first="Kall" last="Renner"], Eagle HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336879" first="Micah" last="Elliss"], Moscow HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2025 Kaesen Smith, Skyline HS</em></strong>