2022 Spring Defensive Preview: Defensive Line
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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…
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Continue ReadingThis 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.
2024 Camden DeGraw Camden DeGraw 6'6" | 245 lbs | DL Coeur D’Alene | 2024 State ID , Coeur d’Alene HS
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.
2023 Payton Gunter Payton Gunter 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Nampa HS | 2023 State ID , Nampa HS
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.
2023 James White James White 6'4" | 225 lbs | TE Lewiston HS | 2023 State ID , Lewiston HS
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.
2023 Kade Steadman Kade Steadman 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Rocky Mountain | 2023 State ID , Rocky Mountain HS
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.
2023 Tucker French Tucker French 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL Capital HS | 2023 State ID , Capital HS
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.
Other Top Defensive Lineman To Note….
2023 Beau Jaques Beau Jaques 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Owyhee HS | 2023 State ID , Owyhee HS
2023 Dalin Walker Dalin Walker 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Bonneville HS | 2023 State ID , Bonneville HS
2024 Jack Young Jack Young 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Owyhee | 2024 State ID , Owyhee HS
2023 Matyus McLane, Priest River HS
2023 Kall Renner Kall Renner 6'1" | 220 lbs | DL Eagle HS | 2023 State ID , Eagle HS
2023 Micah Elliss Micah Elliss 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Moscow HS | 2023 State ID , Moscow HS
2025 Kaesen Smith, Skyline HS