2023 Class: Defensive Line Superlatives

No battle carries more importance than the battle in the trenches. As we have already seen the offensive line superlatives. We turn our attention to the defensive line. This defensive line class has excellent talent at the top. Many different skillsets and uses of their abilities to get the job done. Here are the 2023 class superlatives for the defensive line: <strong>Best Edge Defender: [player_tooltip player_id="181906" first="Jared" last="Tynes"], North Brunswick</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="181906" first="Jared" last="Tynes"] has the total package as an edge defender. From rushing the passer to setting the edge in the run game, he simply makes plays in every facet. Unquestionably, the most athletic defensive lineman in the state, he flashes his abilities on almost every play. What stands out the most is he doesn’t have to rely on his athleticism to affect the quarterback.  He has a wide array of pass rush moves he uses to get to the quarterback. From efficiently bending the corner, and quickly dipping his shoulder. To utilizing beautiful spin moves, leaving opposing tackles in the dust. He is PrepRedzone New Jersey’s number one edge rusher and number one defensive line prospect because he has a harmonious blend of athleticism and technicality. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some of my sacks from this year❗️ <a href="https://t.co/9zNRCq23xn">pic.twitter.com/9zNRCq23xn</a></p> — [player_tooltip player_id="181906" first="Jared" last="Tynes"] (@JaredTynes8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredTynes8/status/1508175024443863045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Deepest  Bag: [player_tooltip player_id="146676" first="DJ" last="Samuels"], Bergen Catholic </strong> When we use the term "Bag" it simply refers to the array of tools you have in your toolbox, to get to the quarterback as a pass rusher. [player_tooltip player_id="146676" first="DJ" last="Samuels"] has many tools. He too is a plus athlete at the position but what separates him is his ability to utilize every type of move to get after the quarterback. Many times he rushes with pure athleticism. He gives the tackle  here a little rip move but this tackle is no match for his initial burst off the edge: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blessed to be the All Time leading sack leader in Bergen Catholic history 🙏🏽❤️. I definitely couldn’t do this without my friends family and coaches. C.T.F ❤️🇬🇬. <a href="https://t.co/YY3NQS91uD">pic.twitter.com/YY3NQS91uD</a></p> — De’Juan “6God” Samuels (@TDj2x) <a href="https://twitter.com/TDj2x/status/1460003447676227585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> He also flashes a great pass rush plan. Shows the ability to rush going from speed to power also showing an effective bull rush. A move that you rarely see from edge rushers at the high school level. Samuels is an elite pass rusher off the edge and is a tough cover for any tackle, utlizing a wide array of techniques to get after the quarterback. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Missing it a lil extra today... <a href="https://t.co/Ei5widb6mg">pic.twitter.com/Ei5widb6mg</a></p> — De’Juan “6God” Samuels (@TDj2x) <a href="https://twitter.com/TDj2x/status/1371216794942324740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Best Interior Run Defender: [player_tooltip player_id="146675" first="Sydir" last="Mitchell"], Bergen Catholic</strong> Standing at 6’6 325lbs, Mitchell is a mountain of an athlete and a load for even two high school offensive linemen to block. It has been widely reported that he is high on the priorities list of coach Kirby Smart at the University of Georgia. If we had to surmise why, it may have something to do with. He has the same exact measurables now, as the newly drafted defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Davis has currently just twenty pounds lighter.  We said all that to put in perspective this young man’s game. He does a great job of using his hands well as a run defender. Almost always makes a significant impact on contact and is great at being a two-gapping presence for the defense. He’s great at making tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage and is great in one on one tackling situations. There’s no question that running against Bergen Catholic defense with this young man in the middle is a tall task. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">21-🍩!!! Undefeated regular season! St. Peter’s Highlights <a href="https://t.co/zTAB5c5piJ">pic.twitter.com/zTAB5c5piJ</a></p> — Sydir Jr. (@JrSydir) <a href="https://twitter.com/JrSydir/status/1454840036675964931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Most Explosive Interior Lineman: [player_tooltip player_id="183657" first="Zaimir" last="Hawk"], Hillside </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="183657" first="Zaimir" last="Hawk"] has one of the quickest first steps we’ve seen from a high school prospect in a while and he brings the most explosion to the table on first contact. He quickly overwhelms offensive lineman before they even have the opportunity to react. In addition, has some solid hand usage for a high school defensive lineman. This suggests he will also be a solid pass rusher as he continues his football career. He’s rated as PrepRedzone New Jersey’s number one interior defensive lineman, because of his positional versatility, athletic ability, and his ability to be dominant in run defense and pass-rushing. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Back in the lab soon… can’t wait for my senior year! <a href="https://t.co/5tx42DioB4">pic.twitter.com/5tx42DioB4</a></p> — [player_tooltip player_id="183657" first="Zaimir" last="Hawk"] (@hawk_973) <a href="https://twitter.com/hawk_973/status/1465849691724259335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m the most underrated DL in jersey… <a href="https://t.co/5Aa3zf9DZ0">pic.twitter.com/5Aa3zf9DZ0</a></p> — [player_tooltip player_id="183657" first="Zaimir" last="Hawk"] (@hawk_973) <a href="https://twitter.com/hawk_973/status/1465711459011219466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>Best Motor: [player_tooltip player_id="301150" first="Gensley" last="Auguste"], West Orange</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="301150" first="Gensley" last="Auguste"] is a dominant interior lineman in his own right. Standing at 6’6 265 this young man’s motor and pursuit is truly something to behold. He moves very well for a young man his size and is relentless in chasing down ball carriers. He’s stout in run defense and has so much room to grow as a  pass rusher. He still has a lot of room to grow as a player in every aspect of his game and I’m almost positive division one power five coaches see the same thing we see. His upside is through the roof. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On to the next <a href="https://t.co/k3R4anAOBH">pic.twitter.com/k3R4anAOBH</a></p> — [player_tooltip player_id="301150" first="Gensley" last="Auguste"] (@GensleyAuguste) <a href="https://twitter.com/GensleyAuguste/status/1457093817295855625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>