2023 Rising Defensive Linemen

The Class of 2023 has talent all over the field. But upon evaluating some of the underrated defensive linemen who can reposition themselves near the top of the class rankings, it becames transparently clear that winning the line-of-scrimmage next season will be no small task. Today, we look at some of the elite senior defensive line prospects who can ascend the rankings in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="325824" first="Da’Shon" last="Stewart"], 6’2, 220 pounds, Evansville Central [player_tooltip player_id="325824" first="Da’Shon" last="Stewart"] makes an impact off the edge as one of the state’s top defensive ends. Stewart plays the run very well. He is quick off the edge and gives great pursuit on runs that go the other way. He can get down the line in a hurry and run the ball-carrier down from behind. Stewart does a great job of getting around the offensive tackle, turning the corner and making the play. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="325824" first="Da’Shon" last="Stewart"] to make a big splash as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="107083" first="Dilyn" last="Fuller"], 6’2, 230 pounds, Anderson Like Stewart, [player_tooltip player_id="107083" first="Dilyn" last="Fuller"] is a disruptor at defensive end. In the running-game, he is sensational at setting the edge. He sticks to his assignment and remains well-positioned throughout the duration of the play. Fuller can play with his hand in the ground or standing up. Last season, Fuller recorded 39 total tackles with one tackle-for-loss, two sacks and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="300846" first="Russell" last="Winchester"], 6’4, 280 pounds, Warsaw [player_tooltip player_id="300846" first="Russell" last="Winchester"] is a tireless defensive end. He gives maximum effort and pursuit on each snap. Winchester uses his hands well to defeat the block. He has great strength, and he uses that power well. Winchester can drive the offensive tackle off the line and then get back up field to make the play. He has a solid get-off. He sets the edge well and can get down the line. A menace in the trenches, [player_tooltip player_id="300846" first="Russell" last="Winchester"] looks likely to be a force in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="325810" first="Jamari" last="Jefferson"], 6’0, 280 pounds, West Side For the final prospect in today’s writing, we shift to the interior of the defensive line where [player_tooltip player_id="325810" first="Jamari" last="Jefferson"] resides. Jefferson is a premier defensive tackle. Seemingly every time you look, he is in the backfield blowing up plays. A disruptor in the running-game, Jefferson uses hands well to win the battle up front. Last year, Jefferson recorded an incredible tally of 23 tackles-for-loss to go along with five sacks from his defensive tackle spot. Jefferson can also play offensive guard, further adding to what he can contribute to the team.