National Preps Showcase Position Breakdown: Defensive Line

Photo: Jeremiah Tuiileila Photos

Paul Gregorian May 5, 2022 @ 10:36 AM

2025 Jeremiah Tuiileila, Inderkum HS Tuiileila is one of the most impressive ’25 defenders across the region and started last season for a well respected team as only a Freshman. He has good size and a strong build for his age with the ability to pack on more weight as he grows. Off the ball, he showed good explosion, quick use of hands and could flip his hips and counter back when needed which is impressive for a Freshman. He is a technically sound player that is a natural bender and is going to be a top edge rusher to watch across Norcal during the 2022 season. The ’25 prospect took home DL MVP honors.   2024 Salesi Manu, Bishop Manogue HS Manu came in already holding offers from Colorado State, Nevada and UNLV and is a powerful kid that could make the move to linebacker due to his natural size, length and impressive athleticism. Manu runs well in space, showed good COD abilities and is a downhill thumper that plays fast and aggressive. Although a bit of a tweener right now, he will no doubt make an impact at the college level.   2023 Conner Dasmann, Oak Ridge HS Dasmann is one of the top defenders in the SFL and could very well lead the league in sacks this season. He is undersized for anywhere on the front four but makes up for it with his twitch, pass rush ability, bend and high motor. On tape, Dasmann is a tough kid that wins with pad level, shock and overall technique. D-III+ schools start to show interest in the coming months.   2023 Roman Fries, Buchanan HS Fries should find his home at the 3-tech position in college and has a strong lower body with some twitch to his game. He is another technician with a good use of hands that has a variety of pass rush moves at his disposal. He is quick off the ball while always having a pass rush plan and is smart and twitchy enough to counter vertical in the pocket and collapse. Versatile at the high school level, due to his size, strength and arm length he will most likely kick inside and have plus athleticism for that position.   2025 Josiah Sharma, Inderkum HS Sharma was very impressive and one of the top young players in attendance, regardless of position and dominated the 1on1’s going against the top upperclassman in attendance. He is a powerful kid that is still developing his technique but is a true two-gap plug with good movement abilities and a heavy punch with the ability to quickly get off blocks. He will again be a two-way starter for Inderkum and is part of a very talented ’25 class.   2023 Michael Cooley, Bishop O’Dowd HS Cooley has legit size and length but is still developing as a pass rusher and will be one of the more intriguing kids to watch across the Bay Area this Fall. He knows how to use his length to deflect passes and keep blockers away for him but is still developing his bend and lateral movement abilities as a pass rusher. As he continues to develop as a defensive end, he offers some nice upside at the next level with his length and as he continues to pack on more weight and muscle mass.   Other Top Pass Rushers.... Conner Contreras, Windsor HS Malik Cleveland, Rancho Cotate HS [player_tooltip player_id="273593" first="Javonnie" last="Haymon"], Edison-Stockton HS Emon Dost, Castro Valley HS Elijah Eason, Bullard HS