2023 Dogs on the Defensive Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2023 features playmakers all over the field. But, sometimes the best way to stop those playmakers is with game wreckers. This year's group of seniors has a number of beasts on the defensive line. Today, we will highlight just a few of those top-tier defensive linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='185160' first='Kendrick' last='Gilbert'], 6'5, 255 pounds, Cathedral</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='185160' first='Kendrick' last='Gilbert'] dominates as a defensive tackle and defensive end for the Cathedral Fighting Irish. He will look to use that dominance to help lead his team to another state championship. On each play, Gilbert gives great pursuit to get to the ball-carrier. Gilbert is versatile, helping the team by lining up on the edge or sliding inside. Gilbert can consistently shed blocks and disrupt plays. Even when he does not get in the backfield, Gilbert can stand his ground and take away any running lanes at the point-of-attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='106986' first='Joshua' last='Mickens'], 6'5, 230 pounds, Lawrence Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence Central will be looking to make a run at a Metropolitan Indianapolis Conference Championship. Key to that run will be the pass-rushing ability of [player_tooltip player_id='106986' first='Joshua' last='Mickens']. Mickens is a dynamite defensive end for Lawrence Central. MIckens has tremendous speed off the edge. He routinely catches the tackle flat-footed before making his way to the quarterback. But he brings more than just speed to the table. Mickens can dip his pad level to get under the tackle or swim over to get past him. Mickens can slant across the opponent's face and shoot the gap. Mickens sets the edge well in the running-game. Last season, Mickens recorded an almost unheard of 23 tackles-for-loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='276379' first='Patrick' last='Kendall III'], 6'5, 280 pounds, Cathedral</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Between Gilbert and [player_tooltip player_id='276379' first='Patrick' last='Kendall III'], Cathedral's defensive line is as dominant as any in the Hoosier state. Kendall uses his strength to be disruptive through the middle. Kendall has long arms- something that is useful for him to control the offensive lineman and to get his hands on passes. Kendall uses his hands well to defeat blocks. He can take on double teams to help open things up for his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='276379' first='Patrick' last='Kendall III'] is a force that teams will need to pay attention to all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='325824' first='Da'Shon' last='Stewart'], 6'2, 220 pounds, Evansville Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From his defensive end position, [player_tooltip player_id='325824' first='Da'Shon' last='Stewart'] controls the game. His ability to stop the run is all about effort and positioning. He hustles down the line but does not overpusue. Many times, players tasked with sealing the back side of the defense come down too far and get in a bad spot. Stewart fights off blocks and gets to the ball. Last year through seven games, Stewart notched 15 tackles and one interception. If his junior season is any indication, a big year appears to be on the horizon for [player_tooltip player_id='325824' first='Da'Shon' last='Stewart'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='350775' first='Cameron' last='Davenport'], 6'5, 335 pounds, Ben Davis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='350775' first='Cameron' last='Davenport'] is the heart-and-soul of the Ben Davis defensive line. A season ago, Davenport recorded 23 total tackles with 16 solo tackles. Davenport added four tackles-for-loss and two-and-a-half sacks. Davenport provided consistent pressure on the quarterback with his nine hurries. He also had one pass defense during his junior campaign. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='350775' first='Cameron' last='Davenport'] to put together a monstrous senior season for Ben Davis. If he does, the Giants could find themselves playing deep into the postseason this year.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->