Underclassmen Spotlight: Dominant Defensive Tackles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Utah is home to some of the premier run stoppers in the mountain time zone. However, there is not a lot of credit given to interior defensive linemen, and the love they receive often goes to the players in the class of 2023. But only focusing on that group would be short-sided as there is plenty of dominant underclassmen defensive tackles in Utah.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406957' first='Dallin' last='Johnson'] || 6'4 || 275 || Springville High School || 2024</strong><br>Johnson was one of our top five players in the class of 2024 coming into the season and, based on his play this season, has an argument for the top spot. As one of the quickest defensive linemen off the snap in the state, Johnson makes interior offensive linemen look ridiculous on numerous plays throughout a game. He excels at taking on double teams and wins nearly every one-on-one battle. In addition, Johnson is an elite athlete capable of chasing down ball carriers from behind. The Red Devils are loaded with talent, but as soon as you turn on a Springville game, Johnson stands out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Falansis Vaka || DL || 6'0 || 300 || Stansburry High School || 2024</strong><br>Vaka is one of the toughest players to move in the state. He often lines up at nose tackles and demolishes any offensive linemen in his path. The 300-pound defensive tackle can stand his ground against multiple linemen, allowing the Stallions' linebackers to make tackles for a minimal gain on the play. Vaka is an impressive athlete who also lines up at defensive end at times and even plays both sides of the ball for Stansburry as he starts for them at offensive tackle as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406974' first='Ian' last='Mariner'] || DL || 6'1 || 275 || Skyridge High School || 2024</strong><br>Mariner is one of the best players in the state at splitting double teams. The 6'1 defensive tackle is a fluid athlete who slips by offensive linemen to blow up plays in the backfield. Few players can hold their own against double teams while being aware of where the ball is at all times. Mariner is a technician who uses his hands to break free of offensive linemen's grips and hit like a freight train. The Falcons have an imposing defense, and Mariner's ability to wreck a run game by his lonesome is a huge reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Veni Tokelau || DT || 6'0 || 225 || Timpview High School ||2025</strong><br>Timpviews front seven is one of the best in the state, making it even more impressive that Tokelau plays such a critical role as just a Sophomore. The 6'0 defensive tackle does a good job reading and reaching to plays. He displays strong gap control and has the ability to get off blocks as soon as the ball carries reach him. When left one on one in pass protection, Tokelau has an impressive bull rush. In addition, Tokelau plays with good pad level and can gain leverage on most of his snaps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->