Week 1: Top DL Performances
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Here’s a little new series of articles I will be doing weekly, highlighting top performances by position each week. There are MANY, MANY defensive linemen who could be put on this list. I am listing the players who’s stat line…
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Continue ReadingHere’s a little new series of articles I will be doing weekly, highlighting top performances by position each week. There are MANY, MANY defensive linemen who could be put on this list. I am listing the players who’s stat line stood out, who people recommended but most importantly, only players who either I watched live or was able to watch highlights from their specific game. For the best chance to be featured, send me your weekly film on twitter. My handle is “@DevinRecord”, please don’t have any hard feelings if you weren’t included.
Jase Martinez
Jase Martinez
Jase is a phenomenal all around athlete, playing basketball and baseball to go along with putting the pads on. Last year on the gridiron, he was named all league defensive lineman of the year. He picked up week 1 against Kent-Meridian right where he left off, dominating offensive lineman on the opposing team. His strength was apparent all night, as he could control the offensive lineman with ease, throwing them to the side often. He reads the QB extremely well and is athletic enough to bounce out and tackle the receiver his the QB throws a screen pass. His swim move is beautiful, and used it to get his lone sack of the game. Martinez also contributed 8 tackles on the night. I’ll be watching how Jase does weekly.
Zeke Stefano
Zeke Stefano
Zeke plays both sides of the line very well. Last season he was named all honorable-mention for the offensive side, but he is looking to improve on that and be named on both sides of the ball. Week 1, Zeke was a force to be reckoned with while playing defensive line. His athleticism is shown when he is able to dive and grab the running back’s legs when they try to bounce by him. Anytime the offense ran the ball up the middle, Stefano was there to contain the running back in the backfield or right at the line of scrimmage. He holds down the key LT position on the offensive line too, keeping QB Jake Schakel Jake Schakel 6’1″ | 195 lbs | QB Emerald Ridge | 2024 State WA ‘s blindside protected. Zeke will continue to be a dominate force on both sides of the ball.
Jabrayan Richburg
Jabrayan Richburg
Jabrayan caught my eye over the summer when I watched some of his highlights, he just looked like an absolute stud on the field. I wasn’t wrong at all. Week 1 against White River he was ALL over the place. He recovered 2 fumbles, had 5 tackles, 3 sacks, and even blocked a punt on special teams. Richburg is VERY strong, there aren’t many offensive lineman who can match the strength he has. He was in the backfield all night long, either getting to the QB or wrapping up the RB before he gets to the next level. The blocked punt he was able to show off his speed and his ability to jump off the line of scrimmage quickly. He’s going to be on the hunt for QB’s all season long.
Kai Lane
Kai Lane
Kai had a fantastic season last year for Eastlake, earning all KingCo defensive line. His highlight tape was one of my favorites I watched from week 1. He showed great ability tackling in the open field, as well as being able to burst through the offensive linemen to get the QB or RB. His quickness off the line helped him compile a safety in the game to go along with his 13 tackles (6 for loss), and his 2 sacks on the night. He plays 110% every play which is why he’s always involved in the tackles throughout the game. I’ll be excited to watch his progress this season.
Payton is an INSANE athlete. He plays on the defensive and offensive lines for Kelso and does each very effectively. I mean this fully when I say Payton could play TE and keep up with all the rest of them around the state. He runs a 4.70 40 yard dash which is just absurd for someone of his stature. His 81 inch wingspan really helps him too, as it contributed to him being able to grab a little screen pass from the QB and take it back to the house for a pick-6. Payton was involved all night long, contributing 2 sacks on the night too. Stewart will be a player to watch, maybe even at the next level too.