Prep Redzone WI Showcase: Best of the Defensive Line
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We begin out coverage of the Showcase’s best defensive talent down in the trenches. This was a talented group of athletes that had good representation from multiple graduating classes. This article is going to give you an in depth look…
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Continue ReadingWe begin out coverage of the Showcase’s best defensive talent down in the trenches. This was a talented group of athletes that had good representation from multiple graduating classes. This article is going to give you an in depth look at standout underclassman, a senior that has proven himself to be a steal in the making, and multiple other athletes that college coaches will want to have on their recruiting boards over the next few years. WE start with that senior who has worked himself into a steal of a prospect.
The top senior DL, and an under the radar prospect to know is the Wisconsin Dells DL Lennon Stroede Lennon Stroede 6’3″ | 235 lbs | DL Wisconsin Dells | 2023 State WI . The 6’2″ 238 lbs DE had a strong day from start to finish. He caught my eyes right away during the testing session. Stroede was one of my finalists for the Top Testing Performance of the position. Lennon did well in the testing where he got to show off his agility and change of direction. That agility showed up again during the one on one battles.
Stroede used that lateral agility to beat linemen with his hands and his feet. His feet allowed him to slide laterally while making a pass rush move. That quick movement allowed him to get the leverage advantage. His pass rush moves also looked well developed. Lennon showed off an effective swim move. Lennon holds offers from UW- Oshkosh, and UW- Platteville. Don’t miss out on the top senior of the position group.
A young man that I will be following the development of closely is freshman Quinn Koepnick Quinn Koepnick 6’2″ | 245 lbs | DL Union Grove | 2026 State WI . The 6’1″ 213 lbs DL out of Union Grove HS had a great day. He has a great base of athleticism to build his game around. Quinn ended the day as my Top Testing Performance of the Position. You can see his complete numbers listed at the bottom of this article. I went to the film to get myself more familiar with the underclassman’s game.
The freshman stands out from the crowd on tape. He is bigger, and longer than the rest of the kids on the field. That athleticism is also noticeably different than the rest of the athletes around him. He relied on that to make his impact this season. I want to see him develop his body control and flexibility, as well as hand fighting moves so he can emphasize his physical traits, as well as have more ways to beat his opponents. Name to know.
Teams looking for athletes that fit certain size thresholds won’t be knocking down the door for the 5’10” 240 lbs DL. Teams looking for football players that have the traits to make an impact should. Bridger plays to his strengths and talents so well from what I saw on Saturday. His low center of gravity seemed to give him an extra boost of strength thanks to the leverage advantage. Bolen is also very strong to go along with that leverage. He squats 525, deadlifts 675, and benches 350 lbs. The dude is well put together. I was also impressed by his lateral agility in the position drills. The junior was a smooth mover and strong at the point of attack. He is going to give OL fits next season. I think he is going to grab a lot of attention next season. Keep an eye on him.
Another underclassman standout was the Rufus King sophomore. Jamison was another athlete that I noticed was getting a lot of attention from coaches, and was utilizing the coaching well. The 6′ 227 lbs DL has lined up in the interior through his HS career. Because he is almost always outmatched when it comes to size, Bonds has learned to rely on a quick gt off, having quick feet in short bursts, as well as using his hands to keep create and keep separation from OL. We have had our eyes on Jamison for a couple years already. I’ll be continuing to watch his development over the next couple years.
Another well put together prospect was the 6’1″ 246 lbs junior DL out of Winnebago Lutheran Academy. The junior has an intriguing profile of traits and talents. He has a nice get off and is naturally stout and strong. Oscar was able to use both to have a solid day in one on ones, but it stands out even more on tape. With pads on, Blohm gets to use that stoutness as he takes on blocks and sheds them. He also has shown he can do what I call wrong shoulder the lineman allowing him to come off the block where the lineman doesn’t want him to. Oscar is also able to bull rush linemen into the backfield to cause havoc. Oscar should garner his fair share of interest and offers over the next year.
Highlights
Top Testing Performance of the Position
Quinn Koepnick Quinn Koepnick 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Union Grove | 2026 State WI , Union Grove |
6’1″ 213 lbs, 2026 |
5.06 40 Yard Dash |
4.81 Shuttle Drill |
8’5″ Broad Jump |
7.75 L Drill |