Rankings Update: 2024 Defensive Line Newcomers
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The 2024 prospects in the front seven like the 2023 class, is loaded. There has been some movement with the rankings update regarding players moving up/down in our rankings, along with new high level prospects entering as well. Here we…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 prospects in the front seven like the 2023 class, is loaded. There has been some movement with the rankings update regarding players moving up/down in our rankings, along with new high level prospects entering as well. Here we will breakdown some new names that have entered the ranks and break down their 2022 film.
Highlights
McKenna enters the 2024 rankings as one of the top defensive lineman in the state, and deservingly so. He is a big framed kid that is still raw and developing with the ability to pack on more weight to his frame and has a good chance to make an impact at the Division I level. A high motor and tough kid that can rush the passer and collapse the pocket from outside or inside shade, he is in line for a huge Senior season.
Highlights
Caldwell is a big and physical kid that we put in the DL group this time around, but could find his home as an outside backer/edge rusher at the next level. He plays more of a standup defensive end/OLB hybrid position with elite pass rushing abilities and range off the edge and a terrific use of hands while locking out blockers to keep them away from his chest. He shows he can get off blocks quickly with a violent shed, tackle in the open field and has open field speed when making plays near the sideline. He should draw FCS+ interest as he gets into his Senior season.
Highlights
Striefel is a very active defensive end that is balanced in the run and when pass rushing. He shows a nice initial first step, establishes immediate hand placement inside and has a good motor when pursuing backside and collapsing the pocket. He uses a variety if pass rush moves both with speed and power, while understanding when to counter back inside and is a strong tackler in the box with plus lateral quickness and COD. He checks in as a top 10 defensive lineman in the 2024 class across Idaho.
Highlights
Mironov plays a variety if positions from fullback, defensive line and tight end for Rocky Mountain but could find his home at the defensive end position in college due to his frame, athleticism and strength at the POA. Mironov could have been ranked at multiple positions within our 2024 rankings, and will be a top name to watch as a bit of a do everything utility player in 2023.
The Centennial product is a very technically sound defensive lineman that uses his hands well while playing with a low pad level and has some twitchy initial explosion in the run game. He is a strong kid at the POA, athletic enough to two gap and can apply interior pressure with transitioning speed to power quickly. He should draw D-III+ interest through his Senior season and offers nice position versatility along the defensive line at the next level.
Robinson is another stand up edge defender that could find his hand in the dirt in college as he packs on more weight to his frame. He has a variety of pass rush moves he uses off the edge while quickly getting off the ball, flashing closing speed/range and can tackle in space while taking good angles to ball carriers. He understands gap responsibilities and can play tough against the run with heavy hands and stretches out plays when needed. He does a nice job at knowing when to counter back inside or win with speed off the edge and flashes fluid hips at the top of his rush.
Stroschein is deserving to enter into the 2024 defensive line rankings and shows he could play on either side of the ball at the next level. He moves well for his size both vertically and when changing direction in the box, has a quick get off and strong punch when resetting the LOS and is a high motor kid for the Knights. Going into 2023, he will be one of the top two-way players across the region.
Jones is a interior player that excels against the run and is very strong at the POA with power off the ball. One of, if not the top interior defensive lineman in Idaho, he plays with a low hat, locks out blockers and wins with leverage, leg drive and a violent finish while bringing a nice thump upon contact. Jones can recognize blocks quickly, split double teams and is athletic enough to two-gap when needed while able to play anywhere from a 0-4i tech depending on the scheme.