2023 Defensive Lineman: Powerful Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive linemen are among the best in the state when it comes to shutting down rushing lanes and collapsing pockets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406854' first='Siale' last='Esera'] || DL || 6'3 | 240 || Timpview High School || 2023</strong><br>Esera is our second-ranked player in the class of 2023, and when you turn on his film, it's easy to see why. In a state filled with great athletes, Esera is easily one of the five best. For him to move as quickly as he does at 6'3, 240 is unfair. Esera was so athletic he played inside linebacker for the Thunderbird's defenses. He's the total package when it comes to an interior defensive lineman. Strong, quick off the snap, an elite pass rusher, and capable of taking on double teams. Once he puts on more weight at BYU, we could easily look back and say he was the best player in the 2023 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406919' first='Samiuela' last='Tautai'] || DL || 6'0 || 285 || West Jordan High School || 2023 </strong><br>Tautai is explosive off the snap. His ability to penetrate gaps in the blink of an eye allows him to pile up tackles for loss. The 6'0 defensive lineman takes on double teams and barely gives ground. Tautai also does a good job splitting double teams or shedding individual blockers to make plays. When it comes to rushing the passer, Tautai brings the heat. His impressive athleticism allows him to take advantage of wide gaps and shoot through them. Tautai rag-dolled offensive linemen and will do so at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406922' first='Kainoa' last='Jones'] || DL || 6'3 || 260 || Farmington High School || 2023 </strong><br>Jones was a game-changing presence for the Phoenix on the interior defensive line. He excels at getting in after the quarterback, where he bullrushes centers right into the quarterback's lap. Jones fires off low and does a good job gaining and keeping leverage to beat offensive linemen. In addition, he has a bevy of moves he can hit guards and centers with, including a potent spin move. Jones has excellent reactions and can shut down offenses in goal-line situations. He can do everything at a high level, including picking off screen passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406929' first='Micah' last='Ellis'] || DL || 6'2 || 260 || Layton Christian Academy High School || 2023 </strong><br>Ellis is a powerful mauler against the run and pass. When he gains leverage against offensive linemen, he can drive them back five yards to blow up plays in the backfield. He's a strong tackler who stops running backs momentum on first contact. Ellis plays with a great motor and always seems to be involved in the game's biggest plays. He does a good job taking on double teams in both the running and passing game. Ellis, rare combination of strength and athleticism, are going to be game changers at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406942' first='Tanner' last='Paskett'] || DL || 6'2 || 185 || Ridgeline High School || 2023</strong><br>Paskett's exceptional bend makes him tough to keep him out of the pocket for all four quarters. He's an uber-athletic edge rusher with ideal arm length. Paskett can bat passes or grab quarterbacks even when they try to escape the pocket with his lengthy wingspan. He uses his hands well and can get right into offensive lineman's chest to disorient them. He sets the edge against the run and sheds his blockers at just the right time to make plays. Paskett provided immense pressure all season for Ridgeline and will continue to do so at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->