2023: Relentless Defensive Lineman
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These defensive linemen don’t quit till they’ve brought down the running back or quarterback. Their ability to get pressure and get stalemates against offensive linemen makes them elite addition to any team’s front four. Palmer Gardiner || DL || 6’2…
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Continue ReadingThese defensive linemen don’t quit till they’ve brought down the running back or quarterback. Their ability to get pressure and get stalemates against offensive linemen makes them elite addition to any team’s front four.
Palmer Gardiner || DL || 6’2 || 225 || Davis High School || 2023
Gardiner is lighting quick off the snap. He routinely beats offensive linemen out for their stances and wrecks plays. Gardiner has strong hands and does a good job getting them into offensive linemen’s chests to bull rush them into the quarterback’s lap. He plays with good pad level and takes on blockers fearlessly. In addition, he can rush from the inside or outside, where his elite get-off gives him the edge vs. offensive lineman. Gardiner has a great motor and never quits on a play. His ability to control gaps will make him an instant impact player at the next level.
Miles Farley
Miles
Farley
6'0" | 180 lbs | DL
Springville | 2023
State
UT
|| DL || 6’0 || 180 || Springville High School || 2023
Farley is an intimidating presence lining up across from offensive tackles. He does a good job setting the edge where he frequently beats offensive linemen to the outside. Farley has good speed and uses it to collapse pockets. He has exceptional instincts and does a good job recognizing when he’s unblocked that something is not right. In addition, he can chase down quarterbacks when they try and buy time or running backs when they look ready to spring a long touchdown. His physicality helped him shut down offenses as a member of the Springville defense.
Jackson McKee
Jackson
McKee
6'6" | 195 lbs | DL
Box Elder | 2023
State
UT
|| DL || 6’6 || 190 || Box Elder High School || 2023
Mckee is one of the state’s twitchiest defensive ends. He has elite traits for days, especially regarding his arm length. The 6’6 edge rusher racked up nine sacks in 2022. Mckee converts speed to power incredibly well. His long arms allow him to long-arm even some of the state’s top offensive linemen. In addition, he plays basketball, so when you pair his impressive vertical with his long arms, it’s easy to see why he defects so many passes at the line of scrimmage. Mckee has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher with any program.
Ben Latai
Ben
Latai
6'2" | 225 lbs | DL
Bingham | 2023
State
UT
|| DL || 6’2 || 225 || Bingham High School || 2023
Latai can rush and get home from any position along the defensive front. He displays exceptional bend off the edge. The 6’2 edge rusher is an elite athlete with fluid hips. Latai does an excellent job sniffing out screens and can flip his hips and chase down backs from behind. In addition, he has exceptional hands and does a great job defeating offensive linemen’s punch. Latai has good instincts, and when he recognizes an offensive lineman is oversetting, he will spin back to break into the backfield. As one of the state’s top pass rushers, Latai will no doubt make more plays on the turf in the near future.