Class 5A All-State DLs: Talent Abound In The Trenches
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An oftentimes overlooked position in this current age of football is the defensive line. However, as any coach would tell you, they might be the most important. Having talented players that can stop the run and get after the quarterback…
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Continue ReadingAn oftentimes overlooked position in this current age of football is the defensive line.
However, as any coach would tell you, they might be the most important.
Having talented players that can stop the run and get after the quarterback can really make all the difference in a winning season and a losing one.
At the Class 5A level, these players definitely made a difference each week.
First Team – Aidan George Aidan George 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Johnston | 2023 IA – Johnston – Senior
Getting after the quarterback can really help the your defense shine, and that is what Johnston senior Aidan George Aidan George 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Johnston | 2023 IA accomplished this past fall. George recorded a Class 5A-leading 11 sacks, making 16.5 tackles for loss. He finished with 50 total tackles on the year.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder also showed off his skills, catching a 23-yard touchdown pass.
Second Team – Ralston Rumley – West Des Moines Dowling – Senior
Playing one of the toughest schedules in the state, West Des Moines Dowling recorded three shutouts and held five other opponents to 10 points or less. Ralston Rumley was a big part of that, as the senior recorded 26 tackles with 3.5 sacks and 12 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Rumley is also an exceptional wrestler, using many of the same skills on the mats that he uses on the football field.
Third Team – David Caulker – Des Moines North – Senior
Des Moines North used a suffocating defense this year to win four games, with future Iowa State Cyclone David Caulker playing a key role in that. Caulker imposed his will, recording 34 tackles with four sacks and 23 stops for loss.
His ability to be a wrecking force in the backfield caused issues for opposing offenses.
Honorable Mention
Andrew Meyers Andrew Meyers 6'0" | 200 lbs | DL Kennedy | 2023 IA from Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Ryan Kuennen of West Des Moines Valley, Pleasant Valley’s Joey VanWetzinga Joey VanWetzinga 6'2" | 255 lbs | DL Pleasant Valley | 2025 State IA and Drew Campbell Drew Campbell 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Cedar Falls | 2024 State IA of Cedar Falls all had standout seasons.